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Vertical Construction and Stairway Hazards in NYC

New York City thrives on vertical construction. Because there is a natural scarcity of land, countless buildings in New York have steps and stairways. Whether the stairways are in the building, outside of the building, or underground, they can present a significant hazard to New York residents and visitors.

Fighting for Compensation in Staircase Accident Cases

Even when other options are available, people often choose to take the stairs for a variety of reasons. They may be hurrying to that next appointment, consider that the stairs present a great cardio opportunity, or just don’t care for elevators. And while the stairs can be a safe and healthy option, they also present some serious risks.

In the state of New York, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the steps and stairways while keeping them in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so, injury and even death can be the unfortunate result.

The New York City Building Code regulates residential and commercial property construction and repair. It includes the standards for building stairs and stairways that are necessary to prevent accidents from occurring. Unfortunately, accidents still occur due to defective and broken stairs and when they do, it is important to know who is responsible for the resulting injuries.

The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, is made up of attorneys with extensive experience in step and stair accident claims. If you have been injured on a New York staircase, we will aggressively fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Where do most step and stair accidents occur?

In New York, there are lots of buildings with steps and stairs all over the city. They are located within apartment buildings for people to move from floor to floor, and many buildings have steps outside leading to the entrance.

Entrance steps tend to be dangerous because of inclement weather. There are many times when they may ice over and become slippery. Additionally, many retail businesses have steps inside which lead to offices and these steps can often be cluttered, lack handrails, and have inadequate lighting. It is highly probable that a large number of step and stair accidents go unreported annually.

Nearly a billion in verdicts & settlements for our clients

His clients call Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull” because he never stops fighting for them. Thanks to “The Bull” and his team of top-rated litigators, The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC., is consistently rated as one of the top personal injury law firms in New York City.

See More Client Results

$4,000,000 Settlement for a Trip & Fall Accident
$2,150,000 Awarded to victim of Slip & Fall Accident
$1,700,000 Awarded to Victim of a Slip & Fall Accident Case
$1,637,500 Verdict in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,500,000 Settlement in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,500,000 Settlement in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,250,000 Settlement in a Ceiling Collapse
$1,245,000 Settlement in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,245,000 Settlement in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,000,000 Settlement in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,000,000 Settlement in a Premises Liability Accident
$1,000,000 Settlement in a Slip & Fall Accident
$1,000,000 Settlement in a Premises Liability Accident

What types of conditions lead to step and stair accidents?

According to the National Safety Council, 2,101 people died in the United States from falls on stairs and steps in 2015 with many more suffering non-lethal injuries. This is the reason that it is more crucial than ever to make sure that stairs and stairways are properly constructed, cleaned, and maintained in order to prevent injury or death.

There are many different types of conditions and circumstances that could lead to an accident or injury on steps or stairways, and most are avoidable with regular maintenance.

Here are just some of the common causes for step and stair injuries:

  • Stairs built without a permit or not built to code
  • Wet or icy stairs
  • Recently mopped or waxed stairs
  • Worn or defective steps or stair treads
  • Broken or damaged steps
  • Uneven steps or risers of differing heights
  • Non-visible stair edges
  • Stairs covered in garbage, debris and or liquids
  • Debris, tools or materials left on stairs by other employers, especially construction companies.
  • Inadequate or missing handrails and/or guard rails
  • Insufficient lighting

I slipped and fell on a staircase. The floor was wet and the lights were out, making the whole staircase very dangerous. My back and knee were injured as well as several bruised ribs. I had to get surgery on my knee. A lady in my apartment community recommended Michael Lamonsoff to me when she heard what happened. They took care of me, sending a car to pick me up and bring me to the office when I called. I was able to talk to Mr. Lamonsoff directly about my case. I was notified of everything that happened in my case. I was always up to speed on it and I loved that. I have already recommended Mr. Lamonsoff to several people and will continue to do so.

Fauris

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What types of damages can be awarded in a step and stair accident claim?

The types and amounts of damages that are awarded will vary with the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your case. Please keep in mind that every case is different and treated on an individual basis.

However, some of the most common damages awarded in these types of claims include:

  • Medical expenses – past, present, or future
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of companionship
  • Physical impairment
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering

If you or a loved one has been injured because of an accident on steps or stairs that were poorly maintained, call us today. We have over a century of experience and a proven track record of success handling step and stair accident claims. Our highly trained attorneys will handle all of the legal red tape so that you can concentrate on healing.

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Is there a time limit for filing a stair injury claim?

If you have been injured due to an accident on an unmaintained stairway, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. While this is plenty of time to consider all of your options, you will want to move quickly if you are considering filing a claim.

The evidence necessary to prove your case is delicate and susceptible to disappearing. Over time evidence can be lost or forgotten, and witnesses can move, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to prove your case. It is always best to snap a few pictures and get immediate legal counsel from an experienced attorney.

Warning: The rules are different with a state or city municipal entity. If your injury happened in a municipal or government building of some type, then you only have ninety days from the date of the accident to file a claim.

It is important that your attorney is well versed and experienced in all of the different laws pertaining to each type of injury. At The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, our law firm can help ensure that the proper documentation is filed on your behalf in order to protect your interests and all of your rights.

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Whether you were at a retail business, walking down the stairs in your apartment building, or using the stairs that are right out front, if you sustained an injury due to a step and/or stair accident, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to call our personal injury attorneys in NYC immediately if you have been the victim of an accident caused by unmaintained stairs and sustained serious injuries.

We invite you to contact us for a no-cost consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

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