Broken Stairs at a Chicago Apartment Complex: Who is Liable?

Living in an apartment offers many conveniences, from maintenance services to shared amenities. However, unsafe conditions, such as broken stairs, can lead to serious injuries for tenants and visitors. If you fall on damaged stairs in your apartment complex, the landlord or property management company may be legally liable for your injuries.

If you were hurt due to unsafe stairs, contact our Chicago premises liability lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.. We can help you understand your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Call us at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation.

Liability for Broken Stairs in an Apartment Complex

Landlords and property management companies have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for tenants and guests. This includes ensuring that stairs are structurally sound, well-lit, and free of hazards.

A landlord may be liable for injuries caused by broken stairs if:

• The stairs were **damaged, defective, or violated a building code**.
• The landlord or property manager **knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition** and failed to fix it.
• The hazardous stairs **directly caused your injury**.

If a landlord neglects necessary maintenance, you may have a premises liability case and could recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

How Apartment Complexes Can Keep Stairs Safe

To prevent stair-related injuries, apartment complexes should:

• **Install proper lighting** so tenants and guests can clearly see stairways.
• **Repair or replace torn carpet** or bulging materials covering the stairs.
• **Fix broken or missing stair rails** to prevent falls.
• **Ensure stair treads are even and non-slippery**.
• **Install secure handrails** for added safety.
• **Place warning signs** for temporary hazards, such as ongoing repairs.

Unfortunately, many landlords fail to take these necessary precautions, leading to avoidable accidents.

Common Injuries from Falling Down Stairs

Falling down a broken stairway can cause severe injuries, including:

• Fractured or broken bones (wrists, arms, hips)
• Shoulder injuries, including dislocation
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including **partial or full paralysis**
• Traumatic brain injuries (**TBI**) and concussions
• Organ damage and **internal bleeding**
• Severe **bruising, lacerations, and scarring**

If you suffer an injury from falling down stairs in your apartment complex, seek medical attention immediately. Then, contact a Chicago premises liability attorney to discuss your legal options.

Why Consult a Premises Liability Lawyer?

A premises liability lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the negligent landlord or property management company. To recover compensation, we will help you prove:

• The **landlord had a duty of care** toward you.
• The **landlord breached that duty** by failing to repair dangerous stairs.
• The **broken stairs directly caused your injuries**.
• You **suffered damages** for which you can be compensated.

Apartment owners must ensure their properties are safe, and you shouldn’t have to suffer due to their negligence.

Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.

If you were injured due to broken stairs in an apartment complex, whether as a tenant or a guest, our Chicago premises liability lawyers can help. We will fight to hold negligent landlords accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form today for a free, no-risk consultation.