Florida Stairway Slip and Fall Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents frequently appear in Internet videos. Apparently, some people think these accidents are funny. They’re not. Not for victims. Not for their families. In fact, some of these accidents can result in serious life-threatening and even life-ending injuries. Stairway slip and fall accidents are among the most dangerous.

Why Do Florida Stairway Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Some stairway trip and fall accidents happen because a person simply tripped over his own feet. All too often, however, a stairway slip and fall accident is caused by other factors. These factors include:

• Missing or poorly secured handrails – A broken handrail can send a victim crashing down.
• Clutter – Any debris, clutter, or obstacles on a set of stairs or a landing can cause a person to trip and fall. Some businesses “store” items like cleaning supplies, paint, and merchandise on stair landings.
• Uneven steps – Steps that are uneven can cause a walker to miscalculate his gait.
• Inadequate lighting – Poorly lit stairways are difficult to navigate. Stairways should be lit so that shadows are eliminated.
• Cracks or decay – As pavement settles, it may crack or form potholes. If a chunk of concrete is missing from a stairway, a walker could wrench a foot trying to navigate the stairs.
• Torn carpets – A walker might wedge a foot inside the tear and stumble.
• Poor weather conditions – Outdoor stairs are exposed to weather. Stairs should be designed so that rainwater runs off.
• Unsecured gates – A stairway may be gated or locked so that children cannot access it. If the gate or door is left unsecured, a young victim could tumble to the bottom of the stairway.
• Wet surfaces – Spilled liquid or rain that is tracked onto a stairway may lead to an accident. 

Florida Stairway Slip and Fall Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are the top cause of nonfatal emergency room visits in the US. Common slip and fall injuries that can arise from stairway falls include:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Hip injuries
• Shoulder and arm injuries
• Broken bones
• Sprains, strains, and tears
• Cuts
• Bruises.

Some falls are fatal. The NSC reports that falls are the third-leading cause of preventable deaths in the US, behind only poisoning and motor vehicle accidents. In 2021 alone, falls caused 44,686 deaths across all age groups nationwide. The council notes that while construction workers are most at-risk for falls, falling accidents can happen to anyone anywhere, even at desk jobs and at private residences.

Where Do Florida Stairway Trip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Stairway slip and fall accidents can occur on any stairway, whether it is 100 steps high or five steps high. Accidents may happen in homes, apartment buildings (on both interior and exterior stairways), businesses, stores, government buildings and on public property (such as on the steps in a public park).

Generally, Florida homeowners and businesses can be held legally responsible for injuries suffered by their visitors. This is known as premises liability.

A Florida homeowner or business has a duty to maintain stairs and stairways so that they are reasonably free of hazards. If a business or homeowner allows a hazardous condition to exist, the negligent property owner may be held liable for the resulting harm. So, if a restaurant failed to repair torn carpet on its stairway and the hole caused a diner to stumble and fall, the restaurant could be held responsible for the diner’s injuries.

Contact a Florida Stairway Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have a right to compensation. Contact Florida stairway slip and fall lawyer Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, to learn more. Mr. DeBerard helps clients throughout South Florida and have offices in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach. Call our toll-free number or fill out our online contact form to get the process started. We provide free initial consultations.