Staircase Accident Attorney in Glendale & Los Angeles
Staircase accidents produce some of the most severe slip and fall injuries. Falling down a flight of stairs multiplies the impact — your body strikes multiple steps, edges, and surfaces as you tumble, producing compound injuries that far exceed a simple ground-level fall. Property owners in California are legally obligated to maintain safe staircases, and when they cut corners, people get seriously hurt. Attorney Anand Desai has spent 20+ years fighting for fall victims across Glendale, Los Angeles, and Southern California. He has tried over 50 jury cases and handled more than 5,000 claims. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation.
Dangerous Staircase Conditions
Staircase accidents are almost always caused by a property defect or maintenance failure. Hazardous conditions include:
- Missing or broken handrails — California Building Code requires handrails on stairs with four or more risers
- Uneven step height — variations in riser height disrupt your natural gait and cause missteps
- Worn or torn carpet on stairs — loose carpet catches shoe tips, causing trips
- Inadequate lighting — dim or burned-out lights make it impossible to see stair edges
- Missing or damaged nosing — the edge of each step should have a contrasting, non-slip strip
- Wet or slippery treads — outdoor stairs without non-slip surfaces, or indoor stairs with polished surfaces
- Debris on stairs — objects, trash, or construction materials left on stairways
- Structural defects — broken steps, rotting wood, or loose tiles
California Building Code Requirements for Stairs
The California Building Code (Title 24) sets specific standards for staircase construction and maintenance:
- Maximum riser height of 7.75 inches; minimum tread depth of 10 inches
- Riser height variation cannot exceed 3/8 inch between the tallest and shortest step
- Handrails required on both sides for stairs wider than 44 inches
- Handrails must be 34 to 38 inches high, graspable, and continuously attached
- Adequate artificial lighting when natural light is insufficient
- Non-slip surfaces on exterior stairs and stairs in wet areas
A building code violation that contributes to a staircase fall constitutes negligence per se under California law, giving your claim a powerful legal advantage.
Staircase Fall Injuries
Unlike ground-level falls, staircase falls often involve tumbling across multiple surfaces and edges, producing multiple simultaneous injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries — from the head striking stairs or landing surfaces
- Spinal cord injuries — from the twisting and compression of a tumbling fall
- Multiple fractures — wrists, arms, ankles, hips, and ribs
- Facial and dental injuries — from face-first contact with stair edges
- Knee and ankle injuries — ACL tears, ankle fractures, and dislocations
- Deep lacerations — from metal nosing, broken step edges, or exposed nails
- Fatal injuries — falls from significant height or for elderly victims
Who Is Liable for a Staircase Accident?
Liability depends on who owns, manages, or maintains the property where the staircase is located:
- Property owners — residential and commercial property owners must maintain safe common area stairs
- Landlords — liable for staircase defects in apartment buildings, even if they do not occupy the property
- Property management companies — often responsible for day-to-day maintenance including stairway safety
- Business tenants — may be liable if the business controls the premises and knows about the hazard
- Government entities — public buildings and structures fall under Government Code Section 835
Attorney Desai investigates each case to identify all liable parties, maximizing your sources of recovery.
Evidence in Staircase Cases
Strong staircase cases are built on documentation of the defective condition:
- Photographs of the defect — broken handrail, uneven steps, poor lighting, worn carpet
- Building code inspection reports and violation notices
- Maintenance requests and repair logs — especially if the defect was previously reported
- Surveillance footage from building cameras
- Expert inspection measuring riser heights, tread depths, and lighting levels
- Prior incident reports — if others fell on the same stairs
Compensation for Staircase Accident Victims
Victims across Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, North Hollywood, and the broader region can recover:
- All medical costs — emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering from multiple injuries
- Permanent disability and reduced mobility
- Emotional trauma and fear of stairs
California’s statute of limitations is two years (CCP Section 335.1); six months for government tort claims.
Why Trust Anand Desai
With a 5.0-star rating on Google from 114 reviews, Avvo Clients’ Choice 2025, and BBB A+ accreditation, Anand Desai has proven his commitment to injury victims. As a former LA County Public Defender with 50+ trials, he offers no win, no fee representation in 11 languages. His Glendale office at 1628 Victory Blvd, Suite 100, is accessible to clients across Los Angeles County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staircase Accidents
Can I sue my landlord if I fell on apartment stairs?
Yes. California landlords are responsible for maintaining safe common areas, including staircases. If a broken handrail, poor lighting, or damaged steps caused your fall, the landlord is liable regardless of what your lease says.
What if I tripped going up the stairs rather than falling down?
Upward trips are common and compensable. Uneven steps, torn carpet, and inadequate lighting cause upward trips just as readily as downward falls. The property owner’s duty of care applies regardless of which direction you were traveling.
Does a building code violation prove my case?
A building code violation establishes negligence per se — meaning the property owner breached their duty of care as a matter of law. You still must prove that the violation caused your fall and resulting injuries, but the negligence element is established.
What if I was holding packages and could not use the handrail?
While the defense may argue you should have used the handrail, many staircase accidents occur precisely because no handrail existed or the existing one was damaged. Even if your hands were full, the property owner’s duty to maintain safe stairs remains.
Should I report a dangerous staircase to the city?
Yes. Report dangerous conditions to the building owner and, if applicable, to the local building department. This creates a record that the hazard was known. Then call (833) 270-7800 for legal advice.
Free Consultation — No Win, No Fee
Dangerous staircases are a preventable hazard. Hold the property owner accountable. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation with Anand Desai, or contact us online.