Stairway hazards tend to show up in patterns we see across Ohio, but they often look different in a smaller, commuter-focused community like Bellefontaine:
- Poor lighting in entryways and stairwells (dark landings, burned-out bulbs, glare from nearby windows)
- Handrails that are loose, too low, or missing—common in older rentals and some commercial spaces
- Worn steps from heavy foot traffic (tread wear, slick surfaces, uneven edges)
- Cluttered landings during turnover (items left near steps, boxes, cords, temporary “fixes”)
- Seasonal tracking and moisture from weather—especially during Ohio freeze/thaw cycles
If you’re wondering whether your fall “counts,” the question usually isn’t whether you were careful—it’s whether the property’s stair conditions made a safe step reasonably unlikely.


