If you fall down broken or defective stairs in Aberdeen, Long Branch, or the surrounding Monmouth County communities, understanding the steps you should take is imperative. Under New Jersey law, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation against the negligent party. However, the outcome of your claim is heavily dependent on the strength of evidence gathered in the aftermath of the accident, making it important to understand the immediate steps you should take. A Monmouth County premises liability lawyer from our firm can tell you what to do after a fall and how you can build a case against the party that caused your injuries.
What Should I Do Immediately After Falling Down Broken Stairs in Monmouth County?
Taking the correct steps immediately after a stair-related injury is imperative. Though you may be overwhelmed, it’s important to remain calm and stay as collected as possible to help you protect not only your potential legal claim, but also your health and well-being.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Stair Fall
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay or injuries are seemingly minor
- Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or business owner
- Take photos and videos of the hazardous conditions, such as:
- Loose or broken treads
- Lack of warning signs
- Poor lighting or obstructed visibility
- Broken or missing handrails
- Gather the contact information of any witnesses
- Do not speak to insurers without first consulting an attorney
What Kind of Evidence Should I Gather After Falling Down Broken or Faulty Stairs?
If you are able to, you should take pictures of the broken or faulty stairs after you have fallen down. Identify the problem and make sure that you have photographic evidence. Was the issue a broken stair or a missing handrail? Did the lack of lighting or a spilled liquid cause you to fall? Take photos and be ready to produce copies of them when you sue for damages.
Important Evidence That Strengthens Your Case
- Photos and videos of the hazard from multiple angles and distances
- Video footage showing the scene and the surrounding area
- Medical records linking the injury to the accident
- Incident reports filed with the property owner or manager
- Maintenance and inspection records
Should I See a Doctor Even If I Don’t Feel Hurt?
Yes, this is another big part of building your case. Seeing a doctor right away is smart because you may not initially realize that you are injured. If you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company might try to claim that you were not injured or that you got your injuries somewhere else.
Additionally, your medical records and bills can also serve as valuable evidence in your case.
What Is Premises Liability and Why Does It Matter in Monmouth County?
Premises liability is a legal term that holds property owners legally responsible for ensuring the conditions on their property are reasonably safe for those lawfully on the premises. As such, in New Jersey, including Monmouth County, property owners must conduct routine inspections, repair hazards and defects, and warn visitors of dangers that may not be immediately fixed.
Responsibilities of Property Owners
- Conduct regular inspections of the property
- Repair dangerous conditions, like unsafe stairs or broken handrails
- Provide a warning for known risks that cannot be quickly remedied
- Ensure lighting on the property is adequate, and walkways are reasonably maintained
Can I Sue For Damages If I Get Seriously Injured on Broken or Faulty Stairs?
Yes, you can sue for damages if you believe that someone else’s negligence caused you to fall. A fall on broken or faulty stairs can cause serious injuries, ranging from concussions to spinal cord injuries. Falls are especially likely to break bones when the victim is older, and something like a broken hip can greatly impact mobility and quality of life.
A fall and the resulting injuries can have all kinds of psychological effects. It’s important that your compensation reflects that.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
- PTSD and anxiety
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
How Is Liability Determined in Stair Accidents?
Determining liability for a fall down broken, defective, or otherwise unsafe stairs will depend on whether or not the property owner knew or should have known about the condition and failed to address it in a reasonable amount of time.
When a Property Owner May Be Liable
- The hazard existed for long enough that the owner should have discovered it
- The owner failed to fix dangerous or broken stairs or handrails
- No warnings were provided about the unsafe conditions
- Poor maintenance lead to the hazard
When a Property Owner May NOT Be Liable
- The hazard was created by an unrelated third party shortly before the accident
- The property owner did not have a reasonable amount of time to address the hazard
- The danger was deemed “open and obvious,” which can reduce or limit compensation
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
You are not required to hire a lawyer when pursuing a personal injury case, but you can be sure that the insurance company on the other side of the negotiating table will have its own team of attorneys. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you even the odds and build a more compelling case. If the other side won’t settle, we will help you build a case that can succeed in court.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers
When you are ready to build a case against a negligent property owner, our personal injury lawyers are ready to help you. Contact Falcon Law Firm and ask to schedule a free case consultation today.
