Passaic County Stairway Accident Lawyer

Stairway accidents can happen in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime. A single misstep or an unnoticed hazard can lead to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and months—or even years—of recovery. In many cases, these accidents are not the fault of the victim but rather the result of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. When a stairway is not properly maintained or lacks essential safety features, property owners can be held liable for the injuries that occur. At the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with a serious injury. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a stairway accident in Passaic County, you may have a right to compensation. Contact a skilled stairway accident lawyer from our legal team for a free consultation today.

Common Causes of Stairway Accidents

A properly constructed and well-maintained staircase should provide a safe means of travel between floors. However, when property owners fail to address safety hazards, accidents are more likely to occur. Some of the most common causes of stairway-related injuries include:

• Loose or broken steps: A cracked, worn, or missing step can cause a person to lose their footing and fall unexpectedly.
• Lack of handrails: Railings provide essential support, especially for individuals with mobility issues. When handrails are absent, improperly secured, or too short, the risk of falling increases significantly.
• Slippery surfaces: Wet, icy, or polished stairs create dangerous conditions that make it easy to slip and fall. Property owners must ensure their stairs remain safe and free from hazards.
• Poor lighting: Dimly lit staircases make it difficult to see steps, particularly at night. Without proper lighting, a person may misjudge a step or fail to notice an obstacle.
• Building code violations: Staircases must meet local and state safety regulations. If a property owner fails to follow these codes—such as improper step height, lack of non-slip surfaces, or inadequate handrails—they may be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result.

Even a minor defect on a staircase can lead to a serious accident. Whether the incident happens in an apartment building, office complex, retail store, or a private residence, the property owner may be held legally responsible if their negligence contributed to the dangerous condition.

Injuries Caused by Stairway Accidents

Falls on staircases can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering disabilities. The severity of an injury often depends on the height of the fall, the surface of the stairs, and the victim’s age or physical condition. Some of the most common injuries caused by stairway accidents include:

• Broken bones: Fractured wrists, arms, legs, ribs, and even hips are common when a person falls on hard stairs.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A sudden impact to the head can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma, leading to cognitive impairments and long-term complications.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, nerve damage, or, in severe cases, paralysis.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause significant pain and mobility issues.
• Lacerations and contusions: Sharp edges or hard surfaces can cause deep cuts, bruises, and even disfigurement.

In the worst cases, stairway falls can lead to fatal injuries, leaving families devastated by the loss of a loved one. No one should have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence, and if a property owner’s carelessness contributed to your accident, you have legal options, and a skilled slip and fall lawyer from our legal team can help you explore them.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you have been injured in a stairway accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, proving liability in a premises liability case can be challenging. Property owners and insurance companies often try to minimize claims or shift blame onto the victim. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is essential.

At the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, we take a comprehensive approach to stairway accident claims, helping our clients build strong cases by:

• Investigating the accident: We gather evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert testimony, to determine what caused your fall.
• Proving negligence: To hold a property owner accountable, we must demonstrate that they knew (or should have known) about the hazardous condition and failed to fix it.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurers often attempt to settle for less than victims deserve. We handle all communications and fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
• Taking your case to trial if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to ensure justice is served.

Contact a Stairway Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a stairway accident, don’t wait to take legal action. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. At the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, we offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your legal options.

Let us help you pursue justice and recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact a stairway accident lawyer from our firm today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward financial recovery.