NYC Personal Injury Lawyer » Broken Handrail Injuries In NYC

Broken Handrail Injuries In NYC

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of injuries, including in premises liability cases and workplace injury claims. Property owners and employers must take all reasonable measures to prevent injuries to people lawfully on their property. One crucial aspect of this legal duty of care is installing handrails in key locations and keeping them adequately maintained.

Unfortunately, if you were injured by a broken handrail in NYC, no legal process will erase the injury or the pain, but a successful premises liability claim can provide the financial resources you need for the best possible care and relief from financial hardship.

Contact a NYC premises liability lawyer today to pursue compensation for injuries sustained.

Call our firm at (212) 564-2800.

Injuries Caused by Broken Handrails In NYC

Handrails are installed on stairways, escalators, ramps, and on open edges, such as landings and balconies. Hospitals and nursing homes must have properly maintained handrails along the walls to aid the elderly and infirm with safe mobility. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rules in place for workplace fall protection in industries such as construction, roofing, and manufacturing. When an accident occurs due to broken or poorly maintained handrails, the following injuries can occur:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Fractures
• Skull fractures
• Severe contusions and abrasions
• Lacerations
• Soft-tissue injuries, such as muscle sprains, torn ligaments, and tendon damage
• Facial and dental trauma
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding

Broken handrails cause accidents, including lacerations from sharp edges or protruding hardware, as well as slips, trips, and falls. Falls on stairways can result in blunt-force trauma at multiple impact points, causing severe injuries.

Who Is Liable for a Broken Handrail Injury In NYC

Liability in broken handrail accidents and injury cases depends on the circumstances. For instance, when a hotel or apartment building owner fails to repair a broken handrail, the injury victim can recover compensation through a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner. This requires evidence showing the following:

• The property owner owed a legal duty of care to the injury victim because they were legally on the property and not trespassing or committing a crime
• The property owner breached this duty of care through negligence
• The negligent breach of duty caused the injury
• The injury victim suffered damages from the injury

In workplace injury cases, employers are protected against lawsuits by their workers’ compensation insurance. Depending on the circumstances, an injury victim may file a workers’ compensation claim for their medical costs and a portion of their income loss, or file a lawsuit against a non-employer, such as a negligent maintenance contractor or subcontractor.

Recoverable Damages In a Broken Handrail Injury Claim

Injuries from falls caused by a broken handrail can cause temporary or even permanent disability with substantial consequences. A successful premises liability claim against a negligent property owner can recover damages, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses and related out-of-pocket costs
• Past and future income loss, diminished future earning capacity
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Catastrophic injury compensation, if it applies, for injuries such as permanent scarring, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, or wrongful death

Wrongful death damages from a fatal fall injury caused by a broken rail are paid to the closest surviving family member after a wrongful death claim — contact a NYC wrongful death attorney today.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer In New York City Help Me?

It takes a skilled personal injury lawyer to examine the evidence and investigate all aspects of your broken handrail injury case to determine the best possible legal strategy to maximize your financial recovery.

Call or contact The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel online to learn more about the legal options open to you.