Stairways, a seemingly mundane part of our everyday lives, can pose significant hazards if not properly constructed or maintained. A simple misstep on a faulty staircase can lead to devastating injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In California, property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises, including stairways. If you’ve been injured in a stairway accident, understanding your rights and the complexities of premises liability law is crucial. At KAASS Law, we are committed to helping victims of stairway accidents seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Here are some specific reasons that most stairway falls occur:
Falling on a stairwell can result in serious injuries or even death to the person. California has a number of safety code regulations concerning staircases. Common safety regulations include:
To prove the property owner’s fault the plaintiff must be able to establish the following:
The court also takes into consideration whether the plaintiff had a reasonable purpose for being on the stairs, was acting recklessly and his carelessness contributed to the accident.
California law operates under the principle of “premises liability,” which holds property owners and occupiers accountable for maintaining safe conditions for visitors on their property. This includes:
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for a stairway accident. It’s crucial to act promptly to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
Stairway accident cases can be complex. Proving negligence and navigating insurance claims requires legal expertise. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:
If you’ve been injured in a stairway accident in California, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps after an accident can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation and get back on your feet.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a stairway accident, we invite you to contact our Glendale personal injury attorney at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation.
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