Stairwell Accidents in El Centro
Slips, trips, and falls on stairs are part of a category of personal injury law known as premises liability. In these cases, the property owner has a duty to maintain the premises and keep it safe for visitors. If an owner does not properly maintain a stairwell, they can be held responsible if you fall and get hurt.
Stairwell accidents in El Centro can cause serious injuries. A dedicated and compassionate personal injury lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group may be able to help. Contacting our attorneys after a fall could help you understand your rights and get you started on the path to recovery.
Causes of Stairwell Falls
There are several reasons that stairwell falls may occur. In most of these cases, poor maintenance or faulty design are to blame. Some examples of these causes include:
- Poor lighting
- Broken steps
- Uneven steps
- Collapsing stairwell
- Defective or missing handrails
Other common causes include housekeeping issues. Objects lying on stairs, slippery surfaces, and loose carpeting can lead to slips, trips, and falls. Property owners should regularly maintain these areas and promptly correct any hazards to avoid accidents.
What to Do After a Stairwell Accident
After stairwell accidents, the person who fell and their loved ones will want to take action. Health and safety are the top priority following any type of accident resulting in an injury. However, taking steps to secure legal rights is also critical.
Steps to take after an El Centro stairwell accident include:
- Contact emergency services, if necessary, and seek immediate medical attention
- Report the accident to the business or property owner
- Gather evidence related to the accident. This includes taking photos and videos of the stairwell, gathering contact and insurance information for the property owner, and information from eyewitnesses
- Keep track of any damages. Maintaining a file of receipts, bills, and other costs related to the accident
- Contact a well-practiced local lawyer for assistance
- File a personal injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance
An experienced attorney could provide more detailed action items and assist with filing a legal claim. Legal support during this process may be necessary to secure fair compensation and protect your rights.
Negligence in Stairwell Accidents
In California, property owners are responsible for maintaining their property and warning of any dangers. This is known as premises liability. California Civil Code § 1714 holds property owners liable for willful acts and negligence. In other words, there is an expectation that a premises be reasonably safe for visitors.
To prove negligence following a stairwell injury in El Centro, the person who fell will need to prove that:
- The property owner had a duty of care
- The property owner breached that duty of care
- The breach caused them injury
- They suffered actual losses
In other words, this means proving that there was a hazard, the owner had a duty to correct that hazard, the hazard caused an injury, and the injured party suffered monetary or non-monetary losses as a result.
Proving negligence is crucial to recovering compensation in these cases. An attorney could provide valuable support and services in these situations. A dedicated lawyer could review and gather the evidence, apply the law, file a claim, and negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a just settlement.
Contact Our El Centro Attorneys After a Stairwell Accident
Stairwell accidents in El Centro are unfortunate occurrences. If you have slipped, tripped, or fallen on stairs, taking action to secure compensation is essential. While money will not relieve the pain, it can help relieve the financial burden as you recover.
Walter Clark Legal Group could fight for your legal rights and work toward a fair settlement or damages award. Contact us today for a free consultation.