2 Tips For Proving That The Business Owner Is At Fault In A Staircase Slip And Fall Accident

28 November 2015
 Categories: Law, Blog

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Staircase slip and fall accidents are often caused by negligence and extreme weather conditions. While it is difficult to completely safeguard a building against extreme weather, it is still up to the business owner to take preventative measures to ensure that their property is safe for customers to use. If you are involved in a staircase slip and fall accident, it is important to gather proof that will help to strengthen your claims against the business owner. This can be difficult and time-consuming to do if you are not sure what to look for. Luckily, there are a few tips you can use to prove that the business owner is at fault.

Look for Hidden Hazards

A common reason for slip and fall accidents is poor maintenance. Staircases that are left broken, chipped or slippery can easily lead to accidents. While these dangers are more apparent, you should also look for hazards that are not as apparent. For example, if a drain is not cleaned regularly and excess rainwater drips from that drain into an outdoor staircase, this can lead to an accident. As a result, if someone were to slip on this wet surface, the owner would be at fault. The cause of the accident does not have to be in plain sight for it to be used as evidence in your case.

Look for Building Code Violations

Before a business is allowed to operate, a building inspector is required to evaluate the building. The inspection is performed in order to ensure that the building is safe for people to use. The inspector will look at the building's internal and external facilities to see if they adhere to the construction rules in your county. If these facilities are damaged, it is up to the business owner to fix the problem before they can open up their business to the public. However, building code violations can often happen after the business is inspected. If the owner neglects to fix these issues, then they can be held liable for an injury that is caused by them. Common staircase building code violations include staircases with broken railings and incorrect stair height.

In order to strengthen your chances of winning your slip and fall case, it is important to find evidence that supports your case. Therefore, use these tips to ensure that you are able to prove that the business owner is at fault. It's a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney for assistance with this task.