Although a slip-and-fall accident may not seem like a big deal, it’s not uncommon to suffer serious injuries that can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At James Alexander Law, our injury lawyers in central New York have helped more than 10,000 clients pursue the compensation they deserve. Here, we discuss common causes of slip-and-fall accidents and what to do if it happens to you.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet or slippery floors are one of the leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents. They often occur in grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, offices, and in workplaces where substances like oil may be spilled on the ground. If a business or property owner knew or should have known about a slippery floor and didn’t address the problem, they could be liable for injuries if someone is hurt.
Snow and Ice
We all know that winter in New York comes with lots of snow and ice. Property owners are required to clear snow and ice from walkways, stairs, and parking lots in a reasonable amount of time. Whether it’s an apartment building, store, or private home, if they fail to do this and someone slips and becomes injured, they may be legally responsible for damages.
Damage to Walkways and Sidewalks
Cracked, uneven sidewalks are not only unsightly; they can pose a serious tripping hazard. If you trip and fall due to a damaged sidewalk, the person or entity responsible for maintaining them could be held liable.
Inadequate Lighting
Dim or burned-out lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots is a serious hazard and a common cause of slip-and-fall accidents. These types of injuries often happen in parking garages, hotels or apartment buildings with poorly lit hallways or stairs, and store entrances and exits at night. If poor lighting leads to a fall, the owner of that space could be found negligent for failing to keep the premises safe.
Loose Rugs or Mats
Loose or poorly placed rugs or mats in locations like retail stores, office or apartment building lobbies, and hotels can cause serious slip-and-fall accidents. If a mat isn’t secured properly or curls up at the edges, it’s easy to trip and be injured.
Cluttered Walkways
Whether merchandise or boxes are left in the aisle of a store or a ladder gets in the way, cluttered or obstructed paths are another common slip, trip, and fall hazard. Property owners and businesses have a duty to keep their premises safe and leaving hazards like these where people commonly walk can result in serious injury.
Broken or Missing Handrails
Stairways can be dangerous enough to navigate when safely maintained, but missing, loose, or broken handrails dramatically increase the risk of falling. If a property owner fails to provide a proper banister or handrail and someone falls and gets hurt, they could be liable for damages.
Failure to Warn of Hazards
Lack of warning signs for wet floors, uneven surfaces, or construction can result in serious slip-and-fall accidents. Regardless of what caused your fall, your local dedicated attorney can evaluate you case and advise you on the best course of action for recovering compensation.
Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Injuries sustained in slip-and-fall accidents range from mild to catastrophic. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
- Permanent mobility issues
- Chronic pain
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious injury when they fall. Regardless of age, injuries like a broken leg or hip can put anyone in the hospital. Slip-and-fall injuries often require surgery, rehabilitation, and other costly medical care, and may have a significant impact on an injured person’s quality of life.
Recovering Damages in Slip-and-Fall Accident Cases
Our New York slip-and-fall accident lawyers understand how devastating these types of injuries can be. We’re here to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. If you or a loved one has been hurt, you may be able to recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Wage loss
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and consortium
Unfortunately, insurance companies use all kinds of underhanded tactics to downplay injuries and minimize payouts. Your slip-and-fall accident attorney handles all communications and negotiations with insurers so you can focus on healing. We don’t back down and are relentless in our pursuit to find justice and compensation for those who have been wronged due to someone else’s negligence.
What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in New York
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights after a slip-and-fall accident. Seek medical attention right away. Some injuries don’t appear immediately, and medical records provide valuable documentation your local attorney will need if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Take photos of the scene and your injuries and gather contact information for any witnesses. Make sure to report the incident to the owner or manager as soon as possible and make a report in writing if possible. Ask for a copy before you leave. Do not speak to insurers, sign anything, or accept a settlement without speaking to an injury lawyer first.
Contact a Central New York Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney
Our local, experienced law firm has helped countless injury victims find healing and compensation after slip and fall accidents. We listen to your story, answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for your rights. We provide trustworthy, experienced, legal representation that gets successful results for our clients.
Our injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Your initial consultation is always free, and attorneys’ fees are paid as a percentage of your settlement or award only if we win your case. Our slip-and-fall accident lawyers are experienced litigators who will take your case to trial and fight for you in court if a reasonable settlement can’t be reached. We’re dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable and giving you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome for your case.
Learn More About Slip-and-Fall Accident Claims in New York
At James Alexander Law, we care about our clients. Over the past 40 years we’ve helped more than 10,000 personal injury clients in central New York, the Southern Tier, and surrounding areas. To schedule a free consultation with a central New York slip-and-fall accident lawyer, contact us or call 1-800-529-1333. With two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, we make it easy to get quality legal representation you can trust.
