Lawrence has a mix of older multi-family housing, small businesses, and high-traffic streets where people move quickly—especially during shift changes, school schedules, and winter commutes.
That matters because stair-related injuries often come from patterns we commonly see in the area, such as:
- Weather-tracked debris on entry steps (sand, salt, slush) that makes treads slick.
- Lighting gaps in stairwells and shared hallways—especially in older buildings where bulbs burn out and aren’t replaced.
- Wear-and-tear on handrails and edges from heavy use by residents and visitors.
- Closet or storage clutter near landings in apartments and shared entrances.
- Seasonal maintenance problems: poor snow/ice treatment on exterior steps and walkways before people head to work.
In these situations, the “unsafe condition” is rarely a one-time mistake. It’s usually something a property owner, landlord, or business should have noticed and corrected.


