Preserve the condition
Photographs, video, measurements, witnesses, and available surveillance can show the stairway before repairs or other changes. The precise step and the surrounding area both matter.
Interior & exterior stair falls
Brooklyn Stairway Accident Lawyer
A loose step or missing handrail can turn an ordinary stairway into a place of serious injury. From its Court Street office, Deliso Law investigates stairway falls in Brooklyn and prepares cases around the condition, how the fall happened, and the medical proof.
Joseph Deliso brings more than 40 years of personal-injury experience to representing injured people.
Illustrative image.
Stairway hazards we investigate
- Loose or moving treads
- Uneven step heights
- Missing or loose handrails
- Broken steps and landings
- Poor lighting
- Slippery surfaces
Interior and exterior stairs
Apartment stairs, building entrances, stoops, and commercial properties.
Falls can occur on indoor staircases, basement stairs, outdoor steps, entrance stairs, and landings. We examine the exact location and condition rather than assuming every fall has the same cause. Relevant issues may include a tread that moves under weight, irregular risers, worn edges, inadequate lighting, or a handrail that is missing, loose, or difficult to grasp.
How we prepare the case
Identify the defect. Explain its role in the fall.
Identify responsibility
We examine ownership, control, maintenance agreements, prior complaints, inspection records, and repairs to determine who may be responsible and what evidence exists about the condition before the fall.
Connect the evidence
The person's account of the fall must be considered alongside the physical evidence. A photograph of a defect alone does not explain whether or how it contributed to the accident.
Engineering and biomechanics
Expert analysis when the disputed facts call for it.
Deliso Law works with professional engineers and biomechanics experts when appropriate. Engineering analysis can address stair dimensions, tread stability, handrails, and applicable safety requirements. Biomechanics can help evaluate movement, balance, and how a particular condition may have contributed to a fall.
Our preparation in stairway matters has included video of moving treads, engineering measurements, and biomechanics analysis. The evidence and need for an expert are evaluated separately in each case.
Building codes and safety
Which stairway requirements apply?
Building-code requirements may address step dimensions, uniformity, handrails, guards, and lighting. The applicable provisions depend on factors such as the building's age, use, alteration history, and the date of the accident. We examine those facts before relying on a particular code section.
A code issue must be connected to the circumstances of the fall. We also examine maintenance and other evidence of an unsafe condition. NYC Department of Buildings code resources.
Serious injuries
Fractures, surgery, and lasting limitations.
A stairway fall can result in injuries involving the arm, shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, head, or spine. Deliso Law reviews the early medical records, imaging, treatment, surgery when required, and effects on work and daily activities. Learn about our serious-injury representation and premises-liability practice.
Brooklyn and beyond
Local representation for serious stairway injuries.
We handle stairway accident cases throughout Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Sunset Park, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, and neighboring communities. The firm also represents injured people in Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.
Stairway accident questions
After a fall on stairs.
What should I preserve after a stairway fall?
Obtain appropriate medical care. When it can be done safely, preserve photographs of the exact step, the entire stairway, handrails, and lighting. Keep the footwear you wore, witness contact information, and any incident report. Describe what happened accurately, including anything you do not remember.
Does a missing handrail establish a case?
A missing handrail requires investigation of applicable requirements and how its absence contributed to the fall or prevented recovery of balance. The facts of the person's movement and the stairway layout matter.
What if the owner repairs the stairs?
Earlier photographs, video, witnesses, and maintenance records may become especially important. Prompt investigation can help preserve evidence of the condition before it changes.
How much does a consultation cost?
The initial consultation is free. There is no attorney's fee unless the firm obtains a recovery. Contact the firm promptly because deadlines vary, and matters involving public entities can have short notice requirements.
Free case review
Discuss your stairway accident with Deliso Law.
Tell us where you fell, what happened, and what injuries you sustained.