How Can Wheelchair Ramps Be Dangerous?

Many people in the Washington D.C. metro area rely on wheelchair ramps to access buildings. Whether they’re using a walker, wheelchair, stroller, etc. wheelchair ramps make buildings more accessible to everyone. Most of the time these ramps are there to help people make it inside the building safely but in some instances they can be dangerous.

Ramps that are too steep

In general, a wheelchair ramp needs to have a slope of 1:12. This means for every foot the ramp goes up, it needs to be 12 feet long. If a ramp is too steep there is a greater likelihood of a person tipping backwards.

Ramps that don’t have handrails

It can be dangerous for a wheelchair ramp to not have handrails. If a person begins to fall, they won’t be able to catch themselves. This is especially dangerous when it’s raining or snowing.

Wooden wheelchair ramps

Wheelchair ramps that are made out of wood are especially dangerous. They can easily rot making them a risk for caving in. They can also be extremely slippery after it has rained or snowed. If they are not coated in a slip-resistant paint or other substance, they can be very slippery.

If a person has been injured because of a poorly built or maintained wheelchair ramp they may want to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. An attorney can review the circumstances that caused their client’s unexpected injuries and hold the building owner responsible for their negligence. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.