What is the most common injury falling down stairs in Pennsylvania? Staircase slips and falls are very common. In fact, there are over 540,000 slip and fall injuries every year that require hospital care. While sometimes a slip and fall accident down a set of stairs can be caused by a misstep, in many cases, these falls result from negligence by a business. Businesses have a duty to maintain their stairways in a safe condition. This includes posting warning signs and making necessary repairs.
What are the Most Common Injuries from Falling Down Stairs in Pennsylvania?
Falling down stairs is a common cause of injuries in Pennsylvania, especially in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Slip and fall stairway accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, depending on the height of the fall, the design of the staircase, and whether safety measures were in place.
Common Staircase Injuries
Head Injuries
One of the most serious outcomes of falling down stairs is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can occur if the head strikes a step or a hard surface during the fall. Concussions, skull fractures, and even more severe brain injuries may result, leading to long-term complications such as memory loss, cognitive issues, and chronic headaches.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures are among the most frequent injuries from stair falls. Victims often break bones in their arms, wrists, legs, and ankles while trying to break their fall. Hip fractures are particularly common among older adults, which can require extensive recovery time and, in some cases, surgery.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Falling down stairs can also lead to serious spinal cord injuries or herniated discs, which may result in long-term pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis in severe cases. These types of injuries often require ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and potentially surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Sprains
Soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, and bruises are common after a fall down the stairs, particularly in the neck, back, or extremities. While these injuries may not always be life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility for an extended period.
If you have suffered an injury from a stair fall in Pennsylvania, it may be important to seek medical attention and legal advice, especially if the fall was due to a hazardous condition, such as poorly maintained staircases or inadequate lighting.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Stair Accidents in Pennsylvania
Here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents on stairways.
Broken or Missing Handrails
A stairway should be equipped with proper handrails to prevent falls down the steps or side of the stairway. However, some businesses may not be equipped with up-to-code handrails. Such handrails can collapse due to a minor amount of weight.
Defective Surfaces
Building materials tend to deteriorate over time. For example, a frayed or torn carpet, a broken stair, and loose wooden boards can put you at risk of losing your footing and falling down the stairs, causing serious injuries.
Poor Maintenance
Staircases don’t have to be inherently dangerous to cause a slip-and-fall accident. However, they can become dangerous due to poor maintenance. Some of the common signs of poorly maintained staircases include water, trash, or dirt accumulation. Regular cleaning can remove common risk factors on a stairway.
Inadequate Lighting
Areas that are accessible to employees should be adequately lit to make it safe for them to walk. Remember, staircases are dangerous at the best of times, and a shadowy stairway can make it much more difficult for walkers to find their next step or handrails. In addition, when there’s insufficient lighting, stairwell users may not see potential tripping hazards.
Suppose you suffer serious injuries due to another person’s negligence while taking the stairs. In that case, you can make a claim and get compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Contact an Easton, PA, slip and fall injury lawyer for more information.
