New York City Staircase Accident Lawyer
Helping Victims of Stairway Falls Recover Maximum Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a staircase accident in New York City, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC premises liability attorneys have decades of experience winning cases for victims of dangerous stairways in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and throughout Long Island.
Why Staircases in NYC Are So Dangerous
Stairways are part of everyday life in New York City—whether in apartment buildings, subway stations, offices, or public housing. But poorly designed, constructed, or maintained stairs can cause devastating injuries.
Common causes of stairway accidents in NYC include:
- Uneven or inconsistent step height
- Broken, cracked, or loose steps
- Missing or defective handrails
- Poor or inadequate lighting
- Wet, icy, or slippery surfaces
- Loose or worn carpeting
- Clutter, debris, or trash left on stairs
- Building code violations for riser height, tread depth, or slip resistance
Many of these hazards violate New York City building codes and are 100% preventable with regular inspections and maintenance.
NYC Building Code Requirements for Stair Safety
Under New York City building codes, stairways must meet specific safety standards, including:
- Riser Height & Uniformity – Steps must be consistent to prevent tripping hazards.
- Tread Depth – Wide enough for safe footing.
- Handrails – Installed at 34–38 inches, continuous, and secure.
- Slip-Resistant Treads – Safe in both dry and wet conditions.
- Adequate Lighting – No burned-out bulbs or dark stairwells.
- Contrasting Nosings – Clear visual distinction between steps.
Failure to comply may be clear evidence of negligence in a lawsuit.
Common Locations for Stairway Accidents in New York City
Our NYC staircase injury lawyers handle cases involving falls in:
- Apartment buildings & rental housing
- Co-op & condo complexes
- NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties
- Subway stations & train platforms
- Office buildings & retail stores
- Schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings
- Restaurants, bars, and hotels
Serious Injuries Caused by Stair Falls
A staircase fall can cause catastrophic, life-altering harm, such as:
- Fractures – Wrists, ankles, hips, and spine
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Concussions, skull fractures, cognitive impairments
- Spinal Cord Damage – Partial or total paralysis
- Neck & Back Injuries – Herniated discs, chronic pain
- Internal Bleeding – Potentially fatal if untreated
- Facial Injuries – Broken teeth, eye injuries, fractures
- Emotional Trauma – PTSD, anxiety, fear of using stairs
Who Is Liable for a Staircase Accident in NYC?
Under New York premises liability law, property owners, landlords, business operators, and building managers must keep stairways reasonably safe. You may have a claim against:
- The property owner or landlord
- A property management company
- A maintenance or cleaning contractor
- A construction company that built defective stairs
To win, you must prove:
- Duty of Care – The owner owed you a legal duty to keep the stairs safe.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to address hazards.
- Causation – The hazard caused your injury.
- Damages – You suffered losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Stairway Accident in NYC
If you’ve been hurt on a staircase in New York City:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care – Protect your health and document your injuries.
- Take Photos & Video – Capture the hazardous condition before it’s fixed.
- Get Witness Names – Their statements can help prove your case.
- Report the Incident – Notify building management or the property owner.
- Call an NYC Staircase Accident Lawyer – Legal help ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Damages You May Recover
Our New York City stair accident attorneys can pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills & future care
- Lost wages & reduced earning capacity
- Pain & suffering
- Disability & disfigurement
- Rehabilitation costs
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
- Punitive damages in extreme negligence cases
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC personal injury lawyers have:
- A proven track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts & settlements
- Decades of experience in stair-related injury claims
- Full trial readiness when insurance companies refuse fair offers
- Seven convenient offices: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual legal services for our diverse New York clients
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials speak for themselves
- Top-Rated, Award-Winning Lawyers – Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers
Contact a New York City Staircase Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let a negligent property owner or landlord avoid responsibility. Our team knows NYC building codes, local court rules, and the strategies needed to win.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.