Los Angeles Stair Collapse Lawyer

When Stairs Fail, We Stand Up for You

A collapsing stair or failing step is one of the most dangerous hazards on any property. These incidents happen suddenly, without warning, and often because a property owner, landlord, contractor, or business ignored basic safety obligations. Unfortunately, victims and families can suffer tremendously as a result.

At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we help clients throughout Los Angeles and Southern California hold negligent property owners and insurers accountable.

Our firm brings decades of premises liability experience, a track record of high-stakes litigation, and a unique advantage: a former insurance adjuster on staff who knows exactly how insurers evaluate and try to minimize these claims. We use that insight to build stronger cases, anticipate defenses, and pursue maximum compensation.

Injured when a stair gave way? Call (310) 775-2491 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We’re available 24/7 and can meet at your home or hospital.

Why Injured Clients Turn to McGee Lerer Ogrin

Proven Results: Millions recovered in serious injury and premises liability claims.
Former Insurance Adjuster: Insider knowledge that accelerates settlements and exposes lowball tactics.
Fast & Aggressive Investigation: We preserve evidence quickly before property owners try to fix or hide the hazard.
Honest, Transparent Case Evaluation: Realistic expectations, clear communication, and zero pressure.
Comprehensive Support: Medical care on liens, help securing pre-settlement funding, and 24/7 availability.

Millions Recovered for Victims

Our success spans a wide range of high-stakes injury cases involving dangerous property conditions, defective structures, catastrophic injuries, and unsafe premises.

Representative results include:

$18,000,000 – Auto vs. Truck. Client rear-ended by a trucking company.
$10,000,000 – Auto vs. Big Rig. Family struck by a commercial big rig.
$3,500,000 – Warehouse Accident. Client’s foot run over by a forklift driver.
$1,000,000 – Products Liability. Client injured by a defective tool rented from a major retailer.
Millions recovered for victims injured in premises accidents, including unsafe structures, dangerous property conditions, and serious falls.

See more of our results.

Understanding Stair Collapse Liability in California

Stair collapse cases typically fall under premises liability law, which requires property owners, managers, and businesses to keep their premises reasonably safe. Stairs should be stable, code-compliant, and regularly inspected. When they fail, it is almost always because someone neglected that responsibility.

Liability may rest with one or more of the following:

Landlords and property managers who ignore tenant complaints or let damage go unrepaired.
Homeowners and private property owners responsible for dangerous or aging stair structures.
Commercial property owners (hotels, restaurants, retail stores, gyms).
HOAs, apartment complexes, and management companies responsible for common areas.
Contractors or maintenance crews whose poor workmanship or negligent repairs contributed to failure.
Short-term rental owners/hosts (Airbnb, VRBO) who fail to maintain guest-accessible stairs.

The question is always the same: Did the responsible party know — or should they have known — the stairs were unsafe, and did they fail to fix the problem?

How Negligence Leads to Stair Collapse Accidents

Stairs rarely “just give way.” The underlying cause is usually preventable. Through decades of handling premises liability claims, we regularly see stair failure caused by:

Structural deterioration such as wood rot, rusted nails, or weakened supports.
Long-term water damage that compromises the integrity of treads and stringers.
Loose, unstable, or collapsing steps that were never repaired.
Missing, loose, or improperly secured handrails.
Defective construction or unpermitted work that violated building codes.
Wear-and-tear in older buildings that owners ignored rather than replacing.
Failure to comply with California Building Code (including tread depth, riser uniformity, and load requirements).
Neglected inspections in apartment buildings, commercial properties, and short-term rentals.

These defects almost always leave a trail: prior complaints, visible damage, cheap repairs, or missing maintenance logs. Our job is to uncover that evidence and prove the failure was foreseeable and preventable.

How We Prove Fault and Build Your Case

Stair collapse cases require fast, methodical investigation. Property owners often rush to repair the stairs immediately after an injury, eliminating critical evidence. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we move quickly to:

Photograph the stair structure before it’s altered.
Obtain security footage, witness statements, and incident reports.
Investigate prior complaints by tenants, employees, or guests.
Evaluate construction history, permits, and code compliance violations.
Work with structural engineers, safety experts, and building code specialists.
Identify every possible defendant and every available insurance policy.

Our stair accident attorneys understand how insurers assess these claims and use our ex-adjuster insight to counter their arguments, anticipate defenses, and maximize the value of your case.

Compensation Available in Stair Collapse Injury Cases

Victims of stair collapses often suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical care and long recovery periods. California law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for:

Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation).
Future medical treatment and long-term care needs.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Mobility aids or home care assistance.
Property damage, if personal items were damaged in the fall.
Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence (e.g., ignoring known structural hazards).

If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of love and companionship.

Our goal is not just to settle your case. It’s to pursue the full value of your claim and ensure the compensation reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Statute of Limitations: Deadlines You Must Know

General personal injury deadline: 2 years from the date of injury.
Claims against government entities: A Government Claim must be filed within 6 months, or the case may be barred forever.
Claims involving construction defects: May involve separate timelines depending on the circumstances.

These deadlines are strict. The sooner our team begins investigating, the more evidence we can preserve, and the stronger your case will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Collapse Claims

Are stair collapses always the property owner’s fault?

Not always, but in many cases, yes. If the owner ignored visible damage, failed to maintain the structure, or violated building codes, they can be held liable.

What if the owner fixed the stairs immediately after the accident?

Repairs after an accident may help prove negligence, but only if evidence is preserved. Contacting an attorney quickly is essential.

Can I sue my landlord for a stair collapse?

Yes. Landlords and property managers owe a legal duty to keep stairways safe for tenants and visitors.

What if the accident happened at an Airbnb or vacation rental?

You may have claims against both the property owner and potentially the rental platform’s insurance coverage.

Do I need a lawyer?

Yes. Premises liability cases are complex and evidence disappears quickly. Insurers often deny or minimize claims without an attorney involved. Our Los Angeles stair collapse attorneys help clients level the playing field with insurers and fight back against adversaries who care more about profits than people.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (310) 775-2491

If a stair or step gave way beneath you, or your loved one was injured due to a staircase collapse, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our team is here to explain your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call (310) 775-2491 or contact us online for a FREE, confidential consultation.
We’re available 24/7 and charge no fees unless we win your case.