Staircases in older multifamily buildings, mixed-use storefronts, and high-traffic areas around the Fox River can present unique hazards. Common issues include:
- Lighting problems in shared hallways and entry stairwells (especially during evenings and winter months)
- Loose handrails or missing grip surfaces after wear and tear goes unaddressed
- Uneven treads or transitions between landing and stair steps
- Salt, slush, and debris tracking that makes footing unpredictable near building entrances
- Cluttered landings in apartment complexes where deliveries, maintenance items, or seasonal storage pile up
These details matter because premises liability in Wisconsin often turns on whether the property owner or controller knew (or should have known) about the unsafe condition and whether they took reasonable steps to fix it or warn people.


