Stairway accidents can cause serious injuries that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. It can lead to expensive medical bills, missed work, and other financial and emotional impacts. If you or a loved one has been involved in a stairway accident in Maine, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.
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Common Causes of Stairway Accidents
Stairway accidents can occur due to various reasons. Some of the most common causes of stairway accidents include:
Poor Maintenance
Negligent maintenance leads to cracked steps, loose railings, missing or damaged stair treads, and other hazards that can cause an accident.
Insufficient Lighting
Poor lighting in a stairway can make it difficult to see steps, handrails, and other obstructions, leading to accidents and injuries.
Design Flaws
Poorly designed stairs can make it difficult for people to navigate them safely, causing them to fall and suffer injuries.
Negligent behavior
Reckless, negligent, or careless behavior by individuals can cause accidents on a stairway. For example, rushing down the stairs, running on the stairs, or drinking and carrying items up or down the stairs.
Liability In Stairway Accidents
Liability in a stairway accident case depends on various factors such as the cause of the accident, the person or entities responsible for the maintenance of the stairway, and others. Generally, property owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of their premises, including their stairways. This means that if a person is injured on a staircase due to the negligence of a property owner, they may be held liable for damages.
Property Owner Liability
Building owners, businesses, and homeowners have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their stairways. This means they must maintain and repair the stairways, keep them clear of hazardous debris, and ensure proper lighting. They are responsible for creating safe conditions in the stairway for all individuals using them.
Contractor Liability
In some cases, the contractor hired to design, build, or maintain the stairway may be held liable for the accident. This may occur when the design or construction of the staircase was faulty, or the contractor failed to maintain the stairway after constructing it.
Individual Liability
In some cases, individual liability may be a factor. For example, if a person causes a stairway accident because they were fooling around, under the influence, or running on the stairs, they may be held liable for their injuries.
What To Do After Being Involved In A Stairway Accident
If you are involved in a stairway accident, it is essential to document the scene of the accident, get medical attention immediately, and contact a personal injury attorney. The steps you take immediately after the accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the stairway accident scene, including any debris or hazards that caused the accident. This documentation can help your attorney establish liability and build a case in your favor.
Seek Medical Attention
It is essential to seek prompt medical attention after a stairway accident, even if you do not feel injured. Hidden injuries such as concussions or internal bleeding can be fatal if left untreated. Besides, the insurance company may dispute the severity of your injury or whether it is actually related to the stairway accident. Medical records serve as proof of the injury.
Contact an Attorney
After getting medical treatment, contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling stairway accident cases. Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, establish liability, and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Conclusion
Stairway accidents can cause significant injuries that can disrupt a person’s life physically, financially, and emotionally. If you suffer injuries in a stairway accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights to seek compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case and secure the compensation you need to recover.