ILLINOIS STAIRWAY ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Injured on a Dangerous Staircase? We’ve Recovered Over $500 Million for Clients Across Illinois.
Stairway accidents cause some of the most serious premises liability injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. When a property owner fails to maintain safe stairs, missing handrails, uneven risers, poor lighting, or worn treads, they can be held liable under Illinois law. Phillips Law Offices has represented injured victims across Illinois since 1945, recovering over $500 million in verdicts and settlements.
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Legally reviewed by Stephen D. Phillips, Managing Partner, J.D., Loyola University Chicago · Past President, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association · Illinois State Bar Association
Last updated: August 2026
💼 $500M+ Recovered
⚖️ 75+ Years Experience
⭐ 4.9 Google Rating (113 Reviews)
Super Lawyers Top 100
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Why Stairway Accidents Cause Such Serious Injuries
A fall down a staircase can generate significant force over multiple impacts, unlike a fall on a level surface. Stairway accident victims frequently suffer fractures, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, particularly in falls involving multiple steps or a hard landing surface. Building codes exist specifically because stairs are recognized as a high-risk feature of any property, and when a property owner cuts corners on stairway safety, the consequences for visitors can be severe.
Building Codes and Stairway Negligence in Illinois
Building Code Violations: Illinois municipalities generally adopt building codes, often based on the International Building Code, that set specific requirements for stair riser height, tread depth, handrail height and continuity, and lighting. A stairway that violates these code requirements can serve as strong evidence of a property owner’s negligence.
Common Causes: Common causes of stairway accidents include uneven or inconsistent riser heights, missing or loose handrails, worn or torn carpeting and stair nosing, inadequate lighting, and lack of visual contrast marking on step edges.
The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/): Property owners owe lawful visitors a duty of reasonable care to maintain safe conditions, including stairways. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault for your fall.
Statute of Limitations: You generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Claims against government-owned buildings often carry much shorter notice deadlines.
What to Do After a Stairway Accident
STEP 1
Get Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Stairway falls can cause internal injuries and concussions that are not immediately obvious.
STEP 2
Photograph the Stairway
Photograph the stairs from multiple angles, including any missing handrails, damaged treads, poor lighting, or lack of warning signs, before the condition can be repaired.
STEP 3
Report the Incident
Notify the property owner or manager and request an incident report. Get witness contact information if anyone saw what happened.
STEP 4
Contact Phillips Law Offices
Before speaking with an insurance company, call us at (312) 346-4262 for a free case evaluation.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Decide What Your Case Is Worth
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Our attorneys are trained to maximize it. Get a free, honest evaluation of your case today.
(312) 346-4262
Personal Injury Case Results
Phillips Law Offices has a proven record of obtaining substantial compensation for personal injury victims across Illinois. These results reflect our commitment to thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
$10 Million
The Situation
A child was seriously injured in an escalator incident at a Chicagoland shopping center.
Our Approach
Our attorneys litigated the case for six years to establish the property owner’s liability.
The Result
$10 million settlement for the family.
$16 Million
The Situation
A spinal infection went undiagnosed and untreated in the emergency room, leaving our client paralyzed from the waist down.
Our Approach
We built the case against the treating hospital for the missed diagnosis and pursued full accountability.
The Result
$16 million settlement with the hospital.
$25 Million
The Situation
A 17-year-old lost both kidneys due to a physician’s gross negligence.
Our Approach
Our attorneys litigated the case for four years, building the medical record needed to hold the responsible providers accountable.
The Result
$25 million settlement for the family.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
What Our Illinois Clients Say
“Stephen J. Phillips helped me navigate the horrendous experience of being in an automobile accident that left me injured. He was compassionate and professional. When something traumatic happens to you, you need to be able to turn to people that you can trust to have your best interests at heart.”
H Arena, Google Review
“I have heard only the best about this firm and would highly recommend and use them for any serious injury situation.”
Sidney Fleischman, Google Review
Stairway Accident FAQs
What makes a stairway dangerous under Illinois law?
A stairway can be considered dangerous if it violates local building codes, has inconsistent riser heights, lacks proper handrails, is poorly lit, or has damaged or slippery treads. Our attorneys work with engineering experts to document code violations and unsafe conditions.
Who is liable for a stairway accident?
The property owner or manager responsible for maintaining the stairway is typically liable, though contractors who built or recently repaired the stairs, or a property management company, may also share responsibility depending on the facts.
What is the statute of limitations for a stairway accident claim?
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Claims involving government-owned buildings often have much shorter notice deadlines.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule.
How much does it cost to hire a stairway accident lawyer?
Phillips Law Offices handles all cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no fees unless we win your case.
Talk to an Illinois Stairway Accident Lawyer Today
(312) 346-4262
Related: Slip & Fall / Premises Liability | Trip and Fall Accidents | Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact Phillips Law Offices for a free consultation.