When someone slips and falls down a stairway on another person’s or business’s property, it can result in a premises liability personal injury case. In these slip-and-fall cases, the victim sustains injuries due to a slippery or hazardous surface, often because the property owner or occupier failed to maintain a safe environment for visitors and guests.
Slip and fall laws in California typically hold property owners accountable if they are aware of any hazards, as they have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property to protect their visitors from harm.
With the support of a slip-and-fall accident attorney or personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, you can fly through the legal process with ease if you or a loved one is involved in a staircase slip-and-fall case. Our slip-and-fall lawyers (Los Angeles) will do everything they can to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
This article will break down the nuances of stairway slip-and-fall cases to help you feel confident and prepared to defend your case with the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles by your side.
Liability for Stairway Slip and Fall Cases
Under premises liability law, property owners are legally responsible for maintaining their premises in a “reasonably safe” condition for all residents, visitors, and employees. This means ensuring that all areas, including stairways, are free of any known hazards. Implementing regular maintenance routines can help keep stairs clear, clean, and in good repair.
However, the victim can also be at fault in a stairway slip and fall case if they acted carelessly. For example, if the victim was distracted, not paying attention, or disregarded warning signs, their negligence could be found to have contributed to the accident.
In California, liability is determined based on comparative negligence. This means that if the victim is found to be partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of their fault.
Therefore, it is crucial for property owners to take all necessary precautions to maintain safe stairways and for individuals to exercise care when using them.
California Stairway Building Code Requirements
The California Department of Industrial Relations outlines specific regulations to ensure stairway safety. As a property owner, it is crucial to ensure your building follows these safety orders:
- Width. Stairways should be more than 44 inches wide if the occupant load is more than 50.
- Riser height. The vertical part of each step, known as the riser, should be between 4 and 7.5 inches.
- Tread depth. The horizontal part of each step, known as the tread, should be at least 10 inches. The largest tread run within any flight of stairs must not exceed the smallest by more than ⅜ inch.
- Surface condition. Stair surfaces must be slip-resistant, clear of obstructions, and in good repair to prevent accidents.
- Handrails. Stairways must have handrails or railings on each side to provide support and stability.
These are just a few of the building code requirements. We recommend reviewing the comprehensive list of regulations thoroughly to guarantee all criteria are met. This will help reduce the risk of stairway slip and fall accidents and avoid liability.
Reach Out To a Slip and Fall Attorney (Los Angeles)
California personal injury laws can be tricky. Navigating the complexities of stairway slip-and-fall cases requires guidance from the best Los Angeles personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles.
Failing to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim within two years from the date of the accident, as stated by the statute of limitations, can forfeit your right to pursue damages. A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help you secure the compensation you deserve. And in cases of wrongful death, a Los Angeles wrongful death law firm can aid in recovering medical and funeral expenses on behalf of a deceased loved one.
With over 25 years of experience, John J. Perlstein is one of the best personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in Los Angeles, securing fair and just outcomes. To set up a free consultation with one of the top Los Angeles personal injury law firms regarding your stairway slip and fall lawsuit, fill out our form online or give us a call at (213) 583-5786.