What Constitutes A Slip And Fall Case In New York?
Slip and fall accidents are often mistakenly perceived as minor incidents with minimal risk of causing serious injuries. In reality, fall-related injuries can be a leading cause of severe injuries and hospitalizations.
According to the New York State Department of Health, the number one reason of hospitalization for children below the age of 14 and adults above the age of 25 is a slip and fall injury. In fact, it is also the primary cause of unintentional deaths among adults aged 45 and above.
If you or someone you love has suffered a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property, you should consult with an experienced premises liability attorney in New York. You may be able to hold the entity or individual in control of the property accountable for your damages.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
Falls usually occur in predictable patterns with identifiable risk factors as noted by the New York State Department of Health. These are a few types of accidents that constitute slip and fall in New York:
- Uneven, broken, or cracked walkways and flooring
- Wet or slippery stairs and floors due to leaks, spills, and wax among others
- Worn, damaged, loose, or bulging rugs, carpets, and mats
- Insufficient or broken lighting
- Broken staircases and railings
- Cracks or potholes in garages and parking lots
- Trash, debris, and other objects creating a hazard
Legal Elements of NY Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawsuits
Merely falling on another’s property doesn’t necessarily mean you can sue them for your losses and damages.
In general, property owners have a duty of ensuring their property is safe for foreseeable visitors. Not doing this is a breach of their duty of care. The law is complex, and you should speak with a knowledgeable attorney to determine whether you have a viable slip and fall claim.
Slip and Fall Accidents on Government-Owned Property or Public Transportation
Slip and fall accidents on government-owned property and public transportation are more common than you think. These usually occur on the following types of property:
- Government buildings
- Stairs or platforms at train and bus stations
- Public parks
- Other public spaces
It is particularly important to speak with a qualified attorney promptly following the accident. Claims involving government entities and public transportation agencies have strict procedural requirements and much shorter deadlines. In most cases, you may only have 90 days to file a notice of claim. Statute of limitations in government premises liability claims are usually a year or less.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause a broad range of injuries, such as:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Broken or fractured bones
- Back injuries, including ruptured discs
- Torn, strained, or sprained ligaments, muscles, and tendons
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions and skull fractures
These injuries can often have a substantial impact on your career and life. It’s not easy to calculate all economic and noneconomic losses arising from the accident making it crucial to engage a tough and skilled personal injury attorney.
You are in the Hands of a Fighter: Get Legal Representation from a Tenacious Personal Injury Lawyer
The competent and assertive slip and fall attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff are here to aggressively defend your right to compensation as you make efforts to heal from your injuries. We are passionate about helping our clients acquire maximum compensation and don’t hesitate in asking tough questions, relentlessly fighting for rights at trial, and using proven techniques to demonstrate the need for compensation.
You can count on us to bring 100 years of unparalleled combined legal experience, resources, and knowledge to the table when you hire us to defend your rights. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-962-1020 or fill out this online contact form.