Did You Suffer a Slip and Fall Injury in Long Island, New York?

April showers might bring May flowers, but they can also create slippery sidewalks on Long Island. Whether you take a tumble on a wet spring day or trip on an uneven sidewalk, a slip and fall accident can leave you in pain, injured and worried about the financial burden.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a slip and fall accident and feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help? You may be wondering if you have a case, if you can sue, and who exactly you should speak to about your situation. The good news is if something or someone contributed to your slip and fall injury, you might be able to receive compensation.

At The Harrison Law Group, our professional and client-focused Long Island slip and fall lawyers know the ins and outs of New York’s personal injury law. Our experienced team will seek maximum compensation so you can move on from injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident. Contact us at (631) 465-9797 to schedule your free consultation and strategy session to discuss your case.

So, if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, please keep reading. You may be surprised by just how much help is available to you.

Potential Damages After a Slip and Fall Injury 

Your first thought might be, “slip and fall injuries aren’t as serious as car accidents, so I’m unable to seek damages.” Yet the injuries you sustain from a slip and fall accident can be just as serious and expensive as those you would sustain in any other accident. While every case is unique, here are some of the common damages you might be able to recover after a slip and fall injury on Long Island:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with your injuries, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages and future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain you experience due to the accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes any non-medical costs related to your accident, such as transportation to doctor appointments, childcare if you can’t care for your children due to your injuries, or modifications to your home to accommodate your disability.

This is not an exhaustive list, and the specific damages you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and the unique circumstances of your case. For a more comprehensive understanding of the damages you might be entitled to, consulting with an experienced Long Island slip and fall attorney is crucial.

Liability

Establishing liability is a crucial part of making a claim. Compensation can come from the person or entity responsible for your injuries or the insurance provider. Once you have established who is liable, the next step is to determine which type of claim to file.

Premises Liability

In New York, if you have been injured while on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a premises liability claim to recover compensation for your damages. New York premises liability laws require property owners to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This means they must address potential hazards or warn visitors about them. For a successful claim, you will need to prove that the property owner was negligent in their duty to maintain safe conditions and that this negligence led directly to your injuries. 

A New York premises liability attorney can evaluate your case and advise you about filing a premises liability claim.

Comparative Negligence

Here’s some good news for Long Islanders who take a tumble: New York doesn’t follow a “one mistake and you’re out” rule for slip and fall accidents.  This means even if you stepped on a wet spot you didn’t see, you can still recover compensation for your injuries, as long as the property owner also bears some responsibility for the hazard. 

That’s thanks to New York’s comparative negligence rule.  Unlike some states where a single misstep on your part could shut down your claim entirely, New York takes a fairer approach. Here, a judge will evaluate how much each party contributed to the accident and adjust your compensation accordingly.  So, if you were 10% at fault and the property owner was 90% at fault, you could still receive compensation for 90% of your damages.

This law is crucial to understand because it directly impacts the amount of money you can recover in a slip and fall case. An experienced Long Island slip and fall attorney can help you navigate the comparative negligence law and determine how much compensation you might be entitled to. 

Why You Need a Long Island Slip and Fall Lawyer

Long Island slip and fall lawyers understand the law and all its nuances. As a result, having legal representation can significantly improve the strength of your slip and fall case, increasing the likelihood that you will be awarded financial compensation for your injuries. Having an experienced attorney on your side after an accident can be helpful for many reasons.

1. Statute of Limitations. For personal injuries, New York has a statute of limitations law. This law requires you to file any lawsuit against the person or business you believe is responsible for your injuries within three years of the slip and fall accident date. While preparing your case, your personal injury attorney strictly adheres to that timeline.
2. Opposing Lawyers. Once you’ve initiated your personal injury lawsuit, the party sued will almost certainly retain legal counsel, typically via their insurance carrier. An experienced personal injury attorney can anticipate arguments made by the opposition.
3. Evidence. Proof of liability is essential for any personal injury claim. For example, in a slip and fall case, an icy sidewalk may cause a slip and fall accident if the other party fails to place rock salt or a warning sign on their property. A New York premises liability attorney knows how to collect evidence demonstrating the other party’s liability, regardless of the circumstances.
4. Arguing Your Case. In most personal injury cases, the opposing party disputes the claim that their negligence caused the victim to slip and fall. Your slip and fall attorney is skilled at arguing your case and refuting the opposing party’s arguments.
5. Insurance Companies. Insurance companies, like the opposing party, want to blame you for causing your slip and fall accident. Fortunately, a personal injury lawyer from The Harrison Law Group knows all their tricks and schemes and can act as a go-between with them so that they are forced to pay you the appropriate amount for your injuries.

The Harrison Law Group – Your Voice If Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’re injured in a slip and fall accident, The Harrison Law Group can help you obtain compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other issues you may face because of your injury. We also work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid from the proceeds if you win your case.

Our firm has over 30 years of trial experience practicing in Suffolk, Nassau and Queens Counties, and throughout Long Island and New York, so we have all the resources you need to win. Contact The Harrison Law Group today to schedule your free case evaluation by calling us at (631) 465-9797 to learn more about your legal rights and best options for recovery. If more convenient, you can also fill out our online form. 

Flexibility is key in our service; we offer appointments at your convenience, including evenings and weekends, and are equipped to meet with you in person or virtually. 

Choose Harrison Law Group for thorough, professional legal guidance, and let us be your voice in this crucial time.

Copyright © 2024. The Harrison Law Group, P.C. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Harrison Law Group, P.C.
445 Broad Hollow Rd. Suite 400
Melville, New York 11747
(631) 465-9797
https://www.hlgny.com/