Falls
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Similar Standards
Friday, May 2nd, 2008The Americans with Disabilites Act or ADA, is essentially an attempt to extend civil rights protection to disabled persons. Approved by Congress in 1990, the ADA became a major force in standards of building design and maintenance. Although many courts have taken the stance that in a law-suit, only those persons the ADA is designed […]
Safety Hazards of Stairs, Ramps, and Single-Step Risers
Sunday, April 20th, 2008Stairs, ramps, and what are called “single-step risers” are safety hazards to pedestrians if not properly constructed. Much of my professional experience has been in evaluating these elements for attorneys and property owners, often the result of an unfortunate accident where a surprised patron fell and sustained injuries.
Typically, I find that handrails are missing or […]
Many Falls Caused by Design and Construction Defects
Thursday, April 17th, 2008Falls occur for many reasons; however, more often than not, a defective or dangerous condition is found to exist. For example, my professional experience has revealed that stairways and ramps are often not constructed or maintained to the conditions required by local building codes. Mandatory handrails are often absent or installed too high or too […]