Stair falls are the most engineering-driven premises cases we handle: risers, treads, handrails, and lighting all have code-defined standards, and Philadelphia’s centuries-old housing stock violates them constantly. When a fall meets a measurable defect, the case practically documents itself — if someone measures before repairs erase it.
The Defects That Decide Stair Cases
- Dimensional violations — inconsistent riser heights and shallow treads, the classic trip-makers; a quarter-inch variance is a case fact, not a quibble.
- Handrail failures — missing, loose, wrong height, or ungraspable; the difference between a stumble and a fall down the flight.
- Lighting and surfaces — dark stairwells, worn carpet, polished or wet treads.
- Maintenance decay — the broken step ‘everyone knew about,’ which is notice in its purest form.
How These Cases Get Built
Immediate documentation — measurements, photographs, and where warranted an expert inspection before repairs — against Philadelphia’s property maintenance code framework (phila.gov). Rental settings raise the landlord-tenant responsibility questions our blog covers; our posts on stairway falls on others’ property and the broader slip and fall practice and premises hub complete the picture. CDC data on stair-fall injuries — especially for older adults — frames the stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The landlord fixed the step right after my fall. Doesn’t that destroy my case?
No — and the repair itself can’t generally be used against them, but photos, prior complaints, and witnesses who knew the step’s condition preserve the case. If you have any pictures from before or after, they matter enormously.
I fell on my own apartment building’s stairs. Can I claim against my landlord?
Common areas are the landlord’s responsibility — building stairs are the textbook case. Your lease doesn’t waive it, and their insurance is the real party.
No one saw me fall. Is that fatal?
Unwitnessed falls are the norm, not the exception — the defect evidence, your prompt medical record, and consistency carry the proof. Report it in writing now and photograph the stairs today.
How long do I have to file?
Generally two years under Pennsylvania law — with a six-month written-notice requirement for claims against government entities and special rules for minors and late-discovered injuries.
What does hiring you cost?
No attorney’s fee unless we recover for you; the contingency percentage and case-cost handling are in the written fee agreement you review before signing. Consultations are free.
Ready to talk about your case? Call (215) 464-4600 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation — contingency fee, no attorney’s fee unless we recover, costs explained in the written fee agreement.