Can I Sue My Employer If I Slip And Fall?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at work, you might be wondering whether you can sue your employer for damages. These cases are complicated and often involve multiple defendants, but working with an experienced New York slip and fall lawyer can help get you the most money possible following this common type of personal injury.
Common Causes of Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
The most common causes of slips, trips, and falls at workplaces in New York include:
- Liquid spills
- Wet and slippery floors
- Uncovered, unfenced, and unmarked holes, trenches, cracks, and other hazardous conditions
- Loose or damaged floorboards and tiles
- Torn carpet
- Missing steps
- Broken handrails
- Poor lighting
Common Injuries Resulting from Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in New York
Depending on the way you fall and the surface you land on, you could suffer the following types of injuries.
- Torn ligaments
- Cuts and abrasions
- Broken bones
- Shoulder dislocation
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Why You Cannot Sue Your Employer for Slip and Fall Injuries in New York
Under New York law, all the employers in the state are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their part-time as well as full-time employees.
The upside of workers’ compensation insurance is that you can receive the benefits even if you were injured as a result of your own negligence. The downside is that once you are enrolled in the employer-sponsored workers’ compensation program, you cannot sue them for negligence in the event of a workplace accident – regardless of how serious your injuries are.
Suing a Third Party for a Workplace Slip and Fall Injury in New York
There are some circumstances under which a third party can be held liable for your slip and fall injuries. For instance, if a repair and maintenance service contractor was supposed to fix the dangerous condition in question, and they failed to do so, you can sue them for negligence and seek damages.
Similarly, if any company or contractor associated with your employer contributed to the dangerous condition that caused the accident or failed to fix it despite being contractually obliged to do so, you can hold them liable for your injuries and seek damages.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident at Work? Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney to Handle Your Claim!
If you have been injured in a work-related slip and fall accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff can help you.
We can review your case, decide whether you are only eligible for workers’ compensation or if it is possible to sue any third party, and take the necessary steps to recover the maximum possible compensation. If your workers’ comp claim is denied, we can file an appeal and make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to.
With over 100 years of legal experience and a track record of achieving positive outcomes even in the most complicated of cases, our firm is best suited to handle your slip and fall claim.
For a free and confidential review of your case, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online and schedule a consultation with a seasoned New York workplace injury attorney.