Dangerous Stairs
Dangerous Stairs:
When a Fall Isn’t “Just an Accident”
Staircases are everywhere in New York City: apartment buildings, office towers, subway entrances, restaurants, and walk-ups. Most of the time, you don’t think twice about walking up and down them … until one bad step changes everything.
Falls on stairs are among the most common and most serious types of personal injury accidents. A staircase doesn’t give you much room to catch yourself, and when you fall, you’re not just hitting the ground once. In seconds, one call can result in multiple impacts.
Stair falls can cause serious, lasting injuries
A fall on stairs can lead to injuries like:
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Broken wrists, arms, ankles, or ribs
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Hip fractures (especially for older adults)
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Neck and back injuries with nerve damage
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Knee and shoulder injuries
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Head trauma and concussions
For many people, the hardest part isn’t just the injury, it’s the ripple effect: missed work, medical bills, physical therapy, and difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
The real problem is often the stairs, not the person
Insurance companies love to frame stair falls as “inattention.” But in many cases, the stairs were unsafe long before the fall because someone failed to maintain or repair them, or to follow basic safety rules.
Common causes of dangerous stairs
Staircases become hazardous for lots of reasons, including:
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Broken, cracked, or worn-down steps
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Uneven risers or irregular step heights
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Poor lighting in stairwells or on landings
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Loose, broken, or missing handrails
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Slippery surfaces or worn stair treads
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Garbage, clutter, or debris left on the stairs
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Building and safety code violations
Sometimes the defect is obvious. Other times, it’s subtle, like slightly uneven risers that throw off your rhythm, or a handrail that looks fine until you actually need it.
Property owners have responsibilities in New York
In New York, property owners and building managers are generally required to maintain their premises, including staircases and stairwells, in a reasonably safe condition and comply with applicable building and safety codes. When they know (or should know) about a dangerous condition, they’re expected to address it and warn people when appropriate.
Staircase fall cases can get complicated fast
Determining whether a staircase was defective, improperly maintained, or out of code often requires a detailed investigation. Evidence can disappear quickly— repairs get made, debris gets cleared, lighting gets fixed —so acting early matters.
What to do after a fall on stairs
If you’re able, try to:
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Get medical care immediately (even if you think you “just bruised something”)
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Take photos/video of the stairs, handrails, lighting, and any debris
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Note the address and exact location (which stairwell, which floor/landing)
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Get witness names/contact info
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Save the shoes/clothing you were wearing
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Avoid recorded statements
Talk with Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC
If you were injured in a fall on stairs, contact Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC for a free consultation. Our attorneys have significant experience handling staircase fall cases and can help determine whether negligence, including poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, or code violations, caused and/or contributed to the incident.
Call today or use our online form to schedule a consultation.