Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Landlords are Often Liable for Staircase Accidents in New York

On Behalf of | Apr 29, 2015 | Staircase Accidents

Every year there are hundreds of staircase accidents in New York City apartments. Many of these not result in serious injuries. They don’t often cause significant interruptions in a person’s life and the injuries heal within days. However, some accidents are much more serious and do result in hospitalization and lost time from work. Such kinds of injuries include:

· Broken Bones

· Tears of the meniscus (knee)

· Tears of the labrum and/or rotator cuff (shoulder)

· Internal Injuries

· Head Trauma

· Brain Damage

· Death

Stairwell fall accidents often result in injury. More so, young children and the elderly are not only more likely to suffer a staircase accident in New York, but they’re also more likely to suffer a more serious injury.

Under New York City premises law, the landlord or building owner may be financially liable for any injuries which result from such a fall. If neglect maintenance or repair played any part in the accident or if the stairway was covered with debris or garbage, the building owner may be responsible for unpaid medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

But liability doesn’t just cover physical faults. Stairwells and lobbies are dangerous when they are poorly lit. Landlords and property owners have to act reasonably in keeping their premises free from tripping and slipping hazards. If the lights in a given stairwell are faulty (blown bulbs, defective fixtures) or if the lighting is deemed inadequate for the space (a single bulb at the top of the stairs), accident victims could have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. If there is a dangerous condition and the landlord or property owner was notified but failed to rectify it, the landlord or property owner could be responsible as well .

If you or a loved one has been injured because of dangerous conditions on an interior or exterior stairs or lobby, contact a New York City staircase accident attorney immediately. Waiting only helps the other side. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.

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