A stair collapse can have devastating consequences whether you are at work, someone’s home, or another location. This situation can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities in some cases.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a stair collapse accident can take on victims and their families. As experienced Fort Worth stair collapse accident lawyers, we are committed to helping victims recover compensation for their injuries and ensuring those responsible for unsafe conditions are held accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a stair collapse, our skilled legal team is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Understanding Stair Collapse Accidents
Stair collapses can occur in residential and commercial buildings, often without warning. Structural deficiencies, poor maintenance, or the use of substandard materials typically cause these accidents. Victims of a stair collapse can suffer severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and even death.
According to the National Safety Council, falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States. In 2020, over 42,000 people died due to falls, and millions more sustained non-fatal injuries. Many of these accidents, including stair collapses, could have been prevented with proper maintenance and safety measures.
Common Causes of Stair Collapse Accidents
Stair collapses are often the result of negligence, and property owners, contractors, or manufacturers may be held liable for accidents caused by:
- Defective construction materials: Using substandard or faulty materials can weaken the structural integrity of stairs, increasing the risk of collapse.
- Poor design or construction: Incorrectly designed stairs or mistakes during construction can lead to instability and eventual failure.
- Neglected maintenance: Stairs require routine inspections and maintenance to ensure their safety. Neglecting necessary repairs, such as fixing broken railings or deteriorating steps, can result in hazardous conditions.
- Building code violations: Texas has specific building codes that regulate the construction and maintenance of staircases. Property owners and contractors who fail to adhere to these regulations can be held accountable for accidents resulting from their negligence.
Our Fort Worth stair collapse accident attorneys are experienced in investigating the causes of stair collapse accidents and determining who is responsible for our client’s injuries.
Liability in Stair Collapse Accidents
Determining liability in a stair collapse accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible for maintaining the safety of a property.
In many cases, liability may fall on:
- Property owners: Under Texas premises liability law, property owners must keep their premises safe for visitors. This includes ensuring that staircases are in good condition and free from hazards. If a property owner fails to uphold this duty and someone is injured, they can be held legally responsible.
- Construction companies and contractors: If a stair collapse was caused by poor design or shoddy construction work, the company or contractors involved in building the staircase may be liable for the injuries caused.
- Manufacturers: In cases where defective materials or products contributed to the collapse, manufacturers of those materials may be held responsible under Texas product liability laws.
Our personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas, will thoroughly investigate your accident’s circumstances, identify the liable parties, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Stair Collapse Accidents
Stair collapse accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the most common injuries associated with these accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones: Falling from a collapsed staircase can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or even the pelvis.
- Spinal cord injuries: A severe fall can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in stair collapse accidents, particularly if the victim strikes their head during the fall. TBIs can have life-altering consequences, including cognitive impairments and emotional difficulties.
- Soft tissue injuries: A stair collapse can also cause torn ligaments, sprains, and strains.
- Internal injuries: A hard fall can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on your life. Our Fort Worth PI attorneys are dedicated to helping you obtain compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with your accident.
Texas Premises Liability Law and Your Rights
In Texas, premises liability laws require property owners to maintain safe conditions for those who lawfully enter their property. The law distinguishes between different categories of visitors, including:
- Invitees: People who enter a property for the mutual benefit of the property owner and themselves, such as customers at a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees.
- Licensees: Individuals who enter a property for their own benefit, such as social guests, with the property owner’s permission. Property owners must warn licensees of any known hazards.
- Trespassers: People who enter a property without permission. Property owners owe trespassers a limited duty of care and must avoid willfully causing harm.
If you were injured in a stair collapse as a lawful visitor, you may be entitled to compensation under Texas premises liability law. Our Fort Worth accident attorneys will help you understand your legal options and the claims process.
Compensation for Stair Collapse Accident Victims
Victims of stair collapse accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Injuries sustained in a stair collapse can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation may be awarded for these non-economic damages.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a stair collapse accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Our experienced injury lawyers in Fort Worth will fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve to help you recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
What to Do After a Stair Collapse Accident
If you’ve been injured in a stair collapse accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that you receive the necessary treatment.
Report the Accident
Notify the property owner or manager of the accident as soon as possible. Make sure to document the incident in writing and request a copy of the report.
Gather Evidence
TPhotographthe accident scene, including the collapsed staircase and any visible hazards. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information.
Contact a Fort Worth Stair Collapse Accident Lawyer
Our legal team can help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your right to compensation. Do not sign any documents or speak with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
At Patterson Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in representing victims of premises liability accidents, including stair collapses. Our stair collapse accident attorneys in Fort Worth are committed to providing personalized and compassionate representation to every client. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
With extensive knowledge of Texas premises liability laws and a dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients, we are ready to fight for your rights.
Contact a Fort Worth Stair Collapse Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a stair collapse accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas at Patterson Law Group for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your legal options and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started.
