"When I was injured due to inadequate security at a retail center in Columbus, I felt completely lost. This firm quickly stepped in, investigated the facts, and held the property owner accountable for their negligence. They treated my case with dignity and professionalism, securing a settlement that covered my medical bills and lost wages. I highly recommend them for any crime-related injury on someone else's property."
Injury Due to Missing - Broken Handrail Slip and Fall: Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
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Ohio Injury Due to Missing - Broken Handrail Slip and Fall: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Missing - Broken Handrail Slip and Fall Injury throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Slip and Fall Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Missing or Broken Handrail Attorney: Injured on Unsafe Stairs or Ramps?
A missing or broken handrail on a ramp or staircase is more than poor maintenance—it's a serious violation of safety standards that robs you of the stability needed to prevent a catastrophic trip or fall injury.
In Ohio, commercial property owners have a non-delegable duty to maintain safe handrails on stairs and ramps used by the public. If you were injured because you reached for a handrail that wasn't there, was loose, or broke under your weight, our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team can help you pursue a premises liability claim based on this clear negligence.
Handrail Requirements & Premises Liability Under Ohio Law
Ohio law, supported by state building and administrative codes, strictly mandates that commercial properties provide safe, functional handrails on stairways and ramps. Handrails are a fundamental safety feature, and their absence or defect constitutes a breach of the duty of care owed to invitees (customers and guests).
A successful claim for a fall caused by a defective handrail relies on proving:
- Building Code Violation: Ohio codes often require handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps exceeding a certain rise or length. Specifications cover height (typically 34 to 38 inches), grip size, and load strength. A violation of these codes provides strong evidence of negligence.
- Notice of Defect: We must prove the business had Actual Notice (they knew the handrail was broken) or Constructive Notice (it was broken or missing for so long that they should have discovered it during routine inspections).
- Direct Causation: The lack of a secure handrail directly contributed to your inability to prevent the fall or minimize your injury.
Overcoming the "Open and Obvious" Defense
The defense will likely argue the missing handrail was "open and obvious," relieving them of liability. We fight this defense by demonstrating the presence of attendant circumstances, which created a distraction or made the hazard unavoidable:
- Focus on Gait: When ascending or descending, a person's focus is on the steps/ramp itself. An unexpected missing handrail disrupts their natural balance and stability.
- Emergency Need: A sudden slip or misstep makes a working handrail a necessary safety device. Its failure at that critical moment is what causes the injury, making the prior "open and obvious" nature irrelevant.
- Poor Lighting: Dark stairwells or ramps often obscure the fact that a handrail is missing or broken, making the defect effectively hidden.
The failure to provide a safety mechanism required by law often outweighs the "open and obvious" defense in Ohio premises liability cases.
Evidence, Compensation, & Ohio's Statute of Limitations
We work quickly to investigate, knowing that businesses may quickly repair broken handrails to destroy evidence. Our investigation includes:
- Expert Inspection: We consult with architects and engineers to measure the defect and compare it to specific Ohio Building Codes requirements.
- Maintenance Records: Obtaining logs and reports to establish the business's notice of the poor condition.
- Witness Testimony: Gathering statements that confirm the handrail was missing or broken prior to your fall.
Under Ohio's Modified Comparative Negligence law (R.C. 2315.33), we defend against attempts to blame you, ensuring you remain below the 51% fault threshold to recover damages for severe injuries like spinal trauma, head injuries, and fractures.
Remember, the statute of limitations (R.C. 2305.10) for personal injury claims in Ohio is typically two years from the date of the fall. Act swiftly to protect your right to compensation.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you were seriously injured on stairs or a ramp due to a missing or broken handrail at a business, contact our dedicated legal team for assistance.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule your Free Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
What Our Clients Say
After prolonged exposure to toxic mold at my workplace, I started experiencing severe health issues. Proving the connection to the business's negligence felt impossible until I hired this firm. They were brilliant, connecting my health problems to the landlord's failure to address water damage. They gave me my health and my life back by securing a significant settlement. For mold-related injury cases, they are unparalleled."
"My accident at a poorly maintained apartment complex pool in Dayton was terrifying. I suffered a serious head injury. This law firm was incredible; they immediately started investigating the pool's safety records and maintenance log. Their work resulted in a successful claim against the property management. If you've been injured at a pool in Ohio, you want this firm on your side."
"The defective stairs at a restaurant in Toledo caused a significant knee injury. The property owner initially refused to pay, but this firm took on the challenge. They brought in experts to show the code violations and built an undeniable case. Thanks to their legal expertise, I received a fair settlement that allows me to focus on my recovery. They truly excel with cases involving unsafe property conditions."
"My child was tragically bitten by a dog at a neighbor's property in Akron. Navigating the aftermath and dealing with the owners was incredibly stressful. The team at this law firm was compassionate yet fiercely effective. They understood Ohio's dog bite laws thoroughly and fought to ensure my child received the necessary medical care and compensation for their trauma. They are the best dog bite attorneys in the state."
"I had a terrible slip and fall accident on a wet floor at a grocery store in Cincinnati that led to a serious fracture. The store tried to deny responsibility, but this firm's meticulous preparation and dedication proved the store's negligence. They were communicative throughout the entire process, making a stressful situation much easier to handle. Choose them if you need a top-notch slip and fall lawyer."
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PH: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 • OFFICE LOCATION • 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Columbus, OH 43220