If you live in New York, especially in the City, there is a good chance you primarily walk to get where you need to be. Generally, when people think of personal injury claims, they think of car accidents, work accidents, and more–however, many people fail to realize that slip and fall accidents happen nearly every day. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents?
While human negligence is a huge contributor to slip and fall accidents, it’s not someone else’s fault every time a person falls. However, there are certain premises guidelines that all property owners must obey. This will be further discussed in the next section. First, please read this list detailing the primary causes of slip and fall accidents.
- Inclement weather conditions: this is especially true in the wintertime, as patches of black ice riddle the streets and sidewalks.
- Loose debris
- Dangerous unattended substances
- Surface problems
- Poor lighting
- Hazardous materials
These slip and fall accidents can result in severe injuries, including, but not limited to:
- Pulled muscles
- Torn ligaments
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Brain damage
- Cuts and bruises requiring stitches
- Damaged skin tissue
What is premises liability?
In New York, a property owner is responsible for the conditions of their property and the adjacent sidewalk. If there is snow or ice on the adjacent sidewalk, that property owner must clear it away within a “reasonable amount of time.” Generally, village, town or city ordinances establish what constitutes a reasonable amount of time. However, if a property owner does not clear away any potential safety hazards within a reasonable amount of time and you are injured as a result, there is a very good chance you are entitled to financial compensation. However, to recover the compensation you deserve, you must first satisfy the burden of proof.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
Fortunately, there are several things you may do to prove another party’s negligence. First, you should always hire an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the personal injury process. Then, you should try and recover any security camera footage that may have caught your accident on film. You should also receive medical attention immediately after your accident, as a medical professional will treat your injuries and provide you with medical documentation, which you may also use to help prove your claim.
Contact our experienced New York firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
