Falls on stairs and steps cause more than one million injuries each year in the United States and are the second leading cause of accidental injury after motor vehicle accidents. Stairway falls can result in particularly severe injuries because of the potential for the victim to tumble down multiple steps, impacting their head, back, and limbs repeatedly during the fall.

Common Causes of Stairway Falls

Many stairway falls are caused by hazardous conditions that could and should have been prevented by the property owner:

  • Missing or broken handrails: Building codes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia require handrails on stairways. A missing, loose, or broken handrail deprives users of essential stability and support.
  • Inadequate lighting: Poor lighting makes it difficult to see steps, changes in elevation, or hazards on the stairs. Property owners have a duty to provide adequate lighting in stairwells.
  • Uneven or damaged steps: Steps with inconsistent riser heights, worn treads, cracked or broken surfaces, or missing nosings create tripping hazards.
  • Slippery surfaces: Stairs that are wet, icy, or have worn smooth surfaces can be extremely dangerous, particularly without non-slip treads or coatings.
  • Building code violations: Stairs must comply with applicable building codes regarding dimensions, materials, handrails, lighting, and other safety requirements. Violations of these codes can serve as strong evidence of negligence.
  • Debris or clutter: Objects left on stairs create tripping hazards, particularly in dimly lit stairwells.

Building Code Requirements

Building codes establish minimum safety standards for stairway construction and maintenance. While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, common code requirements include minimum and maximum riser heights, minimum tread depths, uniform riser and tread dimensions throughout the stairway, handrails on both sides of stairs wider than 44 inches, minimum headroom clearance, adequate lighting, non-slip surfaces, and proper landings at the top and bottom of each stairway.

A violation of the applicable building code is strong evidence of negligence and can significantly strengthen your premises liability claim.

Proving a Stairway Fall Case

Stairway fall cases can be challenging because the property owner will often argue that you were not paying attention or that you tripped over your own feet. To build a strong case, it is important to document the hazardous condition with photographs and measurements, identify any building code violations, obtain the property's inspection and maintenance records, secure witness testimony, and work with engineering or building code experts who can explain to a jury how the hazardous condition caused your fall.

Injuries from Stairway Falls

Because of the mechanics of falling down stairs, these accidents frequently cause severe injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, hip fractures, broken arms and wrists, knee injuries, and facial injuries. These injuries can be life-changing, particularly for elderly victims who may never fully recover from a stairway fall.

If you have been injured in a stairway fall, contact Dr. Ted Injury Law at (800) 555-HURT for a free consultation about your case.