In This Article
Stairs are deceptively dangerous. Uneven steps, inadequate lighting, missing or loose handrails, and code-violating dimensions cause falls that produce fractures, head injuries, and spinal damage. When a property owner's negligence created the hazard, Nevada premises law provides a path to compensation.
Building Codes as Evidence
Nevada and local building codes set requirements for stair dimensions, handrail height, and lighting. A violation of these codes is powerful evidence of negligence, because it establishes that the property failed to meet a recognized safety standard. Documenting the violation is often central to the case.
Common Hazards
Frequent culprits include handrails that are missing, loose, or end before the bottom step; steps of inconsistent height that disrupt a person's gait; worn or slippery treads; and poor lighting in stairwells. Each can independently support a claim when it causes a fall.
Documenting the Scene
Photographs of the stairway, measurements showing code violations, and records of prior complaints build the case. Because owners may repair a hazard after an incident, capturing its condition quickly is critical to preserving your claim.
Free Stairway-Fall Review
If a defective staircase or missing railing caused your fall in Nevada, a free review can assess whether code violations and owner negligence support a strong premises claim.