NYC Slip and Fall Attorney Helping Residents in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island
While walking comes naturally for many individuals, slip and fall accidents frequently occur at private residences, places of business, public parks, and government facilities. Nonetheless, owners of private, commercial and public property in New York have a duty to provide a safe environment to visitors and passersby. When such accidents are the result of negligence, it is possible to recover damages through a premises liability lawsuit.
Prime Law Firm has extensive experience handling slip and fall accidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Well-versed in the applicable premises liability laws, our legal team has a well-earned reputation for being dedicated advocates of injury victims. For over 25 years, we have handled cases involving injuries arising from slips on wet floors, trips on cracked sidewalks, falls on icy or snow-covered parking lots and other hazards.
If you have been injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident, we will take the time to understand the circumstances surrounding your accident. Did the accident occur because the property was not properly maintained? Were you injured because there were no signs warning you of a hazardous condition? Did you contribute to the accident in any way?
Once we ascertain whether you have a valid claim, we will work diligently to help you obtain compensation for the harm you have endured. When you work with Prime Law Firm, you can rest assured that dedicated advocates are in your corner.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Queens, NYC
Some of the leading reasons why slip, trip and fall accidents occur include:
- Wet, icy, or slippery surfaces
- Broken stairs/poorly secured bannisters
- Torn or uneven carpeting
- Debris/obstructed walkways
- Poorly lit walkways or hallways
- Uneven or warped flooring
- Poorly secured rugs
- Failing to warn visitors about a hazardous condition
- Failing to take prompt action to remedy a hazard
A premises liability lawsuit can be filed if a property owner fails to rectify hazardous conditions, fails to make necessary repairs in a timely manner, or fails to display warning signs about hazardous conditions. As an example, if you slip on a spill at the grocery store that was not promptly cleaned up and there were no adequate warning signs (e.g. “Danger — Wet Floors”), you may have a valid slip, trip and fall claim.
Damages You May Recover in a Premises Liability Lawsuit
If your claim is successful, you may be awarded compensatory damages, which is comprised of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages will cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other financial losses while noneconomic damages cover “intangible” losses that cannot be assessed monetarily. This includes pain and suffering, permanent disabilities and loss of enjoyment of life.
It is worth noting that New York is a comparative negligence state for purposes of personal injury claims. This means that if you contributed to the accident in anyway, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault that is assigned to you. If you fall on a cracked or raised sidewalk in front of your neighbor's home, for example, and you failed to pay attention to your surroundings, the court determines there was comparative fault. If you are deemed to be 20 percent at fault, and the amount of damages was assessed at $10,000, the amount of your award will be reduced to $8,000.
Contact Our Queens Slip and Fall Injury Attorney Today!
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will take the time to advise you of your rights and assess the merits of your claim. By conducting an extensive investigation, we will work to determine whether the property owner failed to maintain the premises or provide adequate warnings of the hazardous condition. We will take pictures of the accident scene, identify and interview witnesses and obtain and review accident and medical reports. In any event, it is important to act quickly because property owners may attempt to correct the hazard before evidence is collected.
In most cases, premises liability lawsuits are resolved through an intricate negotiation with the property owner's insurance company. Although insurers typically seek to settle claims for as little money as possible, we know how to fight back. If the insurer fails to pay the full value of your claim, we may recommend pursuing a lawsuit as long as this is in your best interests.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a personal residence, restaurant, mall, hotel, office building, school, park, theater, museum or any other private or public property in the greater New York area, we can help. We will make sure that you are adequately compensated so that so you focus on recovering from your injuries. Call our office today or complete the convenient online contact form to set up a free consultation.
