Taking the stairs is a great way to add more exercise to your day. But did you know that nearly half of all falls occur on stairs? Stairway falls can cause extremely serious injuries, including: broken bones; spinal injuries; disc herniations or protrusions; spasms; and sometimes even death.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of stairway falls:

• Always use the handrail, whether going up or down.
• Make sure the stairway is well lit.
• Make sure stairways are clear of obstacles.
• Keep stairways in good repair.
• When carrying objects up and down stairs, make sure you can see where you are stepping.
• Use extra caution if you are wearing high heels or sandals.
• Don’t run going up or down stairs.

If you are a property owner, here are some tips for making your stairs safe for others:

• Make sure the stairway is well lit with light switches at the top and bottom.
• Keep stairways in good repair.
• Make sure stairway is uncluttered.
• If area rugs are at the top or bottom of stairs, make sure they are well secured.
• Check stairs routinely for worn, loose or frayed carpeting.

Property owners are required to maintain safe stairways to prevent accidents. Replacing light bulbs, maintaining handrails and cleaning up spills are among the property owner’s responsibility. Some stairway accidents occur because of faulty design, such as steps with uneven heights, or failing to have a handrail.

If you have suffered injuries as a result of a fall on a staircase, our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys can help you get the quality medical care you need, along with helping you recover compensation for pain and suffering related to a stairway fall. Contact our office at (904) 632-0077 for a free consultation.