How Broken Staircases and Handrails Cause Serious Falls

Commercial stairs throughout North Texas come with risks, even when they are in pristine condition and are perfectly maintained. When, however, a staircase is damaged in some way or has a broken handrail, the risk factor skyrockets. Falls are some of the most dangerous accidents, and falls from heights are more dangerous still. If you’ve been injured in a fall from a damaged staircase or from a staircase with a broken handrail. Our experienced North Texas fall accident attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, are standing by to help.

Staircases in North Texas: Key Concerns

When a staircase is damaged or otherwise not up to code, it amounts to a serious hazard for the public. Problems generally fall into basic categories.

Structural Defects

Structural stair defects refer to issues like warped wooden stairs, cracked concrete stairs, uneven riser heights, and shallow treads that alter the normal gait of those who climb them. Staircases can be rendered dangerous as a result of poor design, poor construction, or poor maintenance. And all the following are closely associated with falls:

• Overly slippery flooring, such as highly polished marble, wood, or laminate
• Moisture that guests track in from outside, which is not adequately addressed
• Bunched, torn, threadbare, ripped, or otherwise worn stair coverings

Inadequate Lighting

When you take the stairs, your safety should be your top concern, and having adequate lighting is critical. Staircases that are dimly lit pose an increased threat of dangerous falls.

Broken Handrails

Handrails are designed specifically to enhance safety, but when they’re broken, damaged, or otherwise not up to code, the chance that serious falls will occur skyrockets.

Loose or Wobbly Handrails

Over time and with use, the brackets and fasteners that hold handrails in stairwells in place can pull away and loosen. When you take the stairs, you rely on the handrail to provide you with the balance and support you need to navigate them safely. And if it suddenly loosens or detaches, it leaves you very vulnerable to falling.

Missing Handrails

Municipal codes throughout North Texas require businesses to have handrails for all stairs with at least four steps. When handrails are missing or are not continuous, it increases the chances that guests will misstep and fall.

Fall Accidents on Stairs in North Texas

If you’ve been injured by falling from stairs that failed to meet all required safety standards, you can file a claim against the business in question. The safety standard that applies includes all safety codes, but it also extends to implementing the same level of care that other business owners do under similar circumstances. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, you need the skilled legal guidance of a seasoned fall accident lawyer.

Reach Out to Our North Texas Fall Accident Lawyers Today

If you were injured on a broken stairway, our trusted North Texas fall accident attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, are well prepared to skillfully advocate for your rights and for your rightful compensation. Learn more about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 817-920-9000 today.