Stair-related injuries often come from problems that don’t look dramatic until you’re down on the steps:
- Lighting and visibility issues in entryways and hallway stairwells (common in buildings with dim common areas)
- Handrail problems—loose rails, missing sections, or rails that are present but not secure
- Wear-and-tear like slick or uneven treads, worn edges, or carpet that doesn’t lie flat
- Clutter and temporary obstructions during maintenance, deliveries, or seasonal cleanups
- Weather-adjacent conditions near exterior stair access points (mud tracked in, ice melt residue, wet surfaces)
In Missouri, premises liability disputes frequently turn on whether the property owner (or the party controlling maintenance) knew or should have known about the condition and whether they acted reasonably to address it.


