Compensation for a Slip and Fall Down Stairs

Chicago Attorneys Handling Stair-Related Injury Cases

At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how quickly a slip and fall down stairs can change someone’s life. In Chicago, where apartment buildings, office towers, and train stations feature stairways of every shape and size, one moment of poor maintenance or a hidden hazard can lead to devastating outcomes.

Whether it happens on the worn marble steps of an older Loop building or the slick metal stairs at an L station after a rain, our team is here to stand up for those hurt by unsafe conditions. With years of experience handling stair-related injury cases in Cook County and throughout Illinois, we know the local codes, the courts, and the strategies it takes to win.

Our Stair-Related Accident Settlements & Verdicts

The following are just a few examples showing that strong evidence, detailed knowledge, and early investigation are key to maximizing slip and fall accident settlement amounts.

• $2,800,000
  Evan, a 5‑year‑old, suffered a serious leg injury when he fell through an unsecured stairway at a childcare center inside a Loop office building. We proved that the contractor operating the facility failed to maintain a safe environment for children.
• $1,500,000
  Walter, an elderly resident of a North Side apartment building, fell down a flight of stairs after the railing gave way. Our investigation revealed multiple violations, including improper railing height and lack of secure anchoring.
• $835,100
  Sandra slipped and fell in a dimly lit, deteriorating stairwell in a West Side apartment complex. We demonstrated that the property owner failed to repair the worn steps and replace missing non-slip strips.

Why Choose Our Chicago Law Firm

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of falling down stairs, you need a legal team that knows both the courtroom and the Chicago landscape. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of slip and fall and stair-related injury cases in Cook County and beyond, recovering millions for clients through settlements and verdicts.

We’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; honors that reflect not just results, but dedication to client care.

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

A slip and fall down stairs can cause injuries ranging from mild to life-altering. In our Chicago cases, we’ve seen the most common injuries include the following.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and ligament tears are common injuries after stair accidents and often require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A hard fall can cause spinal cord damage, sometimes resulting in partial or complete loss of function.

Head Injuries

Falls can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other head injuries that may have lasting effects.

Broken Bones

Fractures in the arms, legs, or hips are frequent in stair accidents and may require surgery and lengthy recovery.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Stair Accidents?

In Chicago, many stair-related accidents happen because safety standards in the city’s building codes aren’t followed. Some of the most common causes we encounter include the following.

Building Code Violations

Violations of the Chicago Building Code often contribute to falls. For example:

• Under 14X-12-1202.4.6, exterior stairs must be maintained in sound condition and in good repair.
• Under 14X-12-1202.5.5, interior stairs must have treads and risers that have uniform dimensions, are sound, securely fastened, and have no rotting, loose, or deteriorating supports.
• Under 14X-12-1205.5.6, mortgagees must reasonably maintain the structural integrity of stairs and steps that lead to the main entrance of the building.

Inadequate Lighting

Poorly lit stairwells make it difficult to see steps, uneven surfaces, or other hazards.

Broken or Uneven Steps

Cracked, warped, or uneven steps can cause people to lose their footing. Under 14X-5-505.9.1.3, stair treads and risers must be of uniform size and shape, and the variance between the largest and smallest riser height or between the largest and smallest tread depth must not exceed 1/2 inch in any flight of stairs.

Loose or Missing Handrails

Handrails that are unstable, improperly installed, or missing entirely fail to provide needed support. Under 14X-5-505.14.1, stairways must have handrails on at least one side, located so that all portions of the stairway width required for egress capacity are within 44 inches of a handrail.

Slippery Surfaces

Water, ice, or worn treads can make stairways unsafe, especially in high-traffic buildings. Under 14X-5-505.12.3, stair treads and landings must be so constructed as to prevent accumulation of snow or ice, but the maximum dimension of any opening, through such treads, landings, or floors may not exceed 1-1/4 inches.

Worn or Torn Carpeting

Loose carpeting can bunch up or shift underfoot, creating a dangerous condition.

Defective Stair Design or Construction

Improper stair height or tread depth can make a staircase inherently unsafe.

What Damages Can an Injured Person Recover?

At Chicago Injury Center, we work to ensure that every victim of fall accidents gets the full range of damages the law allows. Whether your injuries occurred in a private home, a rental building, or on commercial property owners’ premises, we carefully document your losses to seek a fair settlement that truly reflects what you’ve been through.

Medical Expenses

Medical costs after slip and fall accidents can add up quickly. We help clients recover compensation for hospital bills, emergency room visits, ongoing medical care, and any future medical expenses linked to their resulting injuries. This also includes rehabilitation and therapy for soft tissue injuries and back injuries that may not fully heal for months or years.

Lost Wages

The end result of serious injuries is often time away from work. In severe cases, victims may never return to their previous jobs. Our firm calculates all income you’ve lost, including time spent recovering and any reduction in earning capacity due to lasting injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages cover the personal toll of falling down stairs. This can include compensation for pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by deep lacerations or other common injuries. These damages acknowledge the life changes you face after someone else’s negligence and aim to help you move forward with dignity.

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

Based on Law.com data, the average payout for a slip and falling down stairs case in Chicago is $498,861, while the median settlement value is about $127,370. The range of payouts is significant—spanning from as little as $5,750 to as much as $4 million.

Key factors influencing settlement amounts include the amount of medical bills, the victim’s age (especially in cases involving older adults), and whether the injury caused permanent disability or a significant loss of income.

Example Cases in Chicago

Megan D. attended a Halloween party at a downtown Chicago hotel. While navigating a crowded event space, she encountered a spiral staircase without adequate safety measures, where she lost her balance and fell multiple stories. She suffered massive skull fractures and brain injury, leading to her death. The jury found the hotel operator liable and awarded her family $4 million for loss of companionship and mental anguish.

Rebecca H. was visiting family in Chicago when she fell off a rear stairway that lacked a proper handrail. Despite multiple surgeries and long-term medical care, she passed away years later. A jury found the property owner primarily responsible for failing to address building issues and awarded her estate $3 million, including over $350,000 in medical expenses.

Christine C., a nurse consultant, was leaving the upper deck at Wrigley Field when she slipped on steep stairs that had no handrails at her level. She fractured her clavicle, suffered a torn rotator cuff, and required surgery, incurring about $70,000 in medical costs. The jury awarded over $1.3 million in damages, later reduced for comparative fault, and the case ultimately settled for $800,000.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents involving stairs can be some of the most complex cases we handle. In Chicago, these claims often require proving that property owners knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it. This means gathering building inspection reports, witness statements, and expert opinions on stair safety, sometimes going back years.

Defendants and their insurance companies will often argue that you were distracted, wearing unsafe footwear, or otherwise at fault. Without an attorney who understands local building ordinances and safety codes, it can be difficult to overcome these defenses.

Navigating the process in Cook County Circuit Court or other local venues also takes experience. These courts have their own procedures, filing requirements, and scheduling quirks. We’ve spent years litigating in these courtrooms, working with Chicago-area safety experts, and securing verdicts and settlements for clients who suffered serious injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to broken bones.

How Common Are Stair Slip and Fall Accidents?

A study analyzing data from 1990 to 2012 revealed that more than 24.7 million people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for stair-related injuries. That’s an average of over one million patients every year, or roughly 37.8 stair-related injuries per 10,000 residents.

Nearly 67% of all emergency visits for stair-related injuries involved individuals aged 11 to 60, but the highest injury rates were among young children and seniors.

Women were injured more frequently than men, and common injuries include sprains and strains (32.3%), soft tissue injuries (23.8%), and broken bones or fractures (19.3%). Many of these involve the lower extremities (42.1%) or head/neck areas (21.6%).

Where Do Stairway Falls Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Falling down stairs happens most often in apartment buildings, office complexes, transit stations, and commercial properties with heavy foot traffic, such as Union Station, older CTA “L” stations, shopping centers, and hotels, many of which have aging infrastructure or poor lighting, worn treads, or missing handrails.

Some incidents happen at work, especially for employees in warehouses or factories, where construction companies or employers may have installed temporary staircases. Others occur in residential buildings when property owners fail to address uneven stairs or the wrong height handrails.

What Laws Govern Stair Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

Our team builds these cases under premises liability law, which requires that property owners keep their stairs and walkways reasonably safe for lawful visitors. In Illinois, this duty is codified under the Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/).

If your fall happened on public property—like at a city-owned building or transit station—your case may also be subject to the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/), which imposes special notice deadlines and liability rules.

We also consider case law. For example, in Ward v. K Mart Corp., 136 Ill. 2d 132 (1990), the Illinois Supreme Court clarified that even if a hazard is open and obvious, a property owner may still be held liable if it was foreseeable that someone could be distracted and injured.

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

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury case in Illinois. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and strengthens your legal options.

Who Is Legally Liable for Stairway Accidents in Chicago?

Liability often falls on property owners who fail to keep stairs safe, but it can also extend to commercial property owners, contractors, or construction companies responsible for repairs. A dangerous condition can lead to fall accidents, and those in control of the premises may be held liable if negligence caused the harm.

Common Defenses in Cases Involving Stair-Related Injuries

Defendants may argue you weren’t watching where you were going, that the hazard was “open and obvious,” or that someone else’s property was responsible. We counter these defenses by gathering to show the dangerous condition that directly caused your injuries.

How to Strengthen Your Case After Falling Down Stairs in Chicago

Get prompt medical attention for all resulting injuries, including soft tissue injuries, broken bones, or head trauma. Report the incident in writing to the property owners, take photos of hazards, and keep receipts for medical care. The sooner you involve a personal injury attorney, the stronger your claim will be.

How Our Chicago Attorneys Can Help

At Chicago Injury Center, our role is to investigate the dangerous condition that caused your fall and identify all responsible property owners.

We gather evidence such as witness statements and surveillance footage to strengthen your claim. We also work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries, whether that means ongoing medical attention, rehabilitation, or long-term care for severe cases.

From negotiating with the insurance company to filing suit in Cook County Circuit Court if needed, we handle every step so you can focus on recovery. Our goal is to secure fair compensation for your injuries and help you move forward after falling down stairs.

FAQs

What are the risk factors for falling down stairs?

Risk factors include poor lighting, uneven steps, damaged stairs, or an object left where it doesn’t belong. Older adults are at greater risk due to reduced balance.

How do I know if my stair fall case is serious?

A case may be serious if you suffer severe injuries such as head strikes, back injuries, or soft tissue damage. Symptoms like blurry vision, persistent pain, or limited mobility after falling down stairs may indicate you need immediate medical attention.

Should I go to the doctor after falling down stairs?

Yes. Even if you feel fine, falls can cause delayed injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. A doctor will document your medical condition, which can be vital in a personal injury lawsuit.

How do I prove liability for a stairway fall?

Under the elements of a premises liability case, you must show that the owner of the premises (or an employee) caused or knew about a dangerous condition but failed to address it. This also applies if they should have known about the hazard because a reasonable inspection would have revealed it.

What if I’m partly at fault for the accident?

Illinois follows comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, , meaning you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if I fell down the stairs at work?

Falls at work may be covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/), which provides benefits for medical treatment and lost wages without proving fault.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured from falling down stairs, you have legal options to pursue compensation. At Chicago Injury Center, our personal injury attorneys know how to hold negligent property owners accountable when dangerous conditions cause life-changing injuries.

We handle such cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your personal injury lawsuit. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.