Stairway hazards aren’t always dramatic. Many cases we see start with subtle issues—ones that can be missed during routine inspections or that worsen over time with heavy use.
Common triggers include:
- Worn or slick treads on interior staircases in multi-family housing
- Loose or damaged handrails (including rails that feel stable but shift under weight)
- Uneven step heights or irregular landings in older structures
- Poor lighting on stairwells and basements—especially during evening hours
- Clutter or incomplete clean-up in entryways and common areas after maintenance
- Weather tracking into stair entries during winter storms and freeze/thaw cycles
If your accident happened during peak commuting hours, after an event, or in a building with regular turnover, liability often turns on what the responsible party knew—and what they should have checked.


