How poor stairways lead to slip-and-fall accidents

On Behalf of | Jan 2, 2019 | Workers' Compensation, Wrongful Death |

Think about how many times throughout the day you go up and down a set of stairs. For example, many people do this at their office. Similarly, you may find yourself navigating stairways when shopping at a local mall, visiting a friend, or going to the doctor’s office.

Over time, regular wear and tear can impact the overall condition of stairs. If the stairs are not maintained in the appropriate manner, there’s a greater chance of a slip-and-fall accident over time.

Here are some of the many types of stairway conditions that can result in an accident:

  • Missing steps
  • A step that is rounded or worn out
  • Debris, such as a newspaper or trash, sitting on the stairs
  • A missing, broken or loose handrail
  • Stairs that have been polished or waxed, thus resulting in slippery conditions

You’re so used to walking up and down stairs that you don’t often think twice about your safety. This is particularly true if you don’t visibly see anything wrong with the stairs. Unfortunately, it only takes one defect or piece of debris to cause an accident that leads to injury or even death.

What about escalators and elevators?

It’s just as common to use escalators and elevators to transport yourself from one floor to the next. Just the same as steps, you should always watch for safety concerns.

For example, escalators and elevators can make sudden and unexpected movements, which can knock you off your feet.

Slip-and-fall accidents on stairs, escalators and elevators are all too common. If this happens to you, move to safety, assess your injuries and call for help. Doing these things can help you protect your health and legal rights.