Handrail and Stairwell Accidents

Handrail and stairwell accidents can happen from a variety of causes. Boston Personal Injury Lawyers Burns & Jain know that these accidents often result in severe pain and suffering, serious damages, and devastating injuries. Those who have suffered an injury during a handrail and stairwell accident could find themselves left with head trauma, broken bones, neck or spinal cord injury, and more. Sadly, some victims of handrail and stairwell accidents will lose their lives as a result of their injuries.

Whether the cause is a missing or broken handrail, a slip and fall, or other handrail and stairwell accident, the results can be devastating. In such cases, the person who owns or manages the property may be responsible for any injuries sustained due to handrail or stairwell accidents. Burns & Jain can help the victims of such accidents receive compensation for their medical bills, loss of time at work, pain and suffering, and more. Handrail and stairwell accidents are considered premise liability lawsuits. Here are some of the types of, and causes of injury in premise liability cases.

Types of Handrail and Stairwell Accidents and Their Causes

• Uneven or unmarked edges, curbstones, stairs
• Unsafe handrails or broken handrails
• Trip and falls in businesses
• Rotted floors and steps
• Lack of proper security
• Uneven pavement or flooring
• Missing handrails on stairwells, balconies, and porches
• Structural collapse
• Snow and/or ice
• Falling debris
• Toxic substances
• Lack of or broken fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire escapes
• Inadequate lighting

Who is Responsible for Handrail and Stairwell Accidents?

In most cases, the property owner and/or manager is responsible for injures which are sustained on their property. This is, however, not always the case. In the case of rental properties, for example, the rental agreement and the evidence surrounding the accident itself may determine that the property owner is not liable. Properties that are leased may be the sole responsibility of the lessee to maintain.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine fault in a handrail and stairwell accident case. A slip and fall could be the fault of a property owner, property manager, lessee, or even the victim themselves. If an accident is not directly caused by negligence on the part of those in charge of the property, then it is possible that there is no premise liability lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has suffered from a handrail and stairwell accident, the premises liability attorneys at Burns & Jain can help figure out who is responsible in your accident. Give them a call today.

Click here for more information on injuries caused by falling down stairs.