Any type of slip-and-fall accident has the potential to cause serious injuries. However, this is even more so the case if the accident occurs in a specific place, such as a stairwell.
Imagine this: You’re at the top of a stairwell, getting ready to take your first step when a wobbly handrail causes you to lose your balance. Due to your positioning, you fall to the ground and begin to tumble all the way to the bottom.
A slip-and-fall accident like this can cause injuries such as broken bones, deep abrasions and lacerations and damage to your brain.
Here are some of the most common culprits of stairway slip-and-fall accidents:
- Missing stairs
- Loose or missing handrails
- Rounded stairs
- Debris on stairs
- Wet stairs
- Poor lighting
- A missing step
- Steps that are too high
- Poorly designed stairwell
No matter how many times you’ve gone up and down a particular set of stairs, there’s always a chance you could slip and fall.
Should that happen, stay where you are to assess your injuries. This is also a good time to call for help, such as by asking someone to assist you or dialing 911 to request an ambulance.
Once you receive treatment for your injuries and better understand your long-term prognosis, turn your attention back to the cause of the accident. When doing so, collect as much evidence as you can.
Your goal at this point is to make a full recovery, all while taking steps to protect your legal rights and receive compensation for your damages.