Slip, trip and fall accidents occur at an alarmingly high rate in cities like New York, where crowded streets, wet floors, and uneven pavement are common events, sadly, and can all prove hazardous to pedestrians. Moreover, if you or a loved one has been involved in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, it may feel overwhelming to know what to do while you’re recovering from your injuries.
That said, you can rest easier knowing that the award-winning personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers have more than (150) combined years of experience fighting and winning cases just like yours. What’s more, you can speak directly with one of our trial attorneys by dialing 516-342-2200 or scheduling your free consultation online today.
What Is A Slip-And-Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, and/or falls due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. These accidents can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in parking lots, grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings, and sidewalks.
Property owners are obligated to keep their premises safe, and when they fail to, they can be held responsible for any injuries that occur. That’s why “wet floor” signs, orange cones, and barricades are necessary. If a property owner doesn’t indicate a hazard, they’re likely responsible for accidents relating to that hazard.
How Common Are Slip-And-Fall Accidents In New York?
Slip, trip and fall injuries are more frequent in densely populated areas like New York than in calmer locations with more room to move.
Accordingly, New York City sees thousands of slip-and-fall accidents every year, particularly in the winter months when elements like snow and ice create hazards on sidewalks and streets, and slippery subway platforms, wet floors in businesses, and poorly maintained walkways also abound.
Personal injury law firms know that many slip, trip and fall accidents result in emergency room visits and that many of these accidents are also preventable, stemming from issues such as a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment for visitors.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Injuries?
A slip-and-fall injury can happen in any number of situations and can be caused by any number of circumstances. That said, among the more common culprits in New York City, many share a relationship with untidy floors, unpredictable weather patterns, defective stairs, and loose debris.
Uneven Or Wet Floors
Spilled liquids, melted snow, or rainwater can make floors slippery. Cracked sidewalks, broken tiles, or potholes in parking lots are also common hazards. In particular, the subway can be dangerous when it is raining.
Weather Conditions
Snow, ice, and rain can create hazardous walking conditions, especially if not properly cleared. Property owners are responsible for labeling wet floors and other hazards that may be present during adverse weather.
Obstructions
Clutter, debris, or cords left in walkways can easily cause trips and falls. Obstructions are most common around construction sites and areas where garbage is collected.
Stairs Without Handrails
Improperly maintained stairways or the absence of handrails can lead to falls.
Property owners are responsible for identifying these hazards and taking steps to prevent accidents. When they don’t, they can be held liable through a premises liability claim.
Regardless of the cause, contacting a skilled attorney is likely in your best interest. The seasoned personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are ready to review your case today. Call 516-342-2200 now.
What Are The Most Common Injuries From A Slip-And-Fall Accident?
Slip-and-fall injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on how hard the fall was and where it occurred. Here, injuries can include but aren’t limited to:
- Broken Bones: Fractures, especially in the arms, wrists, hips, or legs, are common after a fall.
- Head Injuries: Falls can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which require immediate medical attention.
- Sprains, Strains, And Tears: Ligament injuries in the ankles or wrists are unusually common in slip, trip and fall cases.
- Cuts And Bruises: While these might seem minor, deep cuts can require medical treatment and leave permanent scars.
- Back And Spinal Injuries: Landing in an awkward position can lead to painful back or spine injuries, including herniated disks that may lead to lifelong complications.
- Soft Tissue Injuries:Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in chronic pain and require long-term treatment.
If you or a loved one experiences any of these injuries after a slip-and-fall accident, you should seek medical care first to avoid complications. Also, you should be sure to document your injuries for any personal injury case that may arise in the future.
Furthermore, at this stage, you needn’t worry about your insurance coverage just yet, and you shouldn’t contact your provider before speaking with a seasoned NYC slip-and-fall attorney. With that in mind, the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are ready and able to help you recover damages for your injuries. Call us now at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and/or case evaluation!
What To Do After A Slip-And-Fall Accident
If you’ve suffered a slip-and-fall accident in New York, you should know that there are several important steps you should take next to protect yourself and your financial future. Among them, you should:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s vital to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like head injuries or internal bleeding, may not be obvious at first. Going to the emergency room creates a record of your injuries, which can make a difference if you choose to seek compensation.
Report The Accident
After any slip, trip or fall, you should notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible. To this end, you might ask them to create an accident report that includes details of the incident. Moreover, if the accident happened in a public place, such as a store or restaurant, you should also ask for a copy of the incident report.
Gather Evidence
Documenting the accident scene is essential. It may not look the same a few days (or even a few hours) later. Take photos of where the fall occurred, including any dangerous conditions that caused it, such as wet floors, broken tiles, or ice. Photograph the area from multiple angles and take pictures of any visible injuries. If possible, collect the contact information of any witnesses.
Save Medical Records
Keep track of medical records, including doctor visits, treatments, medical bills, and prescriptions. They can help link your injuries to the accident. Your medical bills are especially important because you may be able to recover damages for your treatment costs.
Avoid Speaking To Insurance Adjusters
After your accident, you may be contacted by an insurance company representing the property owner. But you should remember: Insurance companies are protecting their bottom line, not you. They may act like they want to help, but their goal is to settle for as little as possible. They may attempt to minimize your claim or get you to say something they can use against you.
To stay above the fray, you should speak with an experienced NYC slip-and-fall attorney before making any statements. Then, too, you should allow your skilled attorney to handle the insurance adjusters while you focus on getting better.
Consult With A Skilled Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring an experienced attorney is one of the most helpful steps you can take after a slip and fall. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, provide legal advice, and help you file a fall claim against the property owner.
The seasoned personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers have more than (150) combined years of experience fighting and winning cases related to slip, trip and fall accidents. And so, when you’re ready to discuss your options, please don’t delay but do dial 516-342-2200 without fear of ever having to pay any upfront costs.
What Damages Are You Entitled To After A Slip-And-Fall Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages you’ve suffered, including medical expenses and income loss relating to your fall.
- Medical Bills: You may recover compensation for current and future medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim lost wages and future income. This is especially important if the fall causes a long-term injury, like a herniated disk.
- Pain And Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the injury.
- Property Damage: Property damage is a common byproduct of both slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents. People often break their phones or their glasses on impact. To this end, may be eligible to recover compensation to replace or repair broken glasses, electronics, and other personal possessions that were damaged or destroyed because of the accident.
After reviewing your case, the right attorney can advise you on the compensation you may receive. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are prepared to review the details of your case. Call us now at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and so much more!
How Can A Seasoned Attorney Help You After A Slip-And-Fall Accident?
An experienced slip-and-fall attorney can improve your chances of getting fair compensation. Here’s how they can help:
- Case Evaluation: During a free consultation, the right attorney can evaluate the facts and determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
- Gathering Evidence: The right attorney can also help gather evidence, such as medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies: A skilled attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring you don’t accept a low settlement offer.
- Filing An Injury Lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney can file a fall lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Meeting Deadlines: The right attorney can ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which is typically three (3) years in New York for slip-and-fall accidents.
Slip-And-Fall Accident FAQs
You may still have questions about what to expect if you’ve been involved in an accident. Every case is different, but there are several core concerns many victims share:
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Slip-And-Fall Claim In New York?
In New York State, the statute of limitations is three (3) years from the date of the accident. That means if you do not take legal action within this time frame, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
How Much Is A Slip-And-Fall Case Worth?
The value of a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall case will depend on a variety of factors, including your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. That said, the goal is always to reach a settlement that removes the financial burden that the accident placed on a victim. For an estimate more specific to your situation, consulting with an experienced NYC attorney may give you a better idea of how much your case is potentially worth.
Can You File A Claim If You Were Partly At Fault?
Yes. New York State follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still be able to recover damages even if you were partly responsible for your accident. However, be aware that your compensation might be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How Long Does A Slip-And-Fall Case Take To Settle?
Timelines can vary. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while others take longer, especially if the case goes to trial. The right attorney can work to resolve the case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you get fair compensation.
What Should You Do If You’re Contacted By The Property Owner’s Insurance Company?
If you are contacted by an insurance company, it’s best to avoid making any statements before consulting with your attorney. The insurance adjuster might minimize your claim or offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses. Remember, insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind.
Get The Representation You Deserve!
A slip-and-fall accident can result in physical, emotional, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has experienced a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident in New York City, taking the right steps immediately afterwards can protect your rights and help you recover all the money you’re entitled to.
Remember: Seeking immediate medical attention, reporting the accident, and contacting an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer are all essential actions to take in the aftermath of an injury caused by the carelessness of someone else.
In this way and many others like it, the qualified personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call us now at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation that will allow you to worry less and recover more!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Epidemiology of subway-related fatalities in New York City | PubMed
Ligament: Anatomy, Function, Sprain | Cleveland Clinic
