Falls on defective stairways are among the leading causes of serious injuries in California. More than one million people are injured in stairway accidents each year in the U.S., and these incidents account for roughly 12,000 fatalities annually. For older adults, stairway falls are one of the most common causes of unintentional injury and death.
At Traut Firm, we represent victims of falls caused by defective steps, stairways, and handrails. Since 1978, our Orange County premises liability lawyers have fought to hold property owners, contractors, and other negligent parties accountable when unsafe staircases cause life-changing harm.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation – (714) 835-7000
At Traut Firm, we bring unmatched skill and dedication to stairway accident cases. As a family-founded, family-focused firm, we approach every case with both professional rigor and personal care. James R. Traut, a Certified Civil Trial Specialist, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide, offers expertise that sets our firm apart. Working alongside his daughter, attorney Taylor Traut, our team blends decades of trial-tested experience with a new generation of advocacy. With a deep knowledge of California’s premises liability and building safety laws, we handle everything from slip and fall claims to complex code violation cases.
Falls often occur because stairways and handrails are not properly designed, built, or maintained. Common dangers include:
Liability depends on what caused the dangerous condition. Responsible parties may include:
California building codes are strict when it comes to stairway safety. For example, each step’s rise and run must be uniform within a fraction of an inch, and handrails must meet specific height and placement standards.
When property owners or builders fail to meet these requirements, the law recognizes that they’ve created an unreasonable risk of harm. If an expert inspection shows code violations, you may have a strong legal basis for compensation.
Property owners and insurers often argue that victims simply “misstepped” or that hazards were “open and obvious.” They may also try to deny responsibility by blaming improper footwear or inattention.
At Traut Firm, we know these tactics and how to defeat them. With expert testimony, building code analysis, and years of courtroom experience, we’ve successfully held property owners accountable even in cases where insurers tried to deny fault.
Victims of stairway accidents may be entitled to recover:
If you’ve been injured due to defective steps, stairways, or handrails, you don’t have to face the consequences alone. At Traut Firm, we have the experience, resources, and proven record to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
Report the incident to the property owner, landlord, or manager.
Take photos of the stairway, steps, or handrails, and your injuries.
Collect witness information if anyone saw your fall.
Preserve evidence such as shoes or clothing.
Contact a stairway accident lawyer before speaking with insurers.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, harmed by unsafe property conditions, or wronged by a negligent attorney, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and strict time limits apply to every case.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation (714) 835-7000.
Not every lawyer delivers the representation clients deserve. When attorneys fail to meet deadlines, provide inadequate advice, mishandle cases, or create conflicts of interest, the consequences can be severe. At Traut Firm, we are among the few firms in Orange County that specialize in legal malpractice litigation. We hold negligent lawyers accountable, helping clients recover damages for the harm caused.
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