Stairs and steps can be dangerous; and with skyscrapers and larger buildings springing up all over the world as populations grow and cities expand, we could be set to see more unfortunate accidents of this nature occurring…
But accidents do happen, and it appears that not even the United Nations building in Vienna can escape an unfortunate stairwell accident occurring.
According to Sky News reports an unnamed 47 year old British man has fallen 120 ft to his death in a stairwell in the Vienna complex, although the cause of the accident is still yet to be determined. (source).
Authorities have advised that the incident is not being treated as suspicious and no signs that the tragedy was a suicide attempt have been uncovered. It therefore appears to be an unfortunate accident.
Although the report does not detail the cause of the fall, accidents of this nature can be the result of negligence and claims for compensation can be made!
Building owners, occupiers, and maintainers alike have a duty to ensure that the condition of stairs and steps are maintained sufficiently to ensure that they do not become a hazard to those using them.
Some simple examples; stairs and steps should…
- Be constructed and maintained in such a way that prevents them from being, or becoming, uneven or damaged, which could lead to a person tripping or stumbling and subsequently falling.
- Not be constructed too narrowly. Both width and breadth of the step size should be sufficient enough to allow a person to safely use the stairs.
- Not be permitted to become slippery; through for example lack of maintenance or the application of a treatment agent (such as varnish). Precautionary measures such as none slip materials to prevent rainwater from moistening surfaces and the installation of metallic step grips are methods applied to prevent slipping and subsequent accidents.
- Have handrails where appropriate to allow users to use the stairs more safely.
This is covered under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 which details clearly the responsibility and duty of care a property owner / occupier has to persons using the premises. Please see www.statutelaw.gov.uk for more information.
If you have sustained an injury on another person’s property that wasn’t your fault, seek expert advice from an independent personal injury solicitor and see if you are eligible to claim for compensation today!
