Slips and falls can be deadly. Even when they’re not, they can leave victims with life-changing injuries. In fact, falls are the number one reason for emergency room visits – to the tune of about eight million per year.
Some of those slips and falls are related to defective handrails on stairways, balconies and footbridges – and the danger could be more significant than you realize.
Why are handrails so important in fall prevention?
Handrails provide a firm point of support for people to steady themselves when walking or standing on a high surface, which automatically reduces the chances that they’ll lose their balance and fall. They’re especially important for people with limited mobility, vision impairments and balance issues that can make it hard to move safely from one point to another.
Unfortunately, handrail defects can also cause accidents. Consider the following:
- Loose, unstable handrails that aren’t properly anchored to the wall or floor can give way when someone grabs them for support
- Handrails that are improperly placed, especially when they’re installed at the wrong height, can be entirely ineffective
- Handrails can deteriorate over time, especially if they’re outdoors, and their structural weaknesses can cause them to fail when they’re being used
- Missing handrails can also be a problem, particularly on staircases and ramps, leaving people with no support as they navigate their paths
Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage are all possibilities when a handrail doesn’t do its job. If this has happened to you, the property owner may be liable for your losses. Legal guidance can help you learn more.