A tumble down a stair or two might not seem dangerous, but even a short fall can lead to an injury. Falling down a full flight of stairs or a stairwell can be even more dangerous, with the capacity for multiple impacts and more force with each blow. As a result, stairwell accidents in Savannah can put you out of work and in need of long-term medical care. Recovering from a stairwell fall can include a legal claim if the state of the stairwell caused you to fall, and you can turn to the talented slip and fall attorneys at Joseph J. Steffen, Jr., for assistance with your claim.
Stairs typically provide a safe way to move between levels, but hazards within a stairwell can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
For example, spilled liquids—such as cleaning chemicals or water—may cover one or more steps, causing a person to slip and fall down the stairs. There could also be obstacles or debris in a stairwell, making the way more difficult to walk through and possibly tripping a person attempting to use the stairwell.
A stairwell may have deeper issues beyond surface materials. For instance, torn or raised carpeting can catch a person’s foot and cause a fall. Similarly, a stairwell could have broken or weakened steps that can throw off a person’s balance if their foot does not break through the step completely.
A stairwell might also lack essential safety features, such as a handrail, which helps a person regain balance and prevent injury. In the wake of a Savannah stairwell accident, an injured person should see if they know how they fell and document their injuries.
Injuries from falling down the stairs can range from minor bumps and bruises to more serious damage. If a person falls hard enough and falls down multiple steps, they could suffer from broken bones and additional damage to their nervous system and organs.
For example, a person who falls down several stairs could hurt their leg or hip, but also could hit their head or neck. A blow to the head can create a traumatic brain injury, and the spinal cord can be damaged from an impact to the neck or back.
Severe injuries can both need medical treatment and can prevent a person from earning as they once did, resulting in negative effects long after a stairwell accident. These effects, known as legal damages, can allow for compensation from someone who caused the accident, such as a property owner who does not maintain a stairwell properly.
Bringing a claim based on injuries and damages from a Savannah stairwell accident can require the aid of an attorney. An attorney could gather evidence and identify the responsible party on behalf of the injured person.
If you suffered an injury in a stairwell, an attorney could provide the support and guidance you need. Claims based on stairwell accidents in Savannah can lead to compensation, but you will need the help of a lawyer to get started. Contact Joseph J. Steffen, Jr., to schedule your free consultation and discuss your legal options for pursuing a claim and holding the at-fault party accountable.