Stairway Accident Lawyers

Most of us don’t think twice when walking up or down a stairway. Whether you’re walking up to your apartment, through an office building, at a doctor’s office, or otherwise, there’s no real reason to give a stairway much of a second thought. Unfortunately, stairways are one of the most common sites for trip or slip and fall accidents, which can result in a wide range of very serious injuries. If you’ve sustained an injury in a stairway accident, our Central Washington premises liability lawyers are here to help. Continue reading and contact Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC to learn more about what we can do for you.

Common Causes of Stairway Accidents

Stairway accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but very often, they are a result of dangerous stairway conditions. Some of the most common stairway hazards that we see are as follows:

• Poor lighting conditions: Stairways that are dimly lit make it difficult to see edges, changes in elevation, or debris. Even a slight visibility issue can lead to a misstep that causes a fall.
• Loose or broken handrails: Handrails are there for stability, especially when someone loses balance. If a railing is loose, improperly installed, or missing altogether, the risk of falling increases significantly.
• Uneven or irregular steps: Steps that vary in height or depth can disrupt a person’s natural walking rhythm, which often leads to trips and falls.
• Slippery conditions: Water, ice, spilled liquids, or polished surfaces without proper traction can turn a stairway into a serious hazard in seconds.
• Obstructions or clutter: Items left on stairs, including cords, boxes, or debris, create immediate trip hazards that should never be present in a properly maintained space.
• Lack of proper maintenance: When routine inspections are not conducted, small issues can develop into dangerous conditions over time.
• Defective design or construction: Some stairways are inherently unsafe due to design flaws, such as improper angles, inadequate spacing, or failure to comply with building codes.
• Absence of warning signs: If a hazard cannot be immediately fixed, property owners are expected to provide clear warnings. Failing to do so leaves visitors unaware of potential dangers.

What to Do if You’ve Sustained an Injury in a Stairway Accident

If you’ve sustained an injury in a stairway accident, you should do everything in your power to take the following steps to maximize your chances of recovering compensation in a future claim:

• Seek medical attention right away: Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some conditions, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious.
• Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor as soon as possible. Request that an incident report be created and ask for a copy if one is available.
• Document the scene: Take photographs or videos of the stairway, including any hazards that may have contributed to the fall. Capture details such as lighting conditions, broken steps, or missing handrails.
• Identify witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, collect their names and contact information. Witness statements can become valuable later on.
• Preserve physical evidence: Keep the clothing and shoes worn at the time of the accident, as they may show signs of the conditions that caused the fall.
• Request surveillance footage: Many commercial properties use security cameras, and footage may capture the incident or the hazardous condition. This evidence is often time-sensitive, as recordings can be overwritten within days. It is important to request preservation of this footage as soon as possible.
• Preserving evidence when no surveillance exists: If there are no cameras, other forms of evidence become even more important:
  • Take detailed photos from multiple angles as soon as possible
  • Return to the scene, if safe, to document any changes or repairs
  • Keep records of weather conditions if the accident occurred outdoors
  • Write down your recollection of the incident while it is still fresh
  • Save any correspondence with the property owner or insurer
• Maintain records of all expenses and impacts: Keep track of medical bills, missed work, and how the injury affects daily life. These details often play a role in evaluating damages.

Statute of Limitations

In Washington State, there is a limited window of time in which a personal injury lawsuit can be filed. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and for most stairway accident claims, it is generally three years from the date of the injury.

This deadline is strictly enforced in most situations. If a lawsuit is not filed within the allowed time frame, the court will likely dismiss the case, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.

Understanding Liability in Washington Stairway Accident Cases

Liability in stairway accident cases is typically based on the concept of negligence, which requires showing that a property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions and that this failure directly caused the injury. Washington follows a comparative fault system, meaning that more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. If an injured person is found to be partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their level of responsibility.

Contact Our Central Washington Stairway Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured due to dangerous stairway conditions, you can depend on our slip and fall accident lawyers to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our Central Washington stairway accident lawyers for a free, confidential consultation today so we can get started working on your case.