Staircase injuries aren’t just “trips.” In our practice, the most serious cases often involve preventable conditions on multi-level properties and public-access buildings.
Common scenarios include:
- Broken or unstable handrails on entrances, basements, and common-area stairs
- Uneven treads or mismatched step heights that catch people who aren’t expecting the change
- Poor lighting in stairwells, entry corridors, and hallways (especially during evening hours)
- Wet or tracked-in debris from outside weather—ice melt, mud, or salt residue that makes steps slick
- Delayed cleanup or barricades after maintenance work (cords, tools, or construction materials left in walkways)
- Cluttered landings in buildings where residents or staff temporarily store items near stairways
Mount Vernon’s mix of residential neighborhoods and visitor activity means stair hazards can affect tenants, guests, shoppers, and event attendees.


