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A porch or stair collapse can happen in seconds — but the physical and emotional consequences can last a lifetime. When you’re injured because a property owner failed to maintain a safe structure, you deserve answers, accountability, and justice.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), we stand up for people who’ve been hurt by unsafe property conditions across Berkley, Metro Detroit, and surrounding counties — including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw. For decades, our team has represented Michigan families in premises liability and personal injury claims, holding negligent landlords, property managers, and contractors accountable for the harm they cause.
We understand that porch, balcony, and stair collapses are almost always preventable. They happen when someone cuts corners, ignores safety warnings, or fails to follow building codes. Victims are left facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next.
Our commitment is simple: “Your Rights First.” That phrase isn’t just a tagline — it’s the foundation of everything we do. We put your recovery, your story, and your future at the center of every case. Whether your accident happened at an apartment complex, restaurant, rental home, or public space, we’ll help you uncover what went wrong and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you work with Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re gaining a legal team that treats you like family, listens to your story, and stands beside you until justice is served.
Who May Be Liable for a Porch or Stair Collapse
When a porch or staircase gives way, the consequences can be catastrophic — but determining who is legally responsible can be complex. Michigan’s premises liability laws allow victims to seek compensation when an injury is caused by a property owner’s negligence, but the responsible party isn’t always obvious.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we investigate every angle of a collapse to uncover the full picture. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with technical knowledge to identify every party who may share liability.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Porch or Stair Collapse Case
- Property Owners and Landlords:
Responsible for maintaining safe premises and ensuring structures meet building code standards. Failure to fix rotting wood, rusted supports, or loose railings may make them directly liable for injuries. - Property Management Companies:
Many owners hire management firms to handle maintenance, inspections, and repairs. If they ignore hazards or fail to act promptly, they can also be held accountable. - Construction Companies or Contractors:
When a collapse results from defective construction, poor materials, or substandard workmanship, the contractor or builder may bear responsibility. - Architects or Engineers:
Design professionals must ensure that structures are built safely and comply with Michigan building codes. If design flaws or miscalculations contributed to a collapse, they may be liable for negligence. - Municipal Entities:
In limited cases, a city or government agency can be held responsible if the collapse occurred on public property or if officials neglected required safety inspections.
Determining fault in a porch or stair collapse often requires extensive investigation, expert analysis, and a deep understanding of Michigan premises liability law. The team at Liss, Shapero & Mitnick excels in handling these complex cases — working with engineers, building inspectors, and construction experts to uncover the truth and pursue justice for injured victims.
Michigan Premises Liability Law: Property Owner Responsibilities
Michigan law requires all property owners to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe and prevent injuries caused by hazardous conditions. This duty varies depending on the visitor’s relationship to the property, but safety is always at the core of the law.
Legal Duty of Care Under Michigan Law
- Invitees — These are people invited onto the property for business or mutual benefit, such as tenants, customers, or delivery workers. Property owners owe invitees the highest level of protection, including regular inspections, timely repairs, and clear warnings of dangers.
- Licensees — Social guests or visitors allowed on the property for non-business purposes. Owners must warn licensees about known hazards that aren’t obvious.
- Trespassers — Property owners generally owe limited duties to trespassers, but there is an exception for children under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, which requires property owners to protect children from potentially dangerous conditions that could attract them, like unstable porches or unsecured stairwells.
Landlord Obligations Under Michigan Law
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.139, landlords are legally required to keep rental properties and common areas — including porches, stairways, and hallways — in reasonable repair and fit for their intended use.
When landlords fail to maintain these areas, tenants and guests injured as a result can pursue a premises liability claim for negligence. This includes situations where the landlord ignored prior complaints or failed to conduct regular safety inspections.
Negligence and Failure to Act
A property owner may be found negligent for:
- Failing to inspect or maintain the property regularly
- Ignoring known safety hazards
- Failing to warn tenants or visitors of dangerous conditions
- Violating building codes or safety ordinances
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our attorneys know how to apply these laws strategically to each case. We’ve helped countless victims across Metro Detroit and Michigan recover damages by proving that a property owner’s negligence directly caused their injuries.
How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Build Strong Porch and Stair Collapse Cases
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we know that winning a premises liability case requires more than just legal experience — it takes precision, teamwork, and relentless attention to detail. Our attorneys take a hands-on, investigative approach to every porch or stair collapse case, ensuring that every fact, document, and expert opinion supports your claim for justice.
Our Proven Approach
- On-Site Investigations
We visit the scene with engineers, construction professionals, and building safety experts to identify the cause of the collapse and determine whether code violations or negligent maintenance played a role. - Comprehensive Evidence Gathering
Our team collects and analyzes photographs, maintenance logs, inspection reports, work orders, and witness statements to build a complete picture of what went wrong — and who is responsible. - Medical Documentation and Expert Support
We partner with medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists to fully document your injuries, treatment, and long-term care needs. This ensures that your claim reflects the true extent of your losses — not just your immediate medical bills. - Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Property owners and their insurers often try to minimize or deny responsibility. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively, using evidence and expert testimony to demand full and fair compensation for your injuries. - Litigation and Trial Experience
When insurance companies refuse to settle fairly, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our track record includes six-figure verdicts and settlements for clients in complex premises liability cases — even those other firms thought were too difficult to win.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, every client receives the strength and dedication of our entire firm.
Compensation Available for Porch and Stair Collapse Victims
A porch or stair collapse can leave victims with life-changing injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Michigan law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages — and the team at Liss, Shapero & Mitnick knows how to fight for every dollar you’re entitled to.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation For:
- Medical Bills and Hospital Expenses
Coverage for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, and future medical care. - Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of long-term rehabilitation. - Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Potential
Income lost during recovery — and compensation for any permanent reduction in your ability to work or earn a living. - Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional hardship caused by your injuries. - Emotional Distress and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Recovery for the anxiety, trauma, or depression that often follow catastrophic injuries. - Scarring, Disability, or Disfigurement
Damages for visible injuries or physical limitations that permanently alter your quality of life. - Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable)
In tragic cases, families may recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional grief following a fatal collapse.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand that no two cases are the same. Our attorneys tailor every strategy to your unique situation — considering your medical needs, financial losses, and long-term recovery goals.
Get the Metro Detroit Porch and Stair Collapse Lawyers Who Put Safety and Justice First
If you or someone you love has been injured in a porch or stair collapse in Metro Detroit, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Property owners, landlords, and contractors have a duty to keep buildings safe — and when their negligence leads to devastating injuries, they must be held accountable.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we combine compassion, expertise, and relentless dedication to fight for Michigan victims. Our attorneys understand how complex premises liability cases can be — and we have the skill, experience, and resources to win them. We’ll investigate your case, uncover the truth about what caused the collapse, and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
When you choose LSM, you’re choosing a team that treats you like family. You’ll have our entire firm — Tony, Scott, Michael, and our experienced staff — working together to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the process.
📞 Call (248) 584-1300 or 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll protect your rights and stand by your side like family — every step of the way.