Stairwell Accidents in Rialto
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reports that stairs are a very common accident site, with more than one million people a year seeking medical treatment for stair-related injuries. These injuries increase in severity the farther a person falls.
If you visit a commercial establishment, apartment building, restaurant, or another property open to guests, the property owner has a duty to keep stairwells reasonably safe for visitors. They may face a premises liability lawsuit if you are injured. After stairwell accidents in Rialto, you may be left facing costly medical treatment, an inability to work, and serious emotional consequences. Our premises liability attorneys are prepared to make you our priority, from your free consultation to your case’s resolution.
What Issues Lead to Stairwell Injuries?
Causes of stairway injuries that can be attributed to owner negligence include:
- Stair risers that exceed the height established in county building codes
- Uneven or loose stairs
- Broken or poor lighting in stairwells and halls leading to the stairs
- Broken or missing handrails
- Slippery or cluttered landings or stairs
- Buckled carpeting
Owners owe no duty to adult trespassers, but social or commercial visitors are entitled to safe stairwells. When a Rialto property owner fails to keep stairwells in good repair and an accident occurs, the law views that owner as negligent, and the injured person can hold them accountable.
When the Injured Party Is Partly Responsible for a Stairwell Accident
The state follows the pure comparative negligence rule. The judge or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in a Rialto stairway accident. Whether you are one, 10, or 99 percent responsible for your injuries, you can still collect compensation from the property owner, but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Personal injury accidents are draining physically, emotionally, and financially. If you suffered harm in this way, you can begin your legal journey with a free consultation.
Understanding the Legal Process
When you consult our firm, you should know that we operate on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us when we win your case in court or secure an acceptable settlement from insurers. Your initial consultation is free, and we listen to you, answer your questions, and assess your case. We welcome you to come to our office, but if your injuries make it more comfortable for you to consult with us online, we also meet clients on Zoom.
While you concentrate on recovering after your stairwell accident, our Rialto attorneys gather and organize evidence and additional documentation. Evidence can include medical and police reports, eyewitness statements, photos of the stairwell, and any previous reports that indicate trouble at the accident site.
Overwhelming evidence often encourages insurers to participate in settlement talks to avoid a costly court fight where they are unsure what a jury will do. However, if a settlement offer is insufficient, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
Call Our Rialto Attorneys for Help After a Stairwell Accident
The present and future may seem uncertain after stairwell accidents in Rialto, especially if you are dealing with injuries such as broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or back and spine damage. You may worry about how you will pay your monthly bills if you cannot work. Depression and anxiety are very common after an accident like this.
Our lawyers step in to restore your confidence and dignity and seek the compensation you deserve from a negligent owner or landlord. Call now for a free consultation to discuss your situation.