Defective stairways can be found in many places, from the steps you take to get to the beach to the stairs that lead into the most luxurious of hotels. As you use them, you might slip on slick steps, trip over boards that have come loose or fall as a result of the railings that no longer support weight without moving.
When you fall or get hurt as a result of someone’s dangerous stairways, you are a victim of an accident that the owner of the property can be held liable for. In most cases, owners are held to strict standards and must make sure their properties are safe for those who visit them.
There is never a surefire way to know if a stairway is dangerous, which is what makes them even more frightening to some people. It’s hard to know if a step has become weak or if the railings will suddenly give way. You can do your best to avoid stairs that look rotten or worn down, but it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure they’re safe for people who use them.
If you are hurt while visiting a nursing home, hotel, mall, friend’s home or other property, the likelihood is that the owner will be held liable for any defects on their property that have led to your injury. A simple insurance claim is usually all it takes to get the medical care you need, but if they don’t want to pay, then an attorney can help you get to know more about your legal rights and options.