While you may not think of stairwells as being especially dangerous, serious accidents can occur if stairwells are not properly maintained. Some of the most common causes of staircase accidents include broken or missing handrails, damaged steps, unevenly spaced (or missing) stairs, insufficient lighting in the stairwell, and more. If you are injured in a stairwell accident, there is a good chance that you are entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about stairwell injuries in Pennsylvania.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Stairwell Injury?
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In the case of a stairwell injury, you will have to prove that the property owner was aware of the hazard that caused your accident and did not fix it, or that he or she should have reasonably been aware. If you can prove that your injury was a result of negligence, there is a good chance you will be able to recover compensation.
Providing Proof of Negligence
In order to prove that your injury was a result of another party’s negligence, you will have to gather evidence. Evidence can include things like pictures and videos from the scene of the accident. Additionally, if someone saw your accident occur, you should be sure to ask for their name and contact information, as they may be able to corroborate your version of events. You should go to the hospital immediately after your accident. This will provide you with important proof of the origin and extent of your injuries. Ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents. You should also contact a personal injury as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to obtain further evidence, including security camera footage, police reports, and more.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you wish to pursue legal action, you should do so as soon as possible. This is because of a deadline known as the statute of limitations. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within two years will likely mean being barred from suing and therefore losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Don’t let this happen- reach out to an experienced attorney today.
If you have been injured in a stairwell accident, contact our firm today. We are here to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
