Any time that an accident occurs that is the result of another person’s negligence or irresponsibility, it’s important that the negligent party be held accountable for such matters. Doing so will allow the injured and their loved ones to collect compensation for serious injuries. It’s important that you get legal representatives on your side for these legal matters. Skilled personal injury attorneys will help you receive just compensation following a serious accident, and they will be able to construct a sound legal strategy for you and your needs.
Right now, we would like to focus on the nature of premises liability lawsuits that are the result of broken or poorly maintained steps.
The Dangers Posed by Broken Steps
You may not think about it much, but broken steps can be a major hazard when people are at a business of any kind. This goes for steps that are made of concrete or steps made from other materials. When steps are cracked or structurally unsound, they can give way and cause people to trip, fall, or even cut their feet or ankles on the broken material.
Beyond being structurally unsound, steps may be broken to begin with. There could be a gap between steps, for instance, or a step may be uneven or missing part of is surface. This can lead to people tripping, falling, or sliding while they walk normally.
How Businesses Can Prevent Injuries from Broken Steps
If a step or some steps are broken in some way, it’s important that businesses mark the hazard and even potentially close the stairs from customer access. An alternate route or walkway can be designated to address these matters and avoid harm. Simply by noting the danger posed by the stairs will help prevent serious injuries from occurring. This is much like placing a wet floor sign down after a spill has occurred.
Other Parts of the Stairwell/Stairway Can Pose Major Hazards
Steps themselves aren’t the only potential hazard posed by stairs and stairwells. The landings in stairwells and the bannisters of the stairwells may also be improperly maintained or managed. Damaged bannisters can cause injuries to the hands or they can result in people losing their balance and falling down the stairs. Landings that are broken or damaged can also pose their own unique tripping hazards.
Businesses should take the same care pointing out these damaged structures as they would with damaged stairs or other hazards. It is the least that they can do to prevent major injuries and to protect their consumers from harm.
Why Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit Is So Important
It’s important that people who are injured and/or their loved ones speak with skilled attorneys about their legal options with regard to injuries at a business establishment of any kind. Filing a premises liability lawsuit is crucial if you are injured on someone else’s property, allowing you to collect just compensation and for the business to improve the overall state of the premises to improve safety standards.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you would like to learn more about slip and fall accidents and what your legal rights may be following an accident on another person’s property, be sure to contact our New Orleans personal injury attorneys today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible legal outcomes in your case.