Even if your hotel, company building, or apartment complex has an elevator, there are many times that you may use the stairs. They’re a part of everyday life and can sometimes provide a quicker, faster way to get where you’re going. But according to the National Safety Council, nearly nine million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2023. So, stairways may be a favorite option for getting to your workplace or a way to skip the lines at the elevator, but they’re also a leading cause of serious slip and fall injuries.
The premises liability attorneys at Peterson Law Firm know that stairs present unique dangers that property owners often overlook. Here, we discuss what every property visitor should know about the risks lurking in stairways and their rights after a fall.
Why Stairways Are Dangerous Areas for Slip and Falls
Many people choose an elevator as their primary way of moving around inside a building. So, it’s possible that property owners don’t spend as much time ensuring the safety of their stairways. A surprising number of code violations and maintenance issues can make stairways a dangerous place because there may be:
- Broken or missing handrails. Sturdy railings are critical for visitors to maintain their balance, especially on long or steep flights of stairs. Handrails provide critical stability and safety for children and the elderly. If there are no handrails or they’re not sufficiently secured, they can’t help prevent falls.
- Uneven risers or treads. Even small variations in step height or depth can catch you off guard and cause a fall.
- Loose or torn carpeting. Bunched-up, ripped, or slippery carpet dramatically increases the risk of a stair slip and fall.
- Objects on the stairway. Stored items on the stairs make for a dangerous tripping hazard. Visitors must work around them, and using a handrail can be difficult. Property owners must also keep outdoor stairs clear of obstacles and debris.
- Insufficient or poor lighting. Dim stairwells, low-wattage lights, and burned-out bulbs prevent you from spotting hazards and/or broken steps.
- Clutter and debris. Tools, trash, boxes, and stored items can obstruct stairs and create tripping hazards.
- Damaged or missing steps. Visitors should never walk on steps that are loose or damaged, and if a step is missing, it should be addressed immediately.
- Slippery steps. Property owners should clear stairs of any ice and snow. Also, neither indoor or outdoor stairs should be made of overly slippery materials or have excess polish that might coat the steps in a slick layer. If they are, some sort of non-slip surface, such as carpet or rubber, should cover them. Property owners should also check for spilled liquids and slippery substances that may have splashed on the steps.
Stair Slip and Falls: Dangerous Locations
While hazardous conditions can exist on any stairway, some of the most perilous locations for falls include the following:
- High-traffic facilities like stadiums, arenas, and transit stations where spills and clutter accumulate and stairways are steep
- Poorly lit stairwells in office buildings, hotels, and apartment complexes
- Exterior stairs, such as those at a hotel, that are exposed to rain, ice, fallen leaves, and other slippery substances
- Older buildings with grandfather clauses that permit unsafe stair configurations
- Unfinished basements or attics with makeshift or non-code-compliant stairs
Why You May Be at Risk: Building Code Violations
Stairway falls can sometimes be due to negligence. Property owners have a legal duty to ensure their stairs meet building code standards and stay in safe repair. However, some code requirements are ignored, and some owners let them slide. Here are some examples of stair-related building code requirements:
- Minimum and maximum riser heights and tread depths
- Proper handrail strength and height
- Non-slip tread surfaces
- Adequate lighting that fully illuminates the area, including dark corners
- Routine inspections for any defects or problems and prompt attention to fixing them
When property owners don’t address code violations, they knowingly jeopardize the safety of every visitor, tenant, or customer who uses their stairs. These failures provide powerful evidence in premises liability claims.
Injuries You May Suffer in a Stairway Slip and Fall
Stairs are a common component of many homes and buildings, so people take them for granted. They assume that they’re safe to use and don’t really worry that they could cause an injury slip and fall. However, when these falls do happen, they’re not like tripping on a level surface. Losing your balance on a staircase often involves a violent crash, sometimes head-first, and normal falling reflexes don’t help to minimize the injury. A fall from the top of a long stairway could potentially cause permanent harm or even death. Types of injuries that may occur from a stairway fall include the following:
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones, especially arm, leg, and ankle
- Torn muscles
- Slipped disc in your lower back
- Torn knee ligament
- Cuts and bruises
- Nerve damage
- Ankle injuries, including sprains and torn ligaments
- Facial injuries, including a broken nose, dental damage, or eye injuries, can happen when you fall forward—some victims may require surgery for facial reconstruction
Many of these injuries require weeks or even months of rehabilitation to fully recover. For example, a knee injury, such as a torn ACL, could require a month of rehab and possibly more, depending on the extent of the injury. This means significant time away from work, and you may have to miss important life events and doing the things you love. A concussion or TBI could leave you with permanent damage.
Liability: Who’s Responsible for a Stairway Slip and Fall
Liability in a slip and fall accident requires that you prove the property owner was negligent. Property owners have a duty of care to maintain safe premises for visitors, which includes regular inspections and timely repairs to staircases. When property owners fail to address hazardous conditions, they may be found negligent.
In many cases, liability is determined by examining whether the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazard. For example, if the property owner knew that the handrail on the second-floor stairwell had been broken for an extended period, the owner’s failure to address it could be considered negligent.
In a stairway slip and fall, the property owner may not be the only party to be held accountable. There are others, including the following:
- Landlords. In rental properties, landlords are often liable for accidents caused by poorly maintained stairs.
- Property manager. If a property manager was tasked with maintaining the premises, they could also be held accountable.
- Construction companies. If the stairs were poorly constructed, the builder or contractor might be liable.
- Maintenance companies. Companies hired to clean or maintain the property could be held responsible if negligence contributed to the accident.
Steps to Take After a Stairway Slip and Fall
If you were hurt while using the stairs in any type of building or structure, taking prompt action is critical to protect your health and your legal rights. You should do the following:
- Report the accident immediately to the property owner or manager. Insist they create an incident report and provide you with a copy.
- Document the scene and take pictures. Photograph the stairs, your injuries, and any clothing or shoes that contributed to your fall.
- Get medical attention immediately. Some injuries don’t present right away but can worsen over time. It’s important that you see a doctor—not only for your health, but because a medical record will connect the injury to the incident.
- Consult our experienced slip and fall attorneys at Peterson Law Firm. Premises liability claims involve complex issues of building codes, maintenance records, and property owner duties. A skilled personal injury lawyer knows how to prove negligence and help maximize your financial recovery.
Peterson Law Firm: Your Best Chance for Fair Compensation
A serious slip and fall can change your life in an instant. When a negligent property owner is responsible, you have the right to hold them accountable and demand compensation for the full impact of your injuries. With the help of our skilled premises liability lawyer, you may be able to recover money damages for the following:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work during your physical recovery
- Reduced future earning potential if you've suffered long-term impairments
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
After your stairway slip and fall, you have the best chance for a fair settlement when you contact the trusted personal injury attorneys at Peterson Law Firm. Read our case results to see how we’ve helped other clients with their slip and fall accidents.