Apartment Stairway Collapse and Spinal Injury: What Is My Case Worth?
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed May 22, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
A stair in my apartment collapsed causing me to have a cervical spine injury C3-C6 building and C5 radiculopathy. Ive done OT for 8 months chiro for 4 months and I have been treating with pain management and ortho doctors. My question is what is a case like this worth?
Yes and yes I have missed work as well.
Attorney Answer
No responsible attorney can put a dollar figure on this case yet — its value depends on facts not yet established, including full liability documentation, the property's insurance coverage limits, and any comparative-fault exposure.
Case value in a stairway-collapse injury claim like this is generally shaped by your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any anticipated future medical care, weighed against how clearly the property owner's fault can be shown. The single most important unresolved fact is who owns and manages the building. If it's privately owned, New Jersey's standard personal injury statute of limitations applies. If it's owned or managed by a public housing authority or other government entity, a separate and much shorter notice-of-claim deadline applies instead, and missing it can bar the claim entirely.
What you can do:
1. Confirm immediately whether the building is privately owned or owned/managed by a public housing authority or municipal entity.
2. Continue compiling all medical records, therapy and treatment bills, and documentation of missed work and lost income.
3. Gather any evidence of the stairway's condition before the collapse and any prior complaints or repair history.
4. Consult a personal injury attorney for a formal case valuation once ownership and liability facts are confirmed.
⏱ Time limits apply. New Jersey's personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). But if a public housing authority or other government entity owns the property, a separate and far shorter notice-of-claim deadline could apply instead. Confirm ownership type immediately, and have a local personal injury attorney review the case promptly to pin down the correct deadline for your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the value of a personal injury case determined?
Generally, case value considers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and anticipated future care, weighed against how clearly liability can be shown.
Does it matter who owns the property where an injury occurred?
Yes, generally; claims against private owners follow standard injury deadlines, while claims involving public or government-owned property often require a much shorter notice-of-claim filing.
How long do I have to file a premises liability injury claim?
In many states, there is a general personal injury statute of limitations of a couple of years, though government-owned properties may carry shorter notice deadlines; an attorney can confirm which applies.
