Staircase Fall Injuries

One of the most common types of fall related injuries occur on staircases. The National Safety Council recommends that regular inspections be performed on stairways to prevent unnecessary injuries. Additionally, the NSC recommends preemptive safety measures such as handrails, stair treads, and adequate lighting.

In public places such as restaurants and retail stores, this is the responsibility of property owners, maintenance companies and sometimes tenants. In apartment and condominium buildings this responsibility is also usually born by the landlord or a management corporation. In public housing, the governmental agency is charged with the staircase upkeep.

These accidents are especially common in and around New York City, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, Passaic, Clifton and other North New Jersey and Central New Jersey apartment buildings where so many buildings were constructed pre-war and have fallen into disrepair over the years.

​In staircase falls, it is often necessary to hire forensic engineering experts and safety consultants to assist in the investigation of the fall. Some factors that may contribute to staircase injuries are: irregular stair tread and riser heights; inadequate lighting; misplaced railings; worn out treads; slippery surfaces; broken/cracked steps; and improper repairs.

​If you have sustained an injury due to falling down stairs that should have been better maintained by a landlord, property owner or management company in New York or New Jersey then you should contact us for a free case evaluation.​