Many Goodyear area residents rely on a business’s wheelchair ramp to access the business in a safe way. Whether a person is in a wheelchair or scooter, uses a walker, or just needs the stability of a ramp, wheelchair ramps are important for making the world a more accessible place for all.
Unfortunately, there are cases in which wheelchair ramps can be dangerous and cause serious injuries.
Ramps can be too steep
Ramps need to have a minimum slope of 1:12, which means there needs to be 12 feet of ramp for every one foot of elevation. Older ramps may not have been built using these modern specifications and they could be dangerous for those who use them.
Ramps without handrails can be risky
Usually, any ramp that is over 6 feet long needs to have a handrail. Ramps can become slick and dangerous after a rain and a person can suffer from a bad fall if they don’t have handrails to steady themselves.
Wooden ramps should be avoided
Ramps made out of wood are extremely dangerous. They can rot over time and cave in. They can also be extremely slippery after a rainstorm. If they are not treated with slip resistant pain or other coating to add traction, they can be a serious risk for injury.
If a person is unexpectedly injured because of a dangerous wheelchair ramp, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in slip-and-fall injuries. An attorney can help their client by answering their questions and advising them as to what their legal options may be. It is important that a business that has a wheelchair ramp understand that these ramps need to be safe for everyone who uses them.
