In smaller Indiana communities, many buildings weren’t designed or maintained with today’s safety expectations. In Lebanon, staircase and landing falls often trace back to:
- Poor lighting at entries and stairwells (common in multi-unit buildings and older commercial spaces)
- Loose handrails or missing non-slip grip on steps leading to basements, second floors, or unit entrances
- Cluttered landings during events or maintenance—including community gatherings and routine cleaning schedules
- Uneven treads or inconsistent step height, especially in older homes and retrofitted workplaces
Because the “defect” can be subtle, injured people sometimes assume it was just a slip. But when the condition made safe footing unlikely, it may become a legal duty issue.


