Broken Stairs at an Apartment Complex: Who is Legally Liable?

Living in an apartment comes with a number of conveniences. You can enjoy access to a pool, fitness center, recreation room, and other amenities. In addition, you don’t have to worry when something breaks because your complex will take care of it. Also, there’s no need to dish-out a lot of cash for property taxes, maintenance, and other common homeowner expenses.

While apartment living has its perks, it can be dangerous, especially if certain safety precautions are disregarded. For example, you may be walking up or down the stairs of your apartment one day and find that they are broken; you fall and hurt your head. If you’re wondering who is legally liable for broken stairs in this situation, keep reading.

Reach out to our experienced Chicago premises liability lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. if you happen to fall or trip as a result of broken stairs in your apartment complex. We can educate you on your legal rights. Call us at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form today.

Liability for Broken Stairs

Apartment complexes have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for all tenants and guests. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the landlord and/or property management company to maintain the stairs and other aspects of the apartment complex.

If the stairs were in violation of a building code or considered dangerous because they were broken or damaged for any other reason, the landlord and/or property management company may be at fault. You may be able to file a premises liability case against them and collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How Apartment Complexes Can Keep Stairs Safe

There are a number of ways apartment complexes can keep their stairs safe for tenants and guests. In addition to making sure they are free of any debris and tripping hazards, landlords and/or property management companies must:

• Install proper lighting so tenants and guests can clearly see when they are walking up and down the stairs.
• Replace any torn or bulging carpet or any other material that’s covering the stairs.
• Replace or repair any missing or damaged stair rails.
• Repair stair treads that are uneven or slippery.
• Install handrails.
• Place proper signage to warn tenants and guests of any hazards or repairs.

Unfortunately, many landlords and/or property management companies ignore these safety precautions and become liable for a variety of injuries when their tenants and guests get hurt as a result of broken stairs. The most common types of injuries that result from broken stairs inside apartment complexes include broken arms and wrists, shoulder injuries, organ damage, internal bleeding, back injuries, and neck injuries.

Why Consult a Premises Liability Lawyer?

A premises liability lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the at fault landlord and/or property management company of your apartment complex. You can count on them to help you prove the following so you can recover the fair and full compensation you may be entitled to:

• The landlord and/or property management company had a duty of care toward you.
• The landlord and/or property management company was negligent by breaching that duty.
• The landlord and/or property management company’s negligent actions led to your injuries.
• You sustained injuries for which you can be compensated.

Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.

If you’ve been hurt while going up or down broken stairs at an apartment complex, consult Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., regardless of whether you’re a tenant or guest. We can help you determine and prove liability and increase your chances of a positive case outcome, no win no fee. Call us at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form today.