Falling down stairs is a common accident that can lead to serious injuries. Whether at home, work, or in a public building, a stairway fall can cause anything from minor bruises to life-altering conditions.
The severity of these slip and fall injuries often depends on factors like the height of the fall, the surface of the stairs, and how the body lands.
Common Injuries from Stairway Falls
Falls on stairs often result in more serious injuries than level-ground falls because of the multiple points of impact. The force of hitting multiple steps or landing on a hard surface increases the likelihood of significant harm. Some of the most common injuries include head and brain injuries. A fall down the stairs can lead to head trauma, especially if the head strikes a step or a hard floor at the bottom.
This can cause concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries, which may result in dizziness, headaches, confusion, or long-term cognitive issues.
Even a seemingly mild head injury should be evaluated by a doctor, as symptoms can get worse over time.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The impact that results from falling on stairs often leads to broken bones. The most common areas to suffer fractures in a fall include:
- Wrists and arms, as you instinctively reach out to try to break your fall
- Ankles and feet, especially if you twist while falling or land awkwardly
- Ribs, which can be fractured when hitting the edges of steps
- Hips, particularly in older adults, which can lead to life-long issues with pain and mobility
Fractures may require casts, mobility equipment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation therapies, depending on how severe the injury is.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The spine is highly vulnerable in a stairway fall. A sudden impact can cause:
- Herniated or slipped discs, leading to chronic pain or nerve damage
- Compression fractures in the vertebrae, which can limit movement and cause significant and ongoing pain
- Spinal cord damage, which, in severe cases, may result in partial or total paralysis
Back injuries often require long-term medical treatment, including physical therapy, medication, or even surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Not all stairway injuries include fractures or broken bones. Many falls result in soft tissue damage, like:
- Sprains and strains at the ankles, knees, back, or wrists
- Ligament tears, which can lead to prolonged pain and mobility issues
- Deep bruises and lacerations, which may need stitches and ongoing wound care
Soft tissue injuries may seem less severe but can still lead to chronic pain or long-term discomfort.
Risk Factors for Stairway Falls
Preventing falls starts with being able to recognize and address these hazards.
Some factors can increase the likelihood of falling. Insufficient lighting often makes it hard to see steps, while wet or slippery surfaces like polished stairs can lead to dangerous falls. Loose carpeting or uneven steps can be tripping hazards, and carrying large or heavy objects can block your view of the stairs in front of you and increase the risk of a misstep.
Medical conditions such as dizziness or poor balance also contribute to falls, especially in older adults.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that falls led at least three million older Americans to seek emergency room treatment in 2023, representing more than one million hospitalizations.
Preventing Stair-Related Injuries
There are some simple precautions you can take that can significantly reduce the risk of stairway falls.
These safety steps include:
- Installing high-quality handrails on both sides of the stairway
- Keeping your stairways well-lit and clutter-free
- Using non-slip step mats or stair treads to improve grip
- Wear footwear that has good traction (not just socks or bare feet)
- Taking stairs slower and avoiding distractions, like looking at a phone
For older adults or people who suffer from mobility issues, additional safety measures like stairlifts or grab bars can provide extra support as well.
What to Do After a Stairway Fall
If you fall down the stairs, assess yourself for injuries before moving. If pain, dizziness, or weakness is present, seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation can rule out internal damage, like organ injury, bleeding, or a concussion.
If the fall happened due to unsafe conditions, such as a poorly maintained staircase in a public building or workplace, legal options may be available. Property owners may be held liable for negligence, referred to as premises liability, if they fail to keep their stairs safe and someone is injured in a fall.
Falling down stairs can result in serious injuries, from broken bones to head trauma and spinal damage.
At Peterson Law Office, we understand that while some accidents are simply unavoidable, many can be prevented by addressing common safety hazards and staying alert when using stairs. If a stairway fall outside of your own property causes significant injury, be sure to seek medical care and learn the legal options you may have to help your recovery.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help.
Taking simple precautions can help prevent stair-related injuries and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
