Oklahoma City Staircase Injuries
Stairs are a basic part of everyday life for most Americans, from the front steps to taking the stairs up a floor level rather than taking an elevator, we rarely think twice about using stairs—at least, not until there’s an accident. Over a million people receive emergency room treatment for staircase injuries in the United States each year. Although children and elderly adults suffer the worst injuries, 67.2% of staircase accident victims in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are between the ages of 11-60 years old.
How Do Staircase Accidents Occur?
It’s essential to take all reasonable care when navigating stairs. Some staircase injuries occur due to user carelessness, such as running up or down the stairs or carrying items that block vision. However, sometimes staircase injuries happen even to those who practice due diligence. Staircase injuries may occur due to the following:
- Broken stair risers
- Loose carpeting on stairs
- Broken or missing handrails
- Staircases that are overly steep or too narrow in non-compliance with building codes
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven stair riser spacing
- Obstacles or debris on stairs
- Slippery surfaces such as wet or icy stairs or steps
- Damaged or overly worn stair risers
A property owner has a legal duty to identify potential safety hazards on staircases and take prompt action to address the problem by warning visitors and making necessary repairs.
What Types of Injuries Happen in Oklahoma City Staircase Accidents?
A fall down the stairs is terrifying as well as painful, particularly when the fall occurs at the top of the stairs or midway down the staircase causing the injury victim to roll or tumble down multiple stair risers. Common staircase injuries include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries to shoulders, knees, ankles, and wrists
- Spinal cord injury
- Facial or dental trauma
Some staircase accidents cause life-altering injuries. This is particularly common in elderly fall victims who may suffer decreased quality of life due to hip injuries or traumatic brain injuries; however, serious staircase injuries can occur to those of any age. In the worst cases, a fall down the stairs can cause wrongful death.
Liability for Staircase Injury Damages in Oklahoma City
Property owners owe a duty of care to take all reasonable measures to prevent injuries to those lawfully on their property, such as guests, customers, renters, visitors, delivery personnel, and anyone who isn’t trespassing or committing a crime. Stairs, handrails, and staircase lighting must be well-maintained and free of safety hazards on public and private property. A negligent property owner is liable for damages to victims.
Common damages suffered by victims of slip & fall accidents in Oklahoma City include past and future medical expenses, past and future income loss, diminished future earning capacity due to disability, and compensation for pain and suffering. If the accident caused a wrongful death, family members may obtain compensation for their loss through an Oklahoma City wrongful death claim.
How Can an Oklahoma City Staircase Injury Attorney Help?
When you or a close family member suffers serious injuries in a staircase accident in Oklahoma City, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by facing a complex legal process to obtain compensation at the same time that you’re dealing with the painful consequences of the injuries. Call the experienced Oklahoma City staircase accident attorneys at Dan Davis Law so we can begin crafting the best possible strategy to recover maximum compensation in your case.