Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
The slip & fall attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. note that the most common premises injury cases are falls on stairs. Walking down stairs is inherently dangerous since a fall from heights creates the force necessary to cause serious sprains, fractures and head traumas. The act of walking downstairs requires balance, coordination and focus. If the stairs are slippery or if there are defects such as cracked cement or inadequate lighting, then falls become more likely.
The Dangers of Unsafe Stairs
Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries due to unsafe staircases. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States. Stairs are particularly dangerous, with research from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine estimating over one million stair-related injuries annually.
The most common causes of stair-related injuries include:
- Missing or defective handrails
- Uneven or damaged steps
- Poor lighting
- Slippery surfaces
- Clutter or debris on stairs
In many cases, these hazards are preventable with proper maintenance and adherence to building safety codes.
Chicago Building Code: Handrail Requirements
In Chicago, building codes are in place to reduce the risk of stair injuries. 14x-3-306.1 of the Chicago Minimum Requirements:
“Exterior and interior flights of stairs with more than four risers must have a handrail on at least one side of the stairs”
This regulation is important for ensuring that individuals have the support they need to safely ascend or descend stairs. Handrails provide stability, especially for those with mobility issues, and significantly reduce the likelihood of a fall. Handrails are especially important in cities like Chicago where winters are harsh, and stairs might be coated with ice, snow and slush in the winter. Handrails help steady people as they gingerly walk down slick stairs.
The Necessity of Safe Stairs
Safe staircases are for everyone’s safety. Proper design and maintenance can prevent injuries and lawsuits. Safe stairways have the following features:
- Handrails on both sides for added security.
- Uniform step height and width to prevent trips.
- Anti-slip treads to reduce slipperiness.
- Clear and unobstructed pathways to avoid accidents.
Property owners and managers have a duty to maintain these safety standards to protect tenants, visitors, and employees.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Law Firm with Slip-and-Fall Experience?
Proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case can be tricky requiring a strong understanding of building codes, premises liability law, and the ability to gather and present evidence effectively.
The slip & fall attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., have extensive experience handling slip-and-fall cases involving unsafe stairs. Our attorneys:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly, including reviewing compliance with building codes.
- Gather evidence, such as photos and measurements of the stairs.
- Work with architects to determine if there are code violations.
We will conduct our investigation immediately since time is of the essence since the property owner may have the stairway fixed soon after the accident. If you have fallen on stairs and have been injured, call the personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. for a free consultation.