Slip and Trip Accidents: Dangers of Stairs

Slip and Falls Dangers of Stairs

Published on June 10, 2019 • Updated on February 13, 2026

Slip and trip accidents while going up or down the stairs can result in serious injuries. When you add height, the repeated impact of multiple stairs, and unsafe conditions, the dangers of stairs multiply.

Slip and trip accidents can result from hazards such as:

  • Slippery surfaces
  • Wet or icy stairs
  • Uneven stair height or depth
  • Lack of handrails

Whether you are on a commercial property or residential, stairs can present dangers to both able-bodied and disabled persons, young and old alike.

About 1 out of 4 older people falls and injures themselves each year. Those 65 and older are the most prevalent age group in this regard. (CDC)


Slippery Surfaces

What the stairs are made from and covered with can determine how slippery that surface is and the hazards they hide.

  • Torn or loose carpet, worn-down steps, or even slight wear om the stair tread can create hidden trip hazards. Minor wear is often hard to see but can still lead to slips, trips, or falls.
  • Highly polished wood or tile surfaces are naturally more slippery than other surfaces like stone or carpeted stairs, increasing the risk of losing your footing.
  • Liquid spills —such as beverages, grease, oil, or other debris—on or blocking the stairs can quickly turn into a dangerous fall hazard if not cleaned up promptly.
  • Snow, ice, and slush tracked onto stairways during winter weather can create nearly invisible slick spots, making stairs extremely hazardous and significantly increasing the risk of sudden slips and falls.

Case Result

$250,000 SETTLEMENT AGAINST RESTAURANT FOR SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT
We obtained a $250,000 settlement for a client who suffered orthopedic injuries in a slip and fall accident at Cheddars Restaurant in Kansas due to a buildup of grease on the floor. The floor where the fall occurred was next to the kitchen and patrons were required to walk across it to reach the restrooms.


dangerous outside stairsWet or icy outdoor stairs

Ice, rain, and snow can collect on outdoor stairs. Outdoor steps are supposed to be built and maintained so that water and/or ice do not excessively build up. In addition, outdoor stairs must have a surface that does not become extra slippery in these conditions; one solution is to use non-slip runners.

When the weather is wet or icy, you should always take precautions when navigating outdoor stairs.


Uneven stair height or depth (stair design)

Stairs themselves consist of two basic parts: the run and the riser. The riser goes up vertically and the run is the horizontal part of the stair you step on. Damage to either part can lead to serious injuries.

Stairs must meet building codes regarding the size of the risers and runs.


Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.


Lack of and/or broken handrails

Handrails provide balance and stability and if missing or broken can contribute to falls.

Case Result

$475,000 SETTLEMENT AGAINST RESTAURANT FOR DANGEROUS STAIRS
An elderly female client fractured her hip when she fell down the stairs of the Iron Horse Restaurant in Blackwater, Missouri. After her hip replacement surgery, she developed post-operative respiratory failure and other complications that required her to be hospitalized for almost 2 months and ultimately led to her death. The attorneys at Nash & Franciskato were able to prove the stairs were defective because of inadequate lighting and the installation of an improper handrail. The case settled for a sum of $475,000.


Do You Have a Slip and Trip Personal Injury Case?

slip and trip accidents accidents on stairs serious injuries slip and fall

Just because you are injured in a slip-and-trip accident on someone else’s property does not mean you will receive compensation from the property owner.

What typically makes a slip, trip, and fall accident a personal injury or premises liability case is that there is some neglected hazard or a potential for a hazard while on another person’s property. An experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with premises liability can help you.


RECEIVE A FREE EVALUATION from Experienced Premises Liability Attorneys

Slip and fall cases can be difficult to prove. To obtain compensation for your injuries, you need an experienced and aggressive personal injury legal team who knows what to look for and how to prove unsafe conditions. The legal team at Nash & Franciskato Law Firm is that team, having obtained substantial settlements for premises liability cases. Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today.


Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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