Fire escapes are a common facet of many older high rise buildings in urban areas. They allow residents on higher floors to safely negotiate their way down to the ground to escape a fire in the event that the building's stairways are blocked. While their name implies that they are only useful in the rare event of a fire, fire escapes can also be a lifeline for individuals who need to escape a criminal threat, a hazardous spill, or other dangerous situation. When people step out onto a fire escape, they expect to be able to use the escape to safely make their way to the ground. If a fire escape fails to provide a safe route, an occupant may find himself trapped in a dangerous situation or may be injured while trying to escape.

Fire Escape Stability

Because they are used only rarely if at all, sometimes the railings and steps of emergency exits are not built to be as stable as most other stairways. They may go many years without any use at all. Over time the rails may become loose, rusty, or otherwise unfit for use. When an occupant uses the escape to get to safety, he or she may slip and fall from a loose rail and could fall on the platform or several stories to the ground. For fire exits that have a fold down or pull down ladder for the final few floors, the ladder may become stuck, leaving the occupant with no safe way down. He or she may be injured if forced to jump the rest of the way down.

Accident Liability

A fire escape that is structurally unsound or does not operate as it should is not a safe means of escape. When an emergency exit fails to work properly and causes injury, someone may be liable for injuries caused by the defect. The property owner could be held liable for not keeping the premises safe, or a maintenance worker could be held accountable for negligent maintenance. If you have been injured while using a fire exit, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries and damages that you sustained in the accident.

For More Information

To learn more about fire escape accidents and premises liability, please visit the website of experienced Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell, P.C. today.