Jacksonville Accident Attorney: Stair Collapse

It is relatively rare for a staircase to collapse, but when this does occur, the results are serious. Victims can be injured by the fall, by falling debris, or even become trapped beneath the rubble. At the offices of Jacksonville premises liability attorney Don Guthrie, we are committed to helping victims of these accidents win the compensation they deserve for their terrible experience.

Causes of Stair Collapse

Most people may spend little to no time thinking about stair collapse in their daily lives, but it is a risk that safety inspectors take very seriously. They have identified certain risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of stair collapse, including:

• Poor maintenance. Age and the elements will work together over time to rot wood and rust metal; even indoor stairs can be eroded by humidity, wall water, and other factors. Responsible property owners will keep an eye on stairs to make sure they remain in sturdy condition; if they do not, serious injuries can be the result.
• Poor design. There are many flaws that can make a staircase a danger. Steps that are improperly connected to the structure of the staircase, incorrect balance of the weight of building materials, or structures that have not been designed to withstand disasters can all be dangers.
• Poor material selection. For as long as buildings have been constructed, some property owners have tried to save money by using less than ideal building materials. Weak materials that become weaker over time can put people at a real risk for injury.

Determining Responsibility

If a property owner fails to maintain safe stairways, or at least warn guests of any risky areas on his or her property, he or she can be legally responsible for any injuries caused by a stair collapse. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, contact Jacksonville stair collapse attorney Don Guthrie at 904-493-6455 today.