Stair falls frequently come down to two things:
- Was the hazardous condition known (or obvious) before your fall?
- Did the property take reasonable steps to address it—especially when weather and foot traffic increase risk?
In Nebraska, winter brings snow, ice, and repeated “in-and-out” traffic. That means stair surfaces can become slick, debris can accumulate near landings, and handrails may not be maintained properly after seasonal wear. Even when a hazard isn’t dramatic at first glance, it can become dangerous once conditions change.
A strong claim in Lexington typically looks at:
- Prior complaints from tenants or customers
- Maintenance and inspection practices
- Whether conditions were addressed after weather events
- The condition of the stair surface, edges, and handrail at the time of the fall


