Stair collapses can happen because of poor maintenance, faulty construction, or other negligent actions by property owners.
At Bernard Law Group, we understand the impact these accidents can have on victims and their loved ones. Our Seattle stair collapse accident lawyer is here to help those who have been hurt seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.
Premises liability law is designed to protect people from harm caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. In the case of stair collapses, this law can be used to pursue compensation for injuries caused by a property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions.
Duties of Property Owners
Property owners are legally responsible for ensuring that their premises are safe for anyone who enters. This includes regularly inspecting and repairing stairways to prevent dangerous conditions, like loose handrails, crumbling steps, or weak structures.
Failing to do this can lead to serious injuries, and in these cases, the property owner can be held liable under premises liability law.
For example, a property owner who ignores repeated complaints about a wobbly staircase is being negligent. If the staircase collapses and someone is injured, the victim has the right to file a claim against the owner with the help of a stair collapse accident attorney in Seattle, WA. This type of negligence can lead to serious legal consequences for property owners.
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Common Locations of Stair Collapse Accidents
Stair collapse accidents can happen in a wide variety of places. Some of the most common locations include:
- Residential apartment buildings
- Commercial office buildings
- Shopping malls
- Public parks and recreational areas
- Schools and universities
- Parking garages and structures
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants and bars
- Construction sites
- Private homes (rental properties or Airbnb locations)
Regardless of the location, if a stair collapse occurs due to poor maintenance or construction, victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our Seattle premises liability lawyer can help determine whether a property owner’s negligence led to the accident.
Protected Parties in Premises Liability Cases
Under premises liability law, certain parties are protected and have the right to pursue compensation after a stair collapse. These include:
- Invitees: People who are legally allowed on the property, like shoppers, tenants, or customers.
- Licensees: Individuals visiting for social purposes or have the owner’s permission to be there, like friends or family members.
- Trespassers: Trespassers generally have limited protections under the law, but property owners still owe a minimal duty of care to avoid creating dangerous conditions that could harm even those on the property illegally.
If you or a loved one falls into one of these categories and has been hurt in a stair collapse, a Seattle stair collapse accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Unprotected Parties in Premises Liability Cases
There are also situations where certain parties may not be protected under premises liability law. For instance:
Trespassers Involved in Illegal Activities
If someone is on a property without permission and is doing something illegal, they usually can’t file a claim if they get hurt. For example, if someone breaks into a building to steal something and injure themselves, they aren’t likely to be protected by the law.
Property owners are generally not responsible for keeping their places safe for people who should not be there.
Individuals Who Knowingly Enter Unsafe Areas
Sometimes, people get hurt entering areas that are clearly marked as dangerous, such as “Keep Out” or “Danger” zones. If the area is properly marked and the person still chooses to ignore the warning signs, they might not have the right to sue for their injuries.
For instance, if someone walks into a construction site without permission and gets injured, their claim for compensation could be denied because they ignored the warnings.
While these situations can complicate a case, it’s important to speak with a top-rated premises liability attorney in Seattle to understand whether you have a claim.
The Doctrine of Attractive Nuisance
The attractive nuisance doctrine is a special rule for children injured on someone else’s property. If a property owner has something on their land that is likely to attract children—such as an unguarded staircase—they are responsible for taking extra precautions to keep children safe.
Even if the child was trespassing, the property owner can be held liable if they didn’t take steps to prevent the danger.
If a child is injured in a stair collapse, this doctrine may apply. The best stair collapse accident lawyer in Seattle can help families determine whether the property owner’s negligence contributed to the accident.
Proving Negligence in Stair Collapse Accident Cases
To be successful when filing a premises liability lawsuit, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent. This requires showing four key elements:
Duty of Care
The property owner is responsible for maintaining safe conditions. For example, building owners are responsible for ensuring their stairways are sturdy and secure.
Breach of Duty
The property owner failed to meet this responsibility. An example might be an owner who ignored obvious signs of wear and tear on a staircase, eventually leading to its collapse.
Causation
The property owner’s failure directly caused the injury. For example, if someone was hurt in a stair collapse because the owner failed to repair the stairs, that owner is at fault.
Damages
Finally, the victim must show that they suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm as a result of the accident.
If you’re unsure how to prove these elements, don’t worry—a no-win, no-fee stair collapse accident lawyer in Seattle can handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Stair Collapse Accidents
Stair collapse accidents often result in serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and possible paralysis
- Lacerations and deep cuts
- Internal injuries
- Emotional trauma
These injuries can have lasting effects on a victim’s life. If you’ve been injured in a stair collapse accident, a Seattle stair collapse accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of stair collapse accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical bills: Both past and future medical expenses related to the injury.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injury, as well as future lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the mental toll the accident has taken on the victim’s well-being.
- Property damage: If the victim’s personal property was damaged in the accident.
A top-rated premises liability attorney in Seattle can help you determine what type of compensation you might be entitled to based on the specifics of your case.
How Our Seattle Stair Collapse Accident Lawyer Can Help
We will work to hold the negligent property owner accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.
Having an attorney on your side can make a significant difference, especially when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action. Our best stair collapse accident lawyer in Seattle will fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Work With Bernard Law Group?
When you choose Bernard Law Group, you’re working with a law firm with an impressive track record. Our attorneys have a 98% success rate and have helped over 10,000 people win their personal injury cases.
We have been recognized for securing some of the largest settlements in Washington’s history, meaning we know how to get results. Our team is top-rated by AVVO, which is like the gold medal for lawyers, and we’re listed in Super Lawyers of America, which only the best attorneys make it into.
If you want to work with a law firm that knows how to win, Bernard Law Group is the right choice.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact Our Seattle Stair Collapse Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a stair collapse accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Bernard Law Group today for a free consultation. Our no-win, no-fee stair collapse accident lawyer in Seattle is ready to take your case and fight for your rights.
We’ll guide you through the entire process and make sure you’re fully informed every step of the way.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you pursue justice after a stair collapse accident. Let us stand by your side as you seek the compensation you deserve.
