Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and Fall Claim Attorneys: Protecting Your Rights in New York

Thousands of people in New York City suffer injuries each year due to slip and fall accidents. Whether or not you have a valid slip and fall case depends on the circumstances surrounding your injury. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Held & Hines LLP are here to carefully assess your case and vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve. It’s important to consult with us as soon as possible after your fall, as time is critical in gathering the evidence necessary to build a strong case.

Why Slip and Fall Cases Are Challenging to Win

Simply falling and getting hurt does not guarantee that you will win a case. Even if you suffer serious injuries, such as broken bones, you must prove that the property owner is liable for your injuries. Slip and fall cases are often among the most difficult to win because they involve proving that the property owner was aware of a dangerous condition and that this condition was the main cause of the accident.

To establish liability, the injured party must prove that the property owner had notice of the hazardous condition. There are three main ways to establish notice:

Actual Notice

The property owner knew about the dangerous condition. This can include prior complaints or direct communication with the owner.

Constructive Notice

The condition existed for a long enough period that the property owner should have known about it and had time to fix it.

Creation of the Hazard

In rare cases, it can be proven that the property owner created the dangerous condition in the first place.

The length of time the dangerous condition has been present is often a critical factor in determining liability.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards

Slip and fall accidents can occur in various situations, including:

Water being tracked into a lobby on a rainy or snowy day, making the floor slippery
Icy steps or walkways
Broken or defective stairs
Poorly-lit stairwells
Spilled food or drink
Uneven carpet or objects left on the floor

However, the mere presence of these hazards does not automatically mean you have a valid case. To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you need evidence such as:

Witness statements
Video security camera footage
Photographs of the hazard and the accident site

At Held & Hines LLP, our skilled attorneys know the right questions to ask and understand what facts are crucial to your case’s success. We will help gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim.

Damages You Can Seek in a Slip and Fall Case

Slip and fall accidents often result in both economic and non-financial losses. Common damages that may be pursued in your case include:

Past, present, and future medical expenses: Costs related to your injury, including hospital visits, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
Disability or diminished earning capacity: If your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Emotional distress: Compensation for the mental anguish that results from the injury.

Understanding what types of damages to seek is crucial, and our attorneys at Held & Hines LLP will ensure that you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.

Slip and Fall Claims and New York Law

Slip and fall cases are based on negligence, which means the property owner failed to maintain their property in a safe condition. Under New York law, the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims is three years. This means that you must file your claim within three years of the date of the accident.

Speak with a New York Slip and Fall Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Held & Hines LLP. Our experienced legal team is ready to evaluate your case and provide expert advice on how to proceed. With offices in Manhattan (New York City) and Brooklyn, we are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Slip and Fall Accidents in New York

How do I know if I have a valid slip and fall case?

To have a valid case, you must prove that the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition (either through actual notice, constructive notice, or creating the hazard) and that this condition caused your injury. Your attorney will help assess the strength of your case.

What types of hazards can lead to a slip and fall accident?

Common hazards include wet or slippery floors, icy walkways, broken stairs, poorly-lit areas, spilled substances, and uneven flooring. The property owner may be held liable if they failed to fix or address these hazards.

What evidence is needed for a slip and fall case?

Evidence such as witness statements, photos of the scene, security camera footage, and medical records is crucial. Our attorneys at Held & Hines LLP will help gather all necessary evidence to strengthen your claim.

How much compensation can I receive for my slip and fall injury?

Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and emotional distress. The amount varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the specifics of your case.

What is the statute of limitations for slip and fall cases in New York?

The statute of limitations for a slip and fall case in New York is three years. You must file your claim within this time frame to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.

Contact Held & Hines LLP for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact Held & Hines LLP today for a free consultation with our experienced attorneys. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

855.HELD.HINES