5 Things That Causes Tripping on Stairs

Tripping on stairs may result in muscle sprains, bone fractures, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, speak to a trip and fall lawyer to pursue legal action. You can sue the defendant for medical costs, property damage, loss of income, and emotional pain and suffering. Here are five things that cause tripping on stairs:

1. Uneven Steps

Building standards require stairs to have consistent height and depth throughout the staircase. If these dimensions are inconsistent or change unexpectedly, they can throw you off, resulting in serious accidents. Stairs that are too high or too shallow increase the risk of missing a step entirely. Uneven or poorly built staircases also pose a tripping hazard. Such issues require prompt repairs to prevent tripping. If the property owner can’t repair the stairs on time, a warning sign should be posted to warn users of the hazard.

2. Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting is another reason a trip and fall lawyer can use to prove negligence when building your case. Stairways must be properly lit to enable users to see each step. Insufficient lighting makes it difficult to see and assess surface damages or inconsistencies, increasing the risk of tripping. Overly bright lighting can also cause glare and make it challenging to navigate the stairs. Lighting issues are often fixed easily, so poor visibility is a sign of negligence by the property owner. If you trip on a stairway with poor lighting, take photos and notes of the fixtures and time of day.

3. Damaged Steps and Railings

Handrails and railings help you maintain balance when using the stairs. Broken or missing handrails or railings reduce the support and balance, increasing the risk of tripping. Loose railings can collapse under minimum weight, resulting in serious injuries. Such conditions are more common in old buildings with outdated handrails that don’t meet current codes. Cracks, chips, and worn-out steps also increase the risk of tripping. Such damages are usually difficult to see or anticipate in time to stop yourself from falling.

4. Clutter and Obstructions

Leaving objects on the stairs, whether toys, books, tools, or cords, presents a tripping hazard. Small objects may remain hidden from your view when using the stairs, increasing the risk of tripping. Loose debris and organic materials can be slippery, and stepping on them can cause you to lose your balance. Property owners and operators have a legal duty to keep their stairways clean and free of any clutter that will cause trips. They should also provide warnings or notifications during maintenance to prevent tripping on toolboxes, cords, paint, and other items.

5. Loose Carpets and Slippery Steps

Poorly secured mats, carpets, and runners can shift as you walk on them, resulting in trips. Non-slip mats offer a solution for wet and icy stairs. The mats must be installed properly to prevent them from sliding or bunching when stepped on. Slippery steps are hazardous and must be addressed immediately to prevent accidents. Stairs will become slippery because of wet flooring, spills, and grease. Damaged steps also reduce traction, increasing the risk of slipping. Property owners must provide warnings and signage to notify users of slip and trip hazards that they have yet to address.

Speak to a Trip and Fall Lawyer Today

Tripping on stairs may stem from many other causes, including walking too fast, being distracted, and wearing improper footwear. If you trip on someone else’s stairs, you can seek compensation for bodily injuries, lost income, and other damages. Contact a trip and fall lawyer today to learn more about your case and legal options.