In Macon and beyond, we represent people who have been injured in all types of accidents
Signs that those stairs are actually dangerous
Think about how many times you have jogged up or down a set of stairs without thinking twice. We all do it. And, most of the time, it all works out. It doesn’t even register as a risky event.
However, all it takes is one minor defect to cause a serious trip and fall. Your injuries could be extensive. On the stairs, you’re deceptively high above the ground. Though it may not be a straight drop for ten feet or so, the draw of gravity is relentless, and falling on the stairs can lead to massive injuries — especially when you strike your head on the way down.
So, how do you know if the stairs are excessively dangerous? Here are a few things you should watch out for:
- The stairs are creaking, indicating that the treads are loose or there are gaps between the treads and the risers.
- The banister is loose, missing or broken. If a handrail moves at all when you touch it, there’s a serious risk.
- The posts at the top and bottom of the stairs move. It could mean they’re coming loose from the nails that attach them to the staircase, and they work just a bit looser every time someone touches them.
- The stairs are excessively worn down where people have been walking on them for decades.
- The stair treads are not all at the same height, which is a major trip hazard.
- The stairs have been damaged by water, pets, or any other outside factors.
If you do trip and fall on a set of stairs, you need to know if you have a right to financial compensation for your medical bills and other costs. You shouldn’t have to suffer financially in addition to your other injuries.