If you fall down broken stairs and get injured in Kentucky, your first priority should be to protect your health, followed by documentation of the hazard and understanding your legal rights. Stair accidents can often lead to serious injuries for those in and around Pike County, so understanding premises liability law and who can be held liable for your damages is critical. In general, property owners can face liability if they knew or reasonably should have known about the condition and failed to remedy it. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, includinhg your eligible to pursue legal action and compensation for your injuries and damages. Reach out to a Pike County, KY stairway accident lawyer to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options.
What Is Premises Liability Law?
Premises liability law is a law that makes property owners responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property. Property owners have a legal obligation to provide lawful visitors with a safe environment. If they fail to do so, for example, by not fixing a broken staircase, they can be held responsible for any ensuing accidents that occur as a result.
In Kentucky, property owners are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for those lawfully on their property. This includes conducting regular inspections of the premises while remedying hazards, which commonly include broken handrails, worn stair treads, inadequate lighting, and even debris left on stairs, ultimately posing a tripping hazard.
What Should I Do if I Fall Down Broken Stairs?
After falling down broken stairs, taking immediate and well-documented action is essential for both your health and legal claim.
In the event you fall down broken stairs and sustain injuries, understanding how to proceed is critical. It’s important to understand that the steps you take in the immediate aftermath are not only critical to the outcome of your claim but also for your health and well-being. As such, taking the following steps is critical for protecting your health, as well as helping to strengthen your claim.
Steps to Take After a Stair Fall in Kentucky
- Assess your injuries: Falling down the stairs can lead to serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Check yourself for pain and injuries and determine whether or not you can move. Do not get up right away, as it could worsen your injuries.
- Call for help: Call for help from another person in the building or dial 911 if necessary.
- Gather evidence: Document the incident and gather evidence that can be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action later on. Take pictures at the scene of the accident and note the condition of the stairs and any hazards that may have contributed to your fall. Talk to witnesses who saw the accident take place and check if there are any surveillance cameras that may have captured the fall.
- Seek medical attention: Get medically evaluated as soon as possible. Falling down the stairs can result in significant injuries, so it is crucial that you get to a doctor or the hospital right away to ensure your health. This will also create a medical record that can be used during an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- File an accident report: If the police arrive on the scene make sure a report is filed. Otherwise, you can have one drawn up by the security team if the building has one. A paper trail of the incident can be crucial down the line.
- Contact a lawyer: After all is said and done, you may have a valid case against the property owner. If you sustained injuries or other damage from the fall and the owner was responsible for any unsafe conditions that caused the accident, you can file a claim or lawsuit against them. Reach out to a skilled lawyer who can help assess the situation, gather and present evidence proving liability, and represent you when procuring compensation.
Who Is Responsible for Broken Stairs Accidents in Pike County?
When you are injured as a result of unsafe stairs in Pike County, understanding who may ultimately face liability for your damages is critical. In general, you’ll find that property owners, landlords, property management companies, and business owners can all face responsibility for the damages you have suffered. Generally, as long as you are lawfully on the premises, you are owed a duty of care by the entity legally responsible for the premises.
Common Examples of Property Owner Negligence
- Failure to repair visibly broken or loose steps
- Ignoring prior complaints regarding the safety of the stairs
- Failure to conduct regular inspections of the fixture
- Failing to abide by local building codes
- Failure to install handrails
- Failing to ensure the stairs are adequately lit
What Injuries are Common in Stair Fall Accidents in Kentucky?
Unfortunately, falling down the stairs can result in more than a bruised ego for many. In fact, studies estimate that over one million people each year in the United States visit the emergency room for injuries related to falling down the stairs. As such, understanding the injuries that are most common can help ensure you receive the medical care you need.
Common Injuries Resulting from Stair Accidents
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and contusions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Contact an Experienced Pike County Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured on broken stairs in Pike County or the surrounding Kentucky communities, you may be able to pursue legal action. However, navigating these matters on your own can be incredibly overwhelming, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney, Shane Hall, Attorney at Law, PLLC, to determine the best course of action for your needs. When you need assistance, contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
