Slip and Fall Down Stairs

Chicago Attorneys Handling Stair-Related Injury Cases

People often underestimate how dangerous staircases can be—until a serious injury occurs. At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we represent individuals throughout Chicago who have suffered injuries from a slip and fall down stairs on someone else’s property. Our firm is ready to help you pursue full and fair compensation.

Our Stair-Related Accident Settlements & Verdicts

Our law firm has secured substantial slip and fall accident settlement amounts for injured victims across Chicago.

$1,500,000 — Harold, 78, suffered a fractured hip and spinal cord damage after falling down a poorly maintained stairwell at a North Side apartment complex. Our investigation revealed that the handrail was unstable and the stair treads were uneven—both violations of Chicago codes.

$835,100 — Marisol fell down an interior stairwell in her apartment building after slipping on worn carpeting and hitting her head on a metal railing. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and soft tissue damage to her back. The settlement reflected the long-term medical expenses and lost wages resulting from her serious condition.

$330,000 — Marcus was descending a stairway with poor lighting when he missed a step and fell. Our team uncovered multiple code violations and used expert testimony to prove that the stairway posed a dangerous condition. He suffered ligament tears and deep lacerations that required medical attention.

Why Choose Our Chicago Law Firm

At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, our legal team is known for handling complex stair-related injury claims with skill and determination. Recognized by Super Lawyers and maintaining a 10/10 rating on Avvo, we’ve secured more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements for fall accident victims. Whether your case involves a stairway fall in a residential building, commercial property, or workplace, we’re prepared to take on negligent property owners and insurance companies.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained by People Falling Down Stairs?

A slip and fall can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, especially when the impact involves multiple steps or sharp edges.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Strains, sprains, and bruising are common in stair-related accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to swelling, pain, and reduced mobility. Severe cases—like ligament tears—can require surgery and months of physical therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Falling backward or landing hard on the back can cause damage to the spinal cord. These injuries may result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the trauma.

Head Injuries

Head strikes on steps or railings can cause traumatic brain injuries. Concussions, skull fractures, and internal bleeding may lead to symptoms like memory issues, dizziness, and long-term cognitive difficulties.

Broken Bones

Fractures often occur when people instinctively try to catch themselves during a fall. Common breaks include wrists, hips, arms, and ankles. Some may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, especially in older adults.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Stair Accidents?

Property owners in Chicago are required by law to maintain stairwells in a safe condition. When these obligations are ignored, the risk of serious stair-related injuries increases significantly.

Inadequate Lighting

Poor lighting makes it difficult to see each stair clearly, especially in enclosed or windowless stairwells. Under Section 14X-6-602.3 of the Chicago Municipal Code, all stairways in residential and commercial buildings must be adequately illuminated at all times.

Building Code Violations

Stairs that don’t comply with Chicago’s building code—such as incorrect riser height, lack of uniformity, or insufficient handrails—pose serious risks. Section 14B-10-1011 outlines design requirements for stairways, including dimensions and handrail placements.

Broken or Uneven Steps

Cracked treads, loose boards, or stairs of differing heights disrupt a person’s step pattern and increase the likelihood of falling. Chicago codes require that all stair steps be uniform in height and depth.

Loose or Missing Handrails

Handrails are essential for balance and fall prevention, particularly for older adults. Section 14B-10-1011 of the Chicago Code mandates that handrails be present on at least one side of any stairway with more than three risers.

Slippery Surfaces

Wet or polished stair materials, especially in public buildings, can become dangerously slick. Under Section 14X-5-505.9.5, building owners must maintain floors, including stair surfaces, in a condition that is safe and non-slippery. Failure to address this risk with mats, non-slip treads, or timely cleaning can lead to serious injuries.

Worn or Torn Carpeting

Frayed, bunched-up, or detached carpet poses a significant trip hazard. Chicago’s property maintenance code requires that stair coverings be kept in good repair. Damaged carpeting should be replaced or fixed promptly to avoid creating a trap for unsuspecting visitors or tenants.

Defective Stair Design or Construction

Poor planning—such as staircases that are too steep, too narrow, or missing landings—can increase the danger of stairway falls. Defective design may violate Section 14B-10-1011 and related construction standards, making both contractors and commercial property owners liable for injuries caused by noncompliant stair structures.

What Damages Can an Injured Person Recover?

If you suffered injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover a range of damages through a personal injury lawsuit. These commonly include:

Medical Expenses

You can recover the full cost of your medical care, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and any future treatment related to the fall injuries. In severe cases, this may also include rehabilitation or long-term care.

Lost Wages

If the stair fall forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income, you can claim compensation for both past and future lost income.

Non-Economic Damages

These address the personal toll of the accident, such as physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of daily activities. In severe cases, this can also include permanent disability or disfigurement.

What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall Down Stairs in Chicago?

Based on Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, the average payout for a slip and fall down stairs in Chicago is $498,861, with a median of $127,370. Case values range widely—from as low as $5,750 to as high as $4 million—reflecting the many variables that influence compensation in these cases.

Several key factors impact the value of a stair fall claim:

• Severity of the injuries (e.g., broken bones, neck injuries, back injuries)
• Extent of medical treatment required and projected future care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Evidence of negligence, such as code violations or a lack of handrails
• Where the case is filed, with Cook County being the most common venue
• Type of resolution—verdicts tend to yield higher awards than settlements or arbitration

Each fall case is unique, and injured individuals should consult a qualified attorney to determine the potential value of their specific claim.

Example Cases in Chicago

$3 Million Jury Verdict in Fatal Chicago Stairway Fall Without Handrail

Rebecca Hess, 43, fell 20 feet from an interior stairway at a Chicago apartment building that lacked a handrail. She suffered a spinal fracture, resulting in paraplegia, and lived in full-time care for over four years before passing away. Her estate alleged code violations and city warnings were ignored by the property owner. The jury awarded $3 million, reduced to $2.5 million after finding Hess 25% at fault.

$800,000 Post-Trial Settlement for Wrigley Field Stair Fall

Christine Colantuono, a 52-year-old nurse consultant, fell on the steep upper-deck stairs at Wrigley Field due to the absence of handrails. She sustained a torn shoulder, fractured clavicle, and permanent pain. The jury awarded over $1 million, finding the stadium 80% at fault. The case later settled for $800,000.

$740,184 Jury Award for Knee Injury from Poorly Lit Condo Stairs

Maria Garcia, 53, slipped on icy, dark exterior stairs at a Chicago condo building. She fractured her knee, underwent three surgeries, and will require a future knee replacement. The jury found the condo association 62.8% at fault for failing to maintain adequate lighting and awarded $1.17 million, reduced to $740,184 after comparative fault.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Stair-related slip and fall accidents often involve complex legal issues that go beyond simply proving you fell. Property owners and insurance companies may deny fault, claim your own negligence caused the accident, or argue the hazard was “open and obvious.” Code violations must be thoroughly investigated and documented, often requiring expert testimony.

In Chicago, these cases may be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, where strict procedural rules apply. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can handle everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, giving you the best chance at recovering full compensation for your injuries and losses.

How Common Are Stair Slip and Fall Accidents?

Stair slip and fall accidents are far more common than many people realize—and often far more dangerous. According to a comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, an average of over 1 million stair-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency departments every year. That’s roughly one injury every 30 seconds.

Where Do Stairway Falls Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Stairway falls in Chicago can happen just about anywhere, but specific locations tend to see more incidents due to high foot traffic, aging infrastructure, or poor maintenance.

Many fall accidents occur in older apartment buildings on the city’s North and West Sides, where damaged stairs, loose railings, or worn carpeting are often overlooked. Stair accidents are also common at CTA stations like Roosevelt, Jackson, and Belmont, where fast-moving crowds and slick stair treads increase the risk.

Hospitals such as Stroger and Mount Sinai have also seen claims involving patients or visitors falling on poorly maintained stairs. Commercial properties in the Loop and retail centers on Michigan Avenue or 87th Street may also pose hazards due to uneven steps or a lack of proper handrails.

Whether it’s a residential building, office complex, or public transit station, property owners have a legal duty to keep stairways safe. When they fail, serious injuries can result.

What Laws Govern Stair Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

Slip and fall accidents on stairs in Chicago are typically governed by Illinois premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for those legally on their premises (740 ILCS 130/).

If the stairway fall occurred on government-owned property—like a CTA station or public building—claims may also fall under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). This law can limit liability and requires specific notice and filing procedures, making it more difficult to pursue compensation.

A notable case is Clifford v. Wharton Business Group, L.L.C., 353 Ill. App. 3d 34 (1st Dist.. 2004), where the court upheld a premises liability claim involving defective stairs and inadequate maintenance.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After Suffering Injuries in a Stairway Slip and Fall?

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the fall to file a personal injury lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Failing to file within this period may forfeit your right to seek compensation for injuries caused by a stairway slip and fall accident.

Who Is Legally Liable for Stairway Accidents in Chicago?

Liability for stairway accidents in Chicago often falls on those responsible for maintaining the premises. Property owners—including landlords and commercial property owners—can be held liable if they fail to keep stairs safe and free from hazards like broken steps, poor lighting, or loose railings. Property managers or maintenance companies may also share responsibility if they neglected needed repairs.

In buildings owned by the city or other public entities, liability may be governed by the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). In construction zones, contractors could be held accountable for defective stair design or unsafe conditions.

Common Defenses in Cases Involving Stair-Related Injuries

Defendants in stair-related injury cases often claim the hazard was “open and obvious,” suggesting the injured person should have seen and avoided it. We argue that poor lighting or distractions made it unreasonable to expect awareness. They may also raise comparative negligence, blaming the victim’s behavior.

Our team gathered evidence to show that the property owner’s failure to maintain safe stairs was the primary cause. Another common defense is lack of notice—that they didn’t know about the dangerous condition. We counter this by showing that the issue existed long enough that they should have known and taken corrective action under local safety codes.

How to Strengthen Your Case After Falling Down Stairs in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after a stair fall in Chicago can make a significant difference in the success of your case.

First, seek immediate medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and ask for a copy of the incident report. If possible, take photos of the stairway, including lighting conditions, missing handrails, or any damage to the steps. Keep the shoes and clothing you wore at the time, as they may help prove the fall wasn’t your fault.

Get contact information for any witnesses and preserve all related medical records and medical bills. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the property owner without legal representation.

How Our Chicago Attorneys Can Help

Our Chicago slip and fall attorneys provide full legal support from the start of your claim through resolution. We investigate the scene, gather evidence of unsafe conditions, and consult with safety experts to identify code violations or other hazards.

Our team handles all communication with insurance companies and defendants, working to establish liability and prove the full extent of your injuries. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or preparing for trial, we build strong cases that reflect your losses, from medical expenses and lost income to long-term care needs. We’re here to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

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If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall down stairs in Chicago, don’t wait to get legal help. At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your options. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We understand the profound impact stair-related injuries can have on your health, finances, and future. Contact us to speak with an experienced stairway fall attorney who’s ready to help.