Many people fall while climbing up or down the stairs. Like the liability in slip and fall accidents, property owners in Rock Hill, SC, are also liable for stair accidents. However, these accidents may differ because stairs pose a different risk. They come with an additional danger that requires special consideration. If you have been involved in a stair accident, you will need to prove liability to get compensation from the property owner or anyone else who is at fault for the accident. However, how do you prove liability in such a case?
Proving Liability for Stairs Accidents
For the property owner to be liable for the accidents on their property, several aspects must be true. The property owner must have contributed to the accident by causing spills, leaving torn and worn-out spots, or having slippery surfaces or items on the way. The property owner must have also known about these risks and ignored them. There is also the aspect that the owner should have known about the dangers if they were responsible enough to take care of their property. The insurance company must prove that the property owner’s carelessness caused the accident.
Unfortunately, stair accidents are complicated because stairs pose some danger that may not be present on surfaces. Some defects may not even be discovered even after an accident. That means you will need to figure out what caused the accident. The best way to navigate such a situation is to work with a lawyer. You can find experienced personal injury lawyers in Rock Hill, SC, who can help you prove fault and get the right compensation.
Things to Look for After a Stair Accident
To prove faulty in such an accident, there are other things you should look for. Such include:
- Slippery Surface
You may notice a worn-out carpet or wood on the part where your foot lands on the stairs. This part is exposed to a lot of friction, hence may wear out quickly. Stairs made of highly polished tiles may also pose some level of danger. So, if you fall under such circumstances, the property owner may be liable for the accident.
- Violation of Building Codes
Every state has building codes that builders and property owners must follow. These codes include how the stairs should be built. So, check for faults in things like the handrails. If the stairs did not have handrails, the owner might be liable. Another thing you can check is the height and depth of the stairs. You need to show there was a defect with the stairs, which caused the accident.
- Icy Outdoor Stairs
The outdoor stairs may be slippery and pose a risk if the weather outside is cold, causing snow, rain, or ice. Even though you are expected to be careful when walking on wet or icy stairs, the owner may also be liable if you get into an accident. Outdoor stairs must be constructed, so they don’t accumulate ice or water on the surfaces. So, if you slip because of excess ice buildup, you may hold the owner at fault. The owner must have built an anti-slip surface to protect you.
Closing Thoughts!
Proving fault in a stair accident is not as easy as it may seem. You must prove that there was something wrong with the stairs that led to the accident. So, hire a personal injury lawyer to help you prove fault and get compensation.
Leave a Reply