Navigating stairs can present significant challenges and serious hazards for people of all ages, specifically for the elderly and disabled. Over time, carpet tread can wear down. Initial construction errors and lack of maintenance can lead to serious defects. Unsafe or missing railings can lead to falls that result in injuries and death. Even leaving a loose rug at the top of the stairs, while comfortable, carries catastrophic consequences.
Hidden dangers
Distractions caused by curved, angled, narrowed, and winder takes eyes away from where they should be. Averting gazes takes attention away from safely finding the next step. Focusing on the next step is of paramount importance when navigating stairwells that turn out to be inconsistent in height, width, surface, and slope.
At the top of the list when it comes to dangers are angled or curved stairs. Well known as a particular trip hazard, the steps lack uniformity. The tread width inside of the curve can be too small for safe walking. More serious accidents can occur when the tread becomes split, cracked, loose, or fragile. Overall, the style tends to lack uniformity where tread width within the curve can become too small and affect safe walking.
Carpeting, while comfortable for walkers, can also lead to tragic falls. Recent findings reveal that these types of floor coverings are considered to be a prominent environmental hazard, specifically for older adults who are frail or disabled. Studies reveal that loose throw rugs are in three-quarters of homes, curled carpet edges are in more than a third, and 11 percent of rugs, on average that lack non-slip backing.
Whether an accident is caused by a design flaw or a lack of stability, stair falls can be life-changing and potentially fatal. Holding negligent parties accountable for tragic outcomes requires representation from an attorney.
