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I think it’s only fair to agree on one simple thing. If an indoor space, or an outdoor one, for that matter, has a stairway, however long or short, it should serve its function. First, it should bring us up and down at least one level and second, it should be safe. That’s the bare minimum, right?

But it turns out, some stair designers out there have had their minds spun by invisible hamsters on a wheel. Right below, it becomes very clear why. You see, if the stairs cost you a potentially immeasurable amount of broken legs, you’d be better off without them.

Bored Panda has compiled the most absurd cases of stair designs gone very wrong that make a ladder look like a premium lift in comparison. My popcorn is ready, how about you?

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    fro_st puppy
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some poor bad eye sighted person or pretty much anyone is literally going to bash their leg on that or worse

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    Although the absurd stair designs may look quite funny from the comfort of a computer, in reality, they cause some very serious risks to people who use them. National Safety Council statistics rank stairway injuries second only to motor vehicle accidents among leading causes of accidents. Moreover, World Health Organization states that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

    According to the representative of the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, a civil litigation attorney who focuses on personal injury, bankruptcy, business law and other civil matters, children and adults over 65 are especially at high risk. 

    “Each year, one in three elderly adults suffers a serious stairway fall. Such injuries can increase the chances of an earlier death and reduce the ability to live independently. The elderly face a higher likelihood of falling because they often experience muscle weakness and potential dizziness from taking a variety of medications. This risk rises as they age.”

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    They state that common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. Moreover, Safety Council statistics indicate falls are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injury, so in no way can the possibility of falling down the stairs be looked at lightly.

    To prevent such injuries, premises liability law requires property owners to reasonably maintain stairways. According to the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, “The law also holds property owners responsible where injuries occur as a result of dangerous or hazardous conditions. If proven that injuries directly resulted from a property owner’s negligence, then the injured person may be able to collect compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and reimbursement for medical bills related to the accident.”

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    A.M. Pierre
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And that's where you step forward gracefully expecting a stair and end up looking like an especially awkward giraffe as you try to recover.

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    Raven Sheridan
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's take the stairs. Urgh...on second thought, how about we wait for the lift?

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    BigFish Artwire
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it wasn't for the wall to the left in the picture I wouldn't know that those are steps

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    John Otruba
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Building codes change and if this is in a public space rails probably added to comply

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    Sheepeggs
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine going down the stairs blindfolded, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom. Now imagine yo have perfectly good eyesight, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom.

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    Note: this post originally had 137 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.

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