You never expect a routine climb to turn disastrous until a loose tread or wobbly handrail sends you tumbling down. The impact hurts, but the confusion afterward can hurt more. Medical bills, missed work, and the subtle dread of mounting expenses swirl together while you wonder whether anyone will step up to help. New York premises liability law says they should. Property owners, managers, and sometimes the contractors who built or failed to repair the broken stairs can all be held financially responsible for your injuries. The key is proving negligence, because a bad result alone does not automatically equal legal fault. Continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Bronx slip and fall lawyer from The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more.
Who is responsible for broken stairs in New York City?
Under New York City Administrative Code as well as the broader state premises liability doctrine, anyone who controls or maintains the property must keep walking surfaces reasonably safe. That duty includes prompt fixes, inspections, and clear warnings if broken stairs are present. If a landlord ignores tenant complaints about cracked concrete or a store manager leaves a broken handrail unmarked during peak traffic, the law treats that inaction as a breach.
The same is true when a building super fails to salt an icy exterior step that later collapses. Our attorneys have recovered significant verdicts for victims of subway platform falls, crumbling apartment stairwells, and even ornate prewar brownstone steps that hid fatal structural rot beneath fresh paint just to look safe.
What evidence do I need after a stairway fall?
To have a successful claim, you should do what you can to collect the following types of evidence:
- Pictures snapped immediately after the fall preserve the most persuasive proof because owners sometimes fix hazards overnight once they know a claim is coming quickly.
- Request surveillance footage before it is overwritten, keep the damaged shoe that shows dust from the crumble, and see a doctor right away, even if you think the pain will fade.
- Early medical records link the injury to the incident date, preventing insurers from blaming another cause later.
Importantly, insurance companies know which firms truly prepare and which simply posture for trial. Choosing proven counsel shifts the leverage to you instead of them from the outset. That leverage often translates into higher settlements achieved without the stress of litigation for you.
How long do I have to file a claim for injuries incurred due to broken stairs in New York?
In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the day you fell to start a civil lawsuit.
Claims against the City, the MTA, or other public authorities move faster, requiring a notice of claim within ninety days, followed by a lawsuit within one year and ninety days.
Missing these strict time limits can erase an otherwise solid case, so speak with a lawyer as soon as you can comfortably do so today, preferably. Once retained, our firm immediately sends preservation letters, canvases the scene for witnesses, and collaborates with engineers who can translate a crooked rise or cracked nosing into clear, persuasive courtroom diagrams.
That early momentum often prompts insurers to negotiate fairly, but if they refuse, we prepare to demonstrate every bruise, bill, and lost hour to a jury.
Contact our office today for a free consultation so a committed NYC injury lawyer can start protecting your rights while evidence remains fresh.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a slip & fall lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
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