Stairway Accidents Cause Harm

Summertime is the most active part of the year for many Floridians, so when your undertakings are quashed following an accident on a set of stairs, it can put a real damper on summer fun & productivity. If your injuries are serious, and if they were the result of faulty stair design or other negligence, you may benefit from the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Causes of Stairway Accidents 

Accidents can be the result of numerous issues. Some of the most prevalent problems include:

• Items left on stairs;
• Tread in a state of disrepair;
• Carpeting that is loose or torn;
• Missing or faulty handrails;
• Riser irregularities.

Florida Building Codes Designed to Protect 

Florida building codes are pretty clear. Regardless of the shape or location of the stairway, specific design requirements are crucial. Some general expectations include:

• Headroom: The entire width of the stairway and landing(s) must have at least 80 inches of headroom clearance.
• Treads and Risers: The height of risers must be between four and seven inches, as measured between the edges of any bordering treads.
• Landings: Both the top and bottom of stairs must have landings that are at least as wide as the stairs themselves.
• Walking Surface: The slope of the treads and landings must not exceed two percent. They must have a solid, securely attached surface.
• Outdoor Stairs: Landings and treads must be designed so as to prevent the accumulation of water on walking surfaces;
• Vertical Rise: No more than 12 feet of vertical rise may exist without a landing;
• Handrails: Rails must be provided on both sides of stairs, and must be sufficient in strength and durability. They must be attached securely. They should be between 34 and 38 inches from the stair tread nosing.

Following a Stairway Injury, What do I Need to Know? 

Several important factors come into play now:

• Was the injury a result of a building code violation? Was negligence, or gross negligence involved?
• What is the extent of the injuries associated with the accident?
• Is there a statute of limitations associated with my injuries? How quickly do I need to file necessary legal paperwork?
• What damages might be sought to remedy the effects of pain and discomfort?
• How is personal injury compensation calculated? Does that determination have an impact on what my personal insurance covers?
• Are any special damages involved in my case, such as lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, or damage to my personal property?

These are just a sample of the questions that may be swirling through your mind following a fall down the stairs. For answers to your questions, contact the offices of Barbas, Nunez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian in Tampa, Florida. Let us analyze and investigate the facts of your case.  The initial visit is free and confidential.

Resource:

rockwoodworks.com/PDFs/Section_1009_Stairways_and_Handrails_2004_FLorida_Code-2.pdf