Slipping, Tripping And Falling Accidents Cause Major Injuries
There are two common misconceptions about tripping and slipping accidents. One is that clumsiness is always the cause of the accident. However, the real cause might be an uneven staircase or an unmarked wet floor. The second misconception is that falling is harmless. In reality, falling may cause immense harm.
If you have tripped or slipped on someone else’s property in New York, you can count on the Law Office of Victoria Wickman to help you with a personal injury claim. At the Law Office of Victoria Wickman, we understand how serious a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident can be. We can give you skilled, personalized advice for your recovery.
Property Owners Need To Consider Your Safety
Property hazards that often lead to significant injuries include:
- Poor lighting
- Wet or icy flooring without a visible warning
- Lack of treads, rugs or other traction improvements for frequently slippery surfaces, such as entryways
- Uneven ground, such as deep cracks, holes or debris
- Lack of railings on stairs and walkways
- Exposed wiring that poses a tripping risk
These accidents can occur anywhere, including at construction zones, hotels, stores, apartment complexes, restaurants and in other people’s homes. Whether the accident happened on a commercial or residential property, the owner likely carries insurance for these accidents.
If the property owner had a duty to keep visitors like you safe, but they failed to maintain a safe property, the Law Office of Victoria Wickman will stand by your side. Whether you need to seek damages from an insurer or the owner directly, she knows how to take care of the legal details for you.
The Serious Consequences Of Dangerous Property
Falling accidents can cause concussions and brain damage, spinal fractures, hip fractures and broken bones. Internal bleeding from a fall could cause a life-threatening emergency.
Treating your injuries may require extensive medical care and time away from your daily life, which is why compensation is vital. Alternatively, a fatal accident can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit for the loss of your loved one.
At Law Office of Victoria Wickman, we can work with you directly on your case. We have dedicated our careers to helping clients recover after a serious injury. Our mission is to win full compensation for your financial and physical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slip-and-fall accidents can be painful and stressful, especially when you are trying to figure out what happened and who may be responsible. Understanding how to gather the right evidence and comply with the legal timeline can make a big difference in protecting your right to fair compensation.
What evidence is important after a slip-and-fall accident?
After a slipping or tripping accident, the essential evidence you need to collect typically includes photos or videos of the hazard, like a wet floor, ice or broken pavement, incident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, medical reports and records showing prior complaints or maintenance issues.
If possible, keep notes about what happened, where you fell, the time and date, and whether there were warning signs or barriers present. Because people often clean up or repair hazards quickly, you must preserve evidence as soon as possible. An attorney can help investigate the property’s condition and request records on your behalf.
What if the property owner says the slipping accident was my fault?
Property owners and insurance companies may try to blame you by saying you should have seen the hazard or been more careful. That does not necessarily mean you do not have a case. In New York, fault can be shared, and your compensation may depend on how much responsibility each side had.
For instance, the owner may argue that you were not watching where you were going, but you may still have a claim if the owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn their visitors. Evidence like lighting conditions, lack of warning signs and witness statements can help show that the property condition – not just your actions – caused the fall.
What is the deadline for a slip-and-fall claim in New York?
In New York, the time limit to file a claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, if your claim is against a city, public agency or other government entity, the deadlines are much shorter and may require a notice of claim within 90 days.
Since deadlines may differ depending on who owns the property and the circumstances of the case, you should act quickly and speak with a lawyer right away.
Turn To The Law Office of Victoria Wickman After An Injury
Slipping, tripping and falling accidents are serious. You can rely on us to represent you in your premises liability case. To learn about your options, call 646-741-4588 or email the firm’s office in Manhattan.