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What Types of Injuries Can Result from Falling Down Stairs?
Common injuries from falling down the stairs may include:
- Sprains / Strains: Injuries to ligaments and muscles can result from the impact and the body's attempt to brace against falling down the stairs.
- Fractures / Broken Bones: Falling down a flight of stairs can cause fractures or breaks in bones including the wrists, arms, ankles, and hips.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries resulting from stair falls can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries are a significant concern, especially if the person hits their head on the stairs or a nearby surface.
- Contusions / Bruises: Common injuries caused by the impact of the fall on different parts of the body.
- Back Injuries: Falling down stairs can cause multiple types of injuries to the back, such as sprains, strains, or more severe spinal injuries.
- Dislocations: Stair falls can cause joints to become dislocated, particularly in the shoulders and hips.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as those to the tendons and ligaments, can result from a fall down stairs.
- Cuts / Abrasions: Contact with the stairs or nearby objects can cause cuts and/or abrasions.
- Internal Injuries: In cases of a severe fall, internal injuries, such as damage to internal organs, may result.
- Emotional Impact: Falling down stairs can have emotional consequences beyond physical injuries, including anxiety or fear of using stairs in the future.
When Should You Go To The ER After Falling Down the Stairs?
As stated above, falling down the stairs can result in a range of injuries, and the decision to go to the emergency room depends on how serious your condition is.
If you are unsure about the severity of your injuries or if you have any additional concerns about your health after a stair fall, you should err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for advice based on your specific situation. If in doubt, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest ER.
How to Prevent Falling Down the Stairs
Preventing falls downstairs is the first step in reducing your risk of injuries. This may involve using handrails, installing proper lighting on stairs, keeping stairways clear of obstacles, and using non-slip materials on stair steps.
Additionally, providing maintenance, such as repairing loose handrails or uneven steps, can make using the stairs much safer. If you or a loved one has been injured after falling down the stairs, you should seek immediate medical attention, especially for head injuries or fractures.
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FAQs
Who can file a claim in a stair-related injury lawsuit?
Individuals who were injured due to a fall on stairs caused by negligence or hazardous conditions may be eligible to file a claim. This includes tenants, visitors, employees, or customers who suffered injuries on someone else's property.
What compensation might plaintiffs receive in a stair-related injury lawsuit?
Plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and any long-term disability or emotional distress resulting from the injury. In severe cases, compensation may also cover future medical care.
What evidence is needed to support a stair-related injury claim?
To support a claim, you may need photographs of the stairway, documentation of hazardous conditions (e.g., broken steps, missing handrails), medical records of your injuries, witness statements, and any maintenance or inspection reports related to the property.
Who can be held liable for injuries sustained from falling down stairs?
Property owners, landlords, businesses, or maintenance companies may be held liable if they failed to maintain safe stair conditions. Liability can arise if they neglected repairs, ignored safety hazards, or violated building codes that contributed to the fall.
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