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New York Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers with Top Results

Slip and Fall Lawyers

If you have been injured in a slip, trip and fall accident, you are not alone. Injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million emergency room visits a year, according to data from the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). Many people trivialize slip, trip and fall accidents but maybe that is too simplistic a view. In fairness, the Center for Disease Control indicates that “one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.”

Part of the reason slip, trip and fall injuries are so common is that they can happen anywhere, often when we least expect it: in the produce aisle of a grocery store, at a local shopping mall, or in the stairway at your apartment. A fall which is unexpected will frequently lead to a more severe result because the victims are unlikely to be proactive about protect themselves. Fall victims also frequently suffer head and hip injuries. Who are fall victims? In our experiences, slip, trip and fall victims come in all ages, shapes and sizes. The more memorable ones, unfortunately, tend to be older victims. It is not unusual for an otherwise healthy older victim to lose a great deal of their independence as a result of a slip, trip and fall accident.

Filing a slip and fall lawsuit against a landowner can be difficult. When you have been injured on somebody else’s property, it is likely they will try to point the finger at you and say you are solely responsible for your injuries. Blaming the victim is not an uncommon practice with landlords, property owners and insurance companies. But the law in New York is clear that a landlord or property owner has a responsible to keep their property safe and simply pointing the finger at someone else doesn’t alleviate that duty. That’s why you will want an experienced premises liability attorney by your side to pursue justice and make sure that you receive a fair shake from the insurance company responsible for your loss.

How can an experienced attorney help you with your slip, trip and fall case? A prompt investigation can often make a world of difference. Photographs and measurements of the scene can sometimes make or break a case. Retaining an experienced and qualified investigator and expert will allow your attorney to demonstrate the cause of your accident. It may be the result of poor lighting, unsafe stairs, a slippery condition, a leaky roof or snow and ice. The best way to prove that someone is responsible for your slip, trip and fall accident is to memorialize the cause of your accident and condition of the location.

Retaining a lawyer who is learning on the job can be a crucial mistake and may doom your case. Our advice is to ask questions about the types of cases a lawyer you are considering has handled, ask about their settlements, the number and amount of verdicts they have taken. You want a veteran with a track record of success, not a rookie.

Block O’Toole & Murphy is a premier personal injury law firm in New York City, with a team of experienced attorneys skilled in representing clients in slip and fall cases across New York State. Our slip and fall verdicts and settlements include:

  • $3,125,000 recovery for a hotel employee in Brooklyn who slipped on debris and fell down a flight of stairs
  • $2,750,000 settlement for a woman who suffered serious knee injuries after tripping and falling on an uneven sidewalk in the Bronx
  • $2,700,000 settlement for a pedestrian who tripped and fell on a raised and cracked sidewalk flag in Queens
  • $2,650,000 award for a worker who suffered back injuries as a result of a trip and fall accident during a construction project in downtown Manhattan
  • $2,250,000 settlement for a woman who slipped and fell down her apartment stairs due to a leaking roof
  • $1,900,000 settlement for a woman who was unable to return to work after slipping and falling on recently-mopped steps
  • $1,500,000 recovery in a Bronx case where a woman slipped and fell on the stairs leading to her apartment building
  • $1,500,000 settlement for a victim who suffered herniated discs after a slip and fall accident on an icy sidewalk in Mount Eden, Bronx
  • $1,000,000 settlement for a client who tripped and fell over a raised sidewalk flag, causing serious neck injury

Since 2012, Block O’Toole & Murphy attained more results exceeding $1,000,000 than any other law firm in New York. Our attorneys represent clients from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, and upstate New York. Just call 212-736-5300 to receive a free legal consultation.

Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Injury?

To recover compensation for your injuries after a slip and fall accident, you often either have to prove that the Defendant created the condition that caused the slip, trip or fall, or that they knew or should have known about the condition and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it.

For example, if a supermarket employee drops a jar of sauce which then shatters, and then a shopper slips on it while the employee goes to get a broom, it could be argued that the Defendant created the unsafe condition which caused the slip and fall accident and/or that the Defendant delayed unreasonably in addressing the condition.

If a potential Defendant did not cause an unsafe condition, it typically must be established that they had notice of it but did not correct it in time. For example, if a shop owner sees that the entrance to his building is icy but neglects to put salt down, it may be said that he had direct or actual notice of the hazard.

Many times, however, a Defendant may claim not to have noticed a dangerous condition which caused a slip, trip or fall. In this case, it typically must be shown that the Defendant had constructive notice of the defect, and that even though they may not have been aware of the defect, they should have been if they were taking reasonable care of their property. To demonstrate constructive notice, the defect will have to be shown to have been present for a long enough time for the Defendant to come upon and correct it in the course of taking reasonable care of the premises.

How Much Time Do You Have to Sue After a Slip and Fall?

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, it is crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. This makes it significantly easier to collect evidence of the dangerous condition which caused you to slip and fall. Photos and video evidence are especially valuable, as they will prevent the owner from trying to fix the defect after your injury has occurred. This will also make it easier to gather statements from witnesses, who may be harder to track down as time passes and memory fades. Depending on the nature of the accident and the parties involved, the time to bring a claim for your injuries could be as little as 90 days or as much as 3 years from the date of the accident. But these limitations periods vary and that is why it is especially important to contact a qualified injury attorney as quickly as possible.

Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can be caused by anything that affects your traction with the floor or could impede the natural movement of your legs as you’re walking, such as:

  • Snow and ice, particularly in areas that are not well-lit
  • Slippery floors caused by spills or excessive sawdust
  • Loose debris in stairwells and walkways, or any place where there is significant foot traffic
  • Defective stairways, regarding either the stairs themselves or the handrails on either side
  • Leaking water either from an AC unit, a roof in need of repair or in the entrances and exits of buildings

These are only some of the most common hazards that cause slip, trip and fall accidents. Regardless of how it occurs, the injuries which result from these types of accidents are serious and should be treated as such. Visiting a doctor can give you peace of mind that your health is being looked after-and reaching out to a slip and fall lawyer can help ensure that you are not stuck with lofty medical bills for treatment or surgeries which you may require.

Contact a Slip, Trip and Fall Lawyer

If you are considering legal action against an owner, maintenance company, or other entity, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The slip and fall attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy have a history of successful results for New Yorkers injured on somebody else’s property. To receive a free legal consultation from one of our experienced premises liability attorneys, call 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form.

Serving Suffolk and Nassau counties, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and upstate New York.

Personal Injury

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To discuss your potential premises liability case with a Block O’Toole & Murphy attorney, please fill out the form below or call 212-736-5300.