I Fell Down the Stairs in Manhattan: Can I Sue?

If you fell down a set of stairs in Manhattan, you may be considering your legal options. A premises liability lawsuit in Manhattan could provide you with the necessary funds to cover various damages – including medical costs and missed paychecks. But how easy will this process be? Can you hold a property owner accountable for not making their stairways safe enough? This is a conversation you may need to have with a New York City premises liability attorney.

Examples of Unsafe Stairs

 If you want to sue a property owner for your staircase-related injury, you must establish that the property owner created unsafe conditions in some way. A property owner might “breach their duty of care” in many ways when it comes to staircases.

First, they might install insufficient lighting in a dark stairwell. This might make it impossible for people to see where they’re stepping – causing a serious tumble and severe injuries.

If the injury occurred on an outdoor stairwell, it may have been caused by ice or snow. New York is certainly no stranger to cold temperatures, and property owners are required to keep their outdoor walking areas free from hazards. If you slipped down a staircase due to ice or snow, you may be able to hold the property owner accountable.

Various other forms of negligence fall under New York’s Building Code. This set of laws sets strict requirements for staircases, including the exact measurements of each step. In certain situations, property owners are also required to install handrails and other additional features. A premise liability lawyer can help you determine whether the property owner violated the Building Code.

What Evidence Do I Need for a Staircase Injury Lawsuit? 

From your perspective, the most important form of evidence involves your medical treatment. After falling down the stairs, be sure to seek immediate and effective treatment. Consider dialing 911 for an ambulance, even if you’re not sure about the severity of your injuries. Even a slight knock to the head can be quite serious, and it makes sense to play it safe. Alternatively, you could drive yourself to the nearest hospital for treatment or ask a friend/family member to transport you. Whatever the case may be, your medical records represent important evidence if you decide to file a claim.

 Key Takeaways 

• Property owners in Manhattan are responsible for keeping their stairs safe
• The New York Building Code has strict regulations regarding staircases
• A premises liability lawsuit could provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages

 Can a Premise Liability Lawyer in Manhattan Help Me? 

An experienced premises liability lawyer in Manhattan may be able to guide you toward positive outcomes if you fell down the stairs. This type of accident can lead to serious injuries, including brain damage, fractured bones, and serious sprains. You should not have to pay for the resulting expenses out of your own pocket if the property owner failed in their duty of care. Contact Cohan Law, PLLC to discuss the next steps.

Sources: 

nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/nyc-code.page

nyserda.ny.gov/-/media/Project/Nyserda/Files/Programs/MPP-Existing-Buildings/library/Stairwell-Lighting.pdf