Stairway Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a stairway accident in Chicago due to broken or dangerous stairs and someone else is to blame for what happened, they should be held responsible for the consequences, including for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you demand justice and advocate for your rights while you focus on healing.

Our law firm has recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients, including some of the largest individual personal injury awards in Illinois legal history. We have more than 20 attorneys and 30 support staff members to serve your needs, which gives us the resources and experience you need when results matter most. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will not charge you a fee unless we win your case, so there is no financial risk in hiring us to represent you.

Do not wait another moment to obtain the help you need after a devastating injury. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. for a free consultation with a Chicago stairway accident attorney. Let us begin working on your case right away.

Top Causes of Stairway Accidents

Careless property owners who do not properly maintain their buildings are often to blame for slip and fall accidents in Chicago involving faulty stairwells. These stair accidents may be due to dangerous conditions, such as:

• Broken or uneven steps – Cracked, crumbling, or misaligned stairs can cause people to trip or lose their balance. Property owners have a duty to maintain stairways and to repair or replace damaged stairs promptly.
• Loose or missing handrails – A lack of proper handrails or unstable railings can prevent someone from catching themselves if they slip.
• Poor lighting – Dim, burned-out, or inadequate lighting makes it harder for people to see the edges of stairs, debris, or other hazards, increasing the risk of falls.
• Wet or slippery surfaces – Spilled liquids, tracked-in rain, or snow on stairways can create hidden dangers if property owners do not clean them promptly.
• Worn or uneven carpeting – Loose carpeting can catch someone’s foot, causing them to trip and fall. Property owners and managers must ensure that the flooring is safe and secure to prevent injuries.
• Debris or clutter – Items left on stairs, such as boxes, cords, or trash, create tripping hazards that property owners should clear as soon as possible.
• Improper stair design or construction – Stairs that are too steep, have inconsistent step heights, or lack proper depth are dangerous stairs that can cause accidents.
• Failure to warn of hazards – If a stairway is under repair or is a temporarily unsafe staircase, the property owner must post clear warning signs so people know to find other routes.
• Building code violations – If negligent property owners undertook their own renovation work or failed to adhere to applicable building codes, they may have failed to construct stairs according to proper design, resulting in stair accidents.

If you need help identifying the cause and parties responsible for contributing to your injuries, contact a personal injury attorney from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free initial consultation to discuss your slip and fall case.

Most Common Injuries Sustained in Stair Accidents

Falls and other accidents on stairways frequently cause severe injuries, such as:

• Broken bones – Stairway falls often result in fractures, especially to victims’ wrists, arms, ankles, and hips. For example, stairway users may instinctively reach out to break their fall, leading to broken limbs. Hip fractures are particularly serious for older adults, who may need surgery and extensive rehabilitation to heal.
• Head injuries – Striking the head on a step, wall, or railing in a stair accident can cause concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These serious injuries may lead to memory loss, headaches, dizziness, mood changes, or long-term cognitive impairments.
• Back and spinal cord injuries – A hard fall on the stairs can damage the vertebrae or spinal cord. Injury victims may suffer herniated discs, chronic back pain, or partial or full paralysis, depending on the injury’s severity and location.
• Soft tissue injuries – Stairway accidents can cause sprains, strains, or tears in people’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles when they fall. These stair injuries are not always immediately visible but can cause long-term pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Facial injuries – Falling forward on stairs can lead to broken noses, dental trauma, or cuts and bruises to the face. People with these injuries often need reconstructive surgery, and they may still be left with permanent scars.
• Lacerations and bruises – Sharp edges, broken surfaces, or impacts with stair components can cause deep cuts and severe bruising, which may lead to infections or require stitches.

If you were injured due to broken stairs or other unsafe conditions on a stairwell, reach out to Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for legal representation and guidance on filing a premises liability case.

What To Do Immediately After a Stairway Accident

The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a stairway accident can affect your ability to recover compensation for what happened. Here is what you can do to protect yourself and build your case effectively:

• Follow all medical instructions – Attend all your follow-up appointments, take your prescribed medications, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Similarly, keep detailed records of all your treatments and medical expenses.
• Write down what happened – Note the time, location, and cause of the fall while your memory is still fresh. Include any details you remember about damage to the stairs. Note if there were any warning signs or witnesses.
• Preserve physical evidence – Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the fall. These items could help show how the accident occurred or undermine a property owner’s attempt to blame you for what happened.
• Save any photos and videos – Store any pictures or videos you took of the stairway, the surrounding area, or your injuries. These images can be powerful evidence for a personal injury claim.
• Avoid speaking with the property owner’s insurance company – These parties may try to minimize your injuries or offer a low settlement. Do not sign anything or make any recorded statements without talking to a lawyer first.
• Contact an attorney – Finally, contact an experienced attorney as soon as you can. The sooner you do, the more they can help you.

It is crucial to follow these steps after a stairway accident to help ensure your case is handled as effectively and efficiently as possible.

How a Chicago Stairway Injury Lawyer Can Help

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can handle all the details of your case and fight for the rightful compensation you need to recover after a Chicago stairway injury. We begin by investigating the accident scene, collecting evidence, and identifying who is responsible for maintaining the property where you were hurt. We can also examine the evidence to see if other parties might be partially to blame for your injuries.

Next, we can send demand letters to the at-fault parties and their insurance companies on your behalf. We negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement that compensates you without the need for a lawsuit, but we will not hesitate to take your case to court if it becomes the best way to assert your rights to compensation. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, we will not charge you a fee unless we win your case.

When you are ready, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for your free consultation with a Chicago stairway accident lawyer.