Stairways are expected to provide a safe way for people to move through apartment buildings, office complexes, restaurants, parking garages, and other properties. When stairs suddenly collapse or fail because they were improperly constructed, poorly maintained, or left in a dangerous condition, the consequences can be devastating. Victims often suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time away from work.
If you were injured in a stair collapse accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the party responsible for maintaining the property. At Towey Law PLLC, our Buffalo construction accident lawyers help injury victims hold negligent property owners and other responsible parties accountable. Our attorneys understand the challenges these cases present and work to recover the compensation clients need to move forward.
Why Choose Towey Law PLLC for a Stair Collapse Injury Lawsuit?
Premises liability cases in Buffalo, NY, often require a prompt investigation and a thorough understanding of New York law. Towey Law PLLC provides personalized legal representation backed by years of experience handling serious injury claims.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout New York.
- Clients work directly with an experienced attorney who remains involved throughout the case.
- We represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis, so there are no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
What Causes Stair Collapse Accidents?
A stair collapse is different from a typical slip and fall. Instead of losing your footing, the staircase itself may fail because of a structural defect or lack of maintenance. These incidents are often preventable with proper inspections and timely repairs.
Common causes include:
- Rotten or deteriorated wooden stairs
- Rusted metal supports
- Loose or broken steps
- Defective construction
- Improper repairs
- Water damage
- Foundation movement
- Failure to replace aging stair components
Many stair collapses occur gradually as structural damage worsens over time. Property owners who ignore warning signs may be held responsible when someone is injured.
Who May Be Responsible for a Stair Collapse?
Several different parties may share responsibility for maintaining a safe staircase. Determining liability in a construction-related accident requires investigating who owned, controlled, or maintained the property when the collapse occurred.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners
- Landlords
- Property management companies
- Commercial tenants
- Construction contractors
- Maintenance companies
Evidence such as inspection reports, maintenance records, building code violations, and repair histories often plays an important role in determining whether negligence contributed to the collapse.
What Injuries Can Result From a Stair Collapse?
Victims often have little opportunity to protect themselves when stairs suddenly give way beneath them. Depending on the height of the fall and the manner of the collapse, injuries can be severe.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder and knee injuries
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
Some individuals require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term medical care before they can return to work or resume normal activities.
What Compensation May Be Available for a Stair Collapse Injury?
If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact of the accident.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every claim is unique. The amount of compensation available depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of future medical needs, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Contact a Buffalo Stair Collapse Accident Attorney
A stair collapse can leave you with painful injuries, unexpected expenses, and uncertainty about the future. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you should not have to bear those losses alone.
Towey Law PLLC is committed to helping injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve after preventable premises liability accidents. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a Buffalo stair collapse accident attorney and learn more about your legal options.