Stairway accidents inside apartment buildings are among the most dangerous types of falls. In Kew Garden Hills, where many multifamily buildings are several decades old, stairwell conditions often reflect years of deferred maintenance or substandard repairs. Poor lighting, loose handrails, broken steps, and slippery surfaces can turn a simple flight of stairs into a serious safety hazard.
When a tenant, guest, or delivery worker is injured in a stairwell fall, the question of landlord liability becomes central. In New York, property owners have clear legal obligations to maintain interior stairways in a safe condition. If those duties are breached and you are injured, you may have a strong claim under premises liability law. At Poltielov Injury Lawyers in New York, we can pursue recovery for the losses associated with the injuries.
Read on to understand the obligations of landlords in New York and why you need legal support after a stairway fall in Kew Garden Hills.
Common Stairway Hazards in Kew Garden Hills
Stairways in Kew Garden Hills apartment buildings are common sites for trip/slip and fall accidents due to high usage and varying maintenance standards. These risks can result in serious harm that disrupts victims’ quality of life. Some of the most prevalent issues that contribute to falls include:
Uneven or Deteriorated Steps
Stair treads that are cracked, sagging, or unevenly spaced can significantly increase the risk of tripping. In some cases, prior repairs may have been made using mismatched materials or improper leveling, which disrupts the expected rhythm of a person’s step. Even slight variations in riser height or tread depth can create instability, especially for elderly tenants or individuals carrying heavy items.
Loose or Missing Handrails
New York City building codes require handrails on both sides of interior stairways in apartment buildings. These handrails must be securely fastened, continuous, and easy to grasp. However, in older buildings, it’s not uncommon to find handrails that are loose, improperly mounted, or missing altogether, particularly in basement-level staircases or secondary stairwells used by staff.
Inadequate Lighting
The New York Housing Maintenance Code requires lighting in public hallways and stairways to be continuously operable. Stairwells that are poorly lit create a dangerous environment where trip and slip hazards become nearly invisible. Lightbulbs may burn out and remain unreplaced for weeks, or older fixtures may fail to provide consistent illumination. Additionally, shadows can obscure changes in flooring elevation, loose carpeting, or wet spots, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Slippery or Contaminated Surfaces
Floors in stairwells must be kept clean, dry, and free of substances that reduce traction. Common contributing factors to slippery surfaces include:
- Water tracked in from the street during inclement weather.
- Cleaning agents or floor waxes that were improperly applied.
- Leaking pipes or condensate from HVAC units.
- Spills from trash bags or maintenance equipment.
These substances are particularly dangerous on stairs, where a slip can result in a fall across multiple levels. Tenants who report such conditions may later be able to show that the landlord failed to respond appropriately to known risks.
Obstructions and Debris
Stairways should remain clear at all times. Yet, in many buildings, items such as strollers, bicycles, garbage bags, or construction tools are left in shared stairwells. These obstructions not only violate fire code but also create physical barriers that can cause someone to trip or lose their footing. When landlords allow tenants or staff to store objects on stairs or fail to remove them after being informed, this may support a finding of negligence in the event of any resulting injuries.
Landlord Liability Under New York Premises Liability Law
In New York, premises liability law imposes a duty on landlords to maintain safe conditions in common areas, such as stairways. This duty is particularly significant in Kew Garden Hills, where multifamily buildings are common. Key legal principles governing landlord liability include:
- Performing routine inspections to detect hazards
- Making timely repairs when problems are identified
- Installing and maintaining proper lighting
- Keeping stairways free from debris, moisture, and other obstructions
If a landlord knew or reasonably should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it, they may be held financially responsible for injuries that result. In legal terms, this is called a breach of the duty of care.
For instance, if a tenant complained multiple times about a loose handrail and management took no action, any resulting injury can be attributed to that inaction. Even when the landlord wasn’t explicitly notified, liability may still arise if a hazardous condition existed long enough for the landlord to discover it through reasonable diligence.
Why You Should Work With a Premises Liability Lawyer After a Fall
Stairwell accidents in apartment buildings are rarely minor events. A slight issue can lead to serious injuries and lasting complications. While the physical consequences are immediate, the legal and financial impacts often unfold slowly and not always in the injured person’s favor. Without a lawyer, it’s easy to be misled, blamed, or pressured into a settlement that fails to cover your long-term needs.
A premises liability lawyer does far more than file paperwork. From the beginning, they gather time-sensitive evidence, preserve key evidence, and bring in expert testimony to prove that the premises owner failed in their legal duty. This is especially important when dealing with apartment complexes where maintenance records, past complaints, and building code compliance all come into play.
At Poltielov Injury Lawyers, we will evaluate the entire scope of your damages when seeking compensation. This includes medical bills, future treatment needs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. They will try to seek a settlement or court award that accounts for the full impact of the injury.
At its core, hiring a premises liability attorney is about your legal, financial, and personal protection. With a legal advocate handling negotiations, legal filings, and the defense tactics of the opposing side, you can focus on recovery instead of battling the system.
Have You Been Injured in a Stairway in Kew Garden Hills? Seek Legal Guidance Immediately
Securing compensation for trip/slip and fall accidents is not always straightforward, especially when a landlord or property management company tries to avoid liability or downplay injuries. A premises liability attorney plays a central role in ensuring your claim is taken seriously and backed by strong evidence. An attorney can help build a successful claim in pursuit of all available remedies.
If you or someone you know has suffered a stairway fall in a Kew Garden Hills apartment, contact Poltielov Injury Lawyers immediately to help preserve your ability to recover.