Defective and Broken Stairs
Falling down stairs injures more than a million Americans a year, according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. These are often caused by defective, broken, or uneven stairs. In fact, the New York State Department of Health indicates that two New Yorkers are fatally injured in falls every day. Some of these are likely stair-related, and besides potential fatalities, falling down the stairs can result in injuries ranging from bumps, bruises, and sprains to hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This can be a painful and confusing time, but remember, you may have options under the law.
When someone else’s negligence caused a serious stairway accident, you deserve the chance to pursue compensation for the resulting damages. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our NY premises liability attorneys know you probably have a lot of questions, and we have a record of getting accident victims everything they need and deserve. Let us investigate what happened, identify who is at fault for your stair accident, and advise you what comes next.
Contact us, or call (212) 490-5700 to schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation. There are no up-front fees, and you owe nothing until we win compensation.
New York Stair Accidents
While all ages can be victims of stairway accidents, senior citizens, young children, and women report the most injuries, according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Young adults also had high injury rates from stair accidents.
Most accidents, some 60%, happened in the home, including rental properties like New York City multi-unit buildings with common stairwells. Other places where falling down stairs is more likely to occur are workplaces, entertainment and sports venues, and public transportation sites, such as subways.
Slips, trips, and falls on stairs can lead to various injuries, including trauma to the neck, back, and brain, as well as damage to your extremities. Broken bones and bruises are painful and expensive to treat in the short-term, but some devastating and life-altering injuries like TBIs and spinal cord damage mean a lifetime of pain and expense related to medical and living costs. Making sure those responsible contribute to your recovery is essential, and our attorneys can help.
Who’s at Fault for Defective and Broken Stair Accidents?
Accidents involving stairs may have several possible causes and various responsible parties. When you meet with our attorneys to discuss your, or a loved one’s, stair accident they will determine who may be required to pay damages for your injuries.
Some possible legal arguments that may entitle you to compensation include:
Premises Liability for Unsafe and Dangerous Stairs
Under premises liability law, if you are injured on someone’s property, they might be responsible for damages that arise from your injuries. So, if you suffer a neck injury when you fall down the stairs at your apartment complex, the property owner could be liable. But, just being injured on another’s property doesn’t automatically make the owner liable.
To recover damages you must prove:
- You were lawfully on the property or when you were injured
- The property owner was negligent about the condition that caused your injury
- The property owner’s negligence was the proximate cause of your injury
When you work with our attorneys, we will identify who is at fault and determine if your stair accident injuries resulted from broken, defective, or uneven stairs, or failure to properly install or maintain a handrail. From there, we will pursue a favorable resolution from the owner or property manager responsible. That could mean filing a personal injury claim against a landlord or venue owner if you were injured in settings like a club, bar, restaurant, sports complex, or concert hall.
Product Liability for Defective and Broken Stairs
Sometimes staircase falls are attributable to design or manufacturing defects in the products used to build and maintain the stairs. For example, an important safety feature of stairs is the handrail. If a handrail is poorly designed or placed, it could fail. If stair treads don’t have proper non-skid treatment, serious falls can happen. In such cases, Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. will investigate and identify those companies responsible. Not only will we work to have those parties compensate you for your injuries, but we’ll also fight to ensure the defective parts are fixed, potentially saving others from injury.
Premises Liability
Other Legal Actions for Stair Accidents
Besides determining if a property owner or management company was at fault for your stair accident, our attorneys understand there may be others who should be held accountable. For example, if a handrail gave way and you were subsequently injured, it may have been negligently installed. The company that installed it could be liable for your damages. Or, if you are hurt at work, outside of your workers’ compensation claim, there could be an avenue to pursue a third-party work injury claim (other than your employer) for your injuries.
Compensation after a Staircase Accident
If you can establish that someone else’s negligence caused your fall and subsequent injuries, then you can seek compensation for your:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Income and Benefits
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced Earning Capacity
- Lower Quality of Life
Call Us Today If You Fell Down Stairs
Falling down the stairs and suffering injuries is traumatic, embarrassing, and painful. You may be hospitalized, need extensive physical therapy, and miss significant amounts of work. Even worse, you could suffer a life-altering injury to your brain or spinal cord. Whatever the extent of your, or a loved one’s, stair accident injuries, you need to consult a New York personal injury attorney at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. By allowing us to evaluate your stairway accident case, we can determine if you are entitled to compensation.
Call us at (212) 490-5700, or contact us online to request a free, no-risk consultation. There are no up-front costs and pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
CLIENT REVIEWS
09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
Harendra Gautam, HKD CLIENT
08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
patricia Carnevale, HKD CLIENT
06/22/2021
I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.
5
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04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
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02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
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02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
5
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01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
5
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01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
5
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01/15/2021
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5
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01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
5
Lisa Dawn Angerame, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
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Emily Halperin, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
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01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
5
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01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
Marisol Pitre, HKD CLIENT
12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
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12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
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12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
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12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
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12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
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12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
Robert Dallas, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
Jeffrey Jagid, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
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01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
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07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
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07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
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07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
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07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
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07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
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07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
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06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
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05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT