slip & fall

I Slipped and Fell on Some Stairs. Who Is Liable?

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Filing a Claim for Damages After a Stairway Accident

Stairwells can present a considerable danger whether they are located inside of a building or on the exterior. Under certain circumstances, a property owner may be held liable for an accident that occurs on stairs located inside or adjoining their property.

If you suffer serious injury as a result of a stairway fall, contact the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C. to request a case consultation. Our experienced Bronx staircase accident lawyers may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Call (347) 231-5459 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

Who Is Liable in a Stairwell Accident?

Depending on the situation, a property owner may be liable for damages if you are injured in a stairwell accident on their property. According to New York City Administrative Code Section 27-127, “All buildings and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe condition.” Under this code section, staircases must be maintained in good working order.

New York City Administrative Code Section 27-128 establishes owner liability for failing to keep the premises safe. Slip and fall accidents on stairwells fall under premises liability law. In order to establish a valid claim for recovery, you must prove several things, including that there was an unsafe condition that led to your injuries.

What Do I Have to Show to Prove Liability?

Proving liability in a slip and fall case can be difficult, but with the help of a Bronx stairway accident lawyer, you can hold negligent parties responsible. 

Some of the things that an attorney will consider in a staircase accident case include:

  • Did the owner or their agent create the dangerous condition?
  • Did the owner or their agent know or should have known about the hazard?
  • If they knew about the defective condition, did they fail to remedy it timely?
  • Did the owner adequately warn people about the potential hazard?

What Are Common Causes of Staircase Accidents?

Stairwell accidents can be caused by a number of different defective conditions. If you are injured because of a slip and fall on stairs, it is always in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help determine the cause of the accident and whether you should pursue legal action.

Common causes of staircase accidents include:

  • Torn or loose carpet
  • Ice and snow
  • Spilled liquid
  • Broken handrails
  • Loose gravel or other objects
  • Improper construction
  • Inadequate maintenance
  • Uneven stairs
  • Unsuitable height or depth

How Do I Know If a Staircase Was Not Properly Constructed?

Buildings are required to be constructed in a safe condition. The New York Administrative Code sets forth requirements for both interior and exterior stairs located on a premises. Failure to comply with these or other building code statutes may result in liability. 

A staircase may fail to comply with the administrative code if it is not wide enough. Width requirements are based on the occupant load, use, and capacity of the building. Injury can occur because a staircase was not properly constructed or designed.

Other stairwell construction violations that may lead to liability include:

  • Inadequate headroom
  • Inaccurate riser height and tread
  • Improper construction of guards or handrails
  • Complete lack of guards or handrails
  • Inappropriate building material used in construction

What Kinds of Injuries Occur From Stairwell Accidents?

According to a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, on average, over 1 million people sustain a stair-related injury requiring emergency medical treatment each year. Injuries from slip and falls on stairs can be relatively minor to catastrophic.

Common injuries related to slip and falls on stairs include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Fractures
  • Injury to the lower extremities
  • Head and neck injury

In severe cases, a stairway accident can cause life-threatening injuries or deaths. Falls are a common source of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord damage. If you are seriously injured, you need to consult with a Bronx stairway accident attorney.

How Can an Attorney Help?

If you are injured in a staircase accident, an attorney can help you hold a negligent party accountable. Without the help of a lawyer, you may not be able to get the maximum compensation available in your case. Many times, a negligent party or their insurance representative may deny responsibility or try to get you to settle your claim.

You should never sign anything without first consulting an attorney. An early settlement offer rarely reflects the full value of your claim, and you may be signing away your rights to recovery. An attorney can review your case to determine your legal options and whether you should seek additional damages based on your injuries.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, you pay nothing unless we win. Our Bronx stairway accident lawyers handle matters on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs. We want you to focus on your recovery while we try to get you the financial justice you deserve.

All case consultations are free and without obligation to retain our services. We will conduct a thorough review of your case to determine whether another party may be legally liable for your damages. Depending on the situation, you may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

Get the Personalized Care You Need

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients in verdicts and settlements. We are committed to providing injury victims with the personalized care and attention you need to get a favorable outcome on your case. If you are injured in a staircase accident, you need experience you can trust.
Call our office today at (347) 231-5459 to request a case consultation. Our Bronx stairway accident lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and can help you get the money you need to be made whole again.