Stairway Fall Accident Lawyer in New York City, NY

• Property owners – Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe from dangerous conditions that could injure visitors. If dangerous conditions are present, owners are expected to post conspicuous signage to warn visitors. If a property owner neglects to maintain the stairs on their premises or warn visitors of potential stairway hazards, they can be held liable for fall injuries.

• Property managers – Renters, managers, and those who live in or work at a property are also responsible for keeping the premises safe for visitors. If the occupant of a property allows a stairway to fall into disrepair, they may be legally responsible for injuries to visitors.

• Government entities – If your injury was due to falling down stairs that are maintained by a government agency, you may have grounds to file a claim against the local, state, or federal government.

Common Causes of Stairway Accidents

The most common issues and hazards that lead to stairway accidents include:

• Loose carpeting or flooring materials – Unsecured runners, loose planks of wood, and other unfastened flooring materials on staircases present serious tripping hazards that can easily lead to falls.

• Wet, icy, or slippery stairs – If a stairway becomes icy, rainy, or otherwise slick, it can be difficult for visitors to keep their footing, especially if no warning signs are present.

• Missing or defective handrails – Most buildings are required to have handrails installed at certain heights for staircases and stairways. If handrails are missing or improperly installed, people are more likely to suffer dangerous falls.

• Uneven or defective steps – The steps in a staircase should be even and meet minimum size and safety standards. When steps are jagged, broken, or sized inappropriately, visitors can get hurt.

• Missing or inadequate lighting – If a staircase or stairway is not properly lit, it’s much harder for visitors to see where they’re going and maintain balance while ascending or descending.

• Accident reports – If the accident occurred in a place of business and you filed an accident report with an owner or manager, the report itself can be a valuable source for timely documentation of what happened.

• Photos or video footage – Photos of the stairwell or video footage from when the slip and fall occurred can demonstrate the presence of dangerous conditions.

• Eyewitness statements – Customers, employees, residents, and other witnesses can provide valuable statements if they saw the fall occur or witnessed the hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident.

• Expert witness testimony – Expert witnesses such as physicians or accident reconstruction specialists can provide professional opinions about the causes and effects of a slip and fall.

• Your medical records – It’s extremely important to seek medical attention after a staircase fall to ensure your injuries are thoroughly and officially documented.