In our experience handling injury claims tied to stairways, the most common “root causes” aren’t mysterious—they’re preventable.
Local situations that often lead to staircase falls include:
- Weather-tracked debris near entrances (mud, salt residue, leaves) making treads slick before anyone cleans or secures the area.
- Lighting problems in entry stairwells and basement steps—especially in multi-unit buildings where lighting bulbs or fixtures aren’t promptly replaced.
- Handrail gaps or loose mounting—a rail that’s present but not secure, or a rail that stops short at a step where people naturally grip.
- Carpet/runner issues on stairs, including bunching, curling edges, or uneven wear.
- Poor maintenance after tenant complaints—repairs delayed after someone reports the same hazard more than once.
If your fall occurred in a rental, office building, or business where people pass through daily, that “routine traffic” matters. The more predictable the use of the stairs, the more reasonable it is to expect safe conditions.


