In the state of New York, property owners must take reasonable steps to protect visitors from harm. If you have been injured during a slip and fall accident and you suspect someone else was responsible, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation. Depending on the specific losses you suffered, you may be eligible for damages that address your financial hardships and physical injuries.
The laws surrounding slip and fall cases can be confusing if you are not familiar with premises liability law in New York State. Fortunately, an Islip slip and fall accident lawyer can be there to educate you and assist you during your fight for justice. We can even take over your entire case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Recoverable Damages for Victims in Islip
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be able to seek several damages. The overall intention of these damages is to get you the help you need to recover from your accident and return to a normal life. Additionally, you could be compensated for the pain and challenges resulting from the accident, among many other losses.
Examples of recoverable damages include:
- Medical costs
- Replacing or repairing any property that was damaged during the fall
- Scars from your injuries
- Lost wages
- Diminished income potential
- Medical devices to assist you with any long-term ailments
How much you could recover after an accident depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how much your medical bills cost. However, we can tell you how much compensation you could be eligible to pursue. Even minor injuries can come with serious expenses that you could recover through a claim or lawsuit.
Identifying Who Caused Your Slip and Fall Accident
When you decide to take action after a slip and fall accident, you need to consider who may be responsible for your injuries. After all, you will need to identify the liable parties in order to seek compensation. Proving liability often involves gathering physical and eyewitness evidence.
Most slip and fall cases are caused by one of the following parties:
- Property owners
- Third-party contractors
- Employers
- Fellow employees
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Civilians
While you consider your next course of action, it is important to note that you can file a lawsuit against virtually anyone. However, in most cases, you cannot sue your employer. If your accident was caused by your employer, you can recover compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Ultimately, gathering evidence and proving liability can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you have never done anything like this before. If you retain an Islip slip and fall accident lawyer at our law firm, we can be there to assist you every step of the way. We can even reach out to expert witnesses to provide context and insights into your case.
Contributory Negligence in New York
Ultimately, a slip and fall accident can have numerous contributing factors. Each of these factors will be considered if you decide to file a lawsuit after your accident. In fact, New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CVP) §1411 gives you the opportunity to recover damages even if you are partially responsible for your accident.
On the other hand, this same law can be used against you in your case. A property owner or other responsible party may want to claim that you caused your own fall—and therefore, they should not have to pay you. However, we can counter this claim and work to show that they were responsible for your losses.
The Root Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Some slip and fall accidents occur from great heights, like construction accidents on scaffolding, while others involve slipping in the grocery store. As a result, these cases can occur virtually anywhere. Just keep in mind that you may be eligible for compensation if your fall occurred on private or public property.
The root causes of slip and fall accidents could include:
- Nails sticking up from the ground
- Uncleaned spills
- Faulty railings
- Loose cables
- Garbage left on the floor
- Unforeseen drop-offs
- Neglecting to set up “wet floor” signs
- Recently mopped floors
- Poor construction
- Broken concrete
- Tools left on the floor
- Snow, sleet, ice, rain, wind, and other forms of inclement weather
We can gather evidence of how your accident was caused and use it to build a case for a property owner’s negligence.
Falls Among Older Adults in New York State
Falls are extremely common among adults older than the age of 65—and the statistics tell a similar story in Islip. Throughout the state, data from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) shows that fall-related deaths increased by over 33% from 2000 to 2014.
Additionally, it can be challenging to recover from a fall as an older adult. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that many elders injured by falls face hip fractures, which can prevent them from continuing to live on their own.
You have a right to expect a certain level of safety from property owners, whether while shopping at the grocery store, living in a nursing home, or anywhere in between. We can help you fight for justice after negligence caused your fall.
Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Fighting for Victims in Islip
Our attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have spent years fighting for victims of negligent slip and fall accidents. When you retain an Islip slip and fall accident lawyer at our firm, you will be granted access to a team of attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
We can assist you with many hurdles you could encounter during your fight for compensation, including:
- Negotiating settlements
- Assigning case values
- Proving liability
- Researching laws and guidelines
- Offering legal advice
- Examining insurance coverage
- Civil litigation services
The Statute of Limitations
As you continue to weigh your options, you should know that these cases typically fall under the three-year statute of limitations described in CVP §214. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations, your case can be rejected and you may lose your right to recover damages.
Contact an Attorney from Our Firm Today
For more information about our slip and fall services at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, contact a representative today at (516) 358-6900 to get started with your free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall injury lawyer serving Islip, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
