Landlords, property owners and businesses typically need to address safety issues that could lead to people getting hurt. Maintaining safe premises is a top priority at any store, restaurant or residential rental space.
Landlords and business managers often prioritize high-risk spaces when developing plans for maintenance and inspections. Stairways are a top safety issue at any facility that has more than one level. Even in the best of circumstances, people can slip and fall when going up or down stairs. In some cases, landlords can directly contribute to that risk through inadequate maintenance and repairs.
Injured people may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit if they can show that poor maintenance directly contributed to a fall in a stairwell. The following are some of the safety hazards that can make stairs highly dangerous locations.
Inadequate lighting
Many stairwells do not have windows. Even those that do may not have adequate light in all areas from natural sources, especially after the sun sets. Having illumination at both landings and over the stairs is crucial for the safety of anyone using the stairs. They need to be able to see where the stairs start and end, as well as any obstacles in their path. Failing to install proper fixtures and keep them working consistently can lead to liability for a landlord.
Issues with flooring
Some landlords install apartment-grade carpeting on stairs. Carpeting does not provide much traction and could easily lead to people falling and getting hurt even when the carpeting is brand new. As it becomes compressed and compromised with repeated use, the carpet covering stairs can become very slippery and dangerous. It can also tear, leading to tripping or tangling hazards.
Hard surfaces create their own safety concerns. Linoleum can tear or peel. It can cause tripping hazards, especially if there is also insufficient light in the stairway. Over-waxing linoleum or tile might also lead to people falling and getting hurt. Inadequate or improper maintenance of the floors in the stairwell is a negligent practice that could lead to other people getting hurt.
Missing or weak handrails
Handrails are the last line of defense for someone losing their balance. They can reach out and grab the rail as a way to steady themselves and stop or prevent a fall. Unfortunately, some stairways do not have handrails installed as they should. Others have weak handrails secured with just a few drywall screws. They may pull out of the wall in an emergency instead of providing the support someone anticipates.
In cases where injured people can show that business or property owner’s negligence contributed to a stairway fall, they may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Taking legal action after a stairway fall can potentially help someone cover their medical expenses and lost wages.
