Failure to Install Handrail at Apartment Building Leads to Injury

Case Overview

This case study focuses on an incident that transpired in a residential area upstate New York. An individual suffered injuries after slipping and falling on the steps of an apartment building.

The property owner had recently renovated the stairs but failed to install a handrail or improve lighting conditions. The plaintiff alleges negligence by the property owner for not adhering to relevant safety codes concerning handrails and sufficient lighting.

Questions to the Forensic Engineering expert and their responses

Can you describe your experience as a licensed engineer, specifically in assessing compliance with relevant codes related to fall protection and lighting?

As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New York, I have extensive experience evaluating compliance with safety codes, particularly those related to fall protection and lighting. My training as a New York State Code Enforcement Official has equipped me with the necessary knowledge to accurately assess such situations.

What safety precautions could have been taken to avoid this type of incident?

There are several safety measures that could have prevented this unfortunate incident. The most critical precautions include installing handrails and ensuring adequate lighting. These elements are essential for maintaining safe navigation, particularly on staircases.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate.

Indeed, I have reviewed numerous trip-and-fall cases throughout my career. Many of these cases involved code violations concerning stairs, handrails, and inadequate lighting—similar circumstances to those present in this case.

About the expert

This expert is a seasoned forensic engineer with over three decades of experience and holds professional engineering licenses in more than ten states, including New York. Their academic background includes a BS in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and an MS in Systems Engineering and Management. They have held various roles, including project manager for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and currently serve as a forensic engineer at two different firms, demonstrating their extensive expertise in safety compliance, code enforcement, and accident investigation.