Queens Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you were hurt on someone else’s property in a dangerous condition, you need a Queens slip and fall attorney who understands the subtleties of premises liability law. Slip and fall accidents can cause severe injuries that leave victims with costly medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing pain. At Cohen & Jaffe’s Law Office, we want to help Queens slip and fall victims get the appropriate compensation they deserve.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident occurs when a person loses their balance due to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, resulting in an injury. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises and warn visitors of potential hazards. When they fail to do so, they may be held accountable for any resulting injuries.

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores and shopping centers to apartment buildings, workplaces, and sidewalks. These incidents often occur due to the negligence of property owners or managers who fail to properly maintain their premises. Dangerous conditions such as wet floors, ice-covered walkways, loose carpeting, or cluttered aisles significantly increase the likelihood of a fall.

Many slip and fall victims sustain serious injuries that interfere with their regular activities. Common injuries are broken bones, brain trauma, and spinal cord damage; rehabilitation could take weeks, months, or even years. A major fall can cause missed income, increasing medical expenditures, and long-term rehabilitation. Falls can be very harmful to the elderly, usually resulting in either fatal complications or lifelong impairments.

Preventing future mishaps depends on property owners answering for dangerous circumstances. Businesses, landlords, and municipalities have to exercise reasonable care to make sure guests and residents are not subject to unneeded risks. Among the steps to reduce dangers are routine inspections, quick repairs, and enough warning signals.

Slip and fall accidents are classified under premises liability law, which governs the responsibilities of property owners. Different levels of care may apply depending on whether the injured party was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser at the time of the accident. The legal complexities of premises liability cases require thorough investigation and strong evidence to prove negligence.

Injured individuals have the right to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. Managing the claims process can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that attempt to deny or reduce payouts. Working with a slip and fall lawyer ensures that victims receive the legal support needed to build a strong case and secure fair compensation.

Slip and Fall Accidents Often Happen Due To:

• Wet or slippery floors – Spills, leaks, and recently mopped surfaces can create dangerous conditions. Property owners should promptly clean spills and place warning signs to prevent accidents. Failure to address these hazards in a timely manner increases the risk of serious falls.
• Uneven pavement or sidewalks – Cracks, potholes, and raised sections of pavement pose significant tripping hazards. Businesses and municipalities are responsible for maintaining walkways and ensuring they are safe for pedestrians.
• Poor lighting – Dim or non-functioning lights in hallways, parking lots, and stairwells make it difficult for people to see potential obstacles. Proper illumination is crucial to preventing trips and falls, particularly in high-traffic areas.
• Loose or broken floorboards – In older buildings or neglected properties, deteriorating flooring can be a serious hazard. If property owners fail to repair or replace damaged flooring, they may be held liable for injuries.
• Cluttered walkways – Objects left in hallways, retail aisles, or stairwells can easily cause someone to trip and fall. Property managers should ensure pathways remain clear to avoid unnecessary accidents.
• Lack of proper warning signs – When hazards cannot be immediately fixed, adequate warnings such as caution signs or barricades should be placed to alert visitors and prevent falls.

How Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Queens Can Help

Managing a slip and fall case calls for a calculated, thoroughly recorded approach. Our Cohen & Jaffe lawyers give thorough legal support to guarantee clients get the pay they are due.

• Investigating your accident – Strong evidence begins a strong case. By gathering security footage, looking over property maintenance records, getting accident reports, and interviewing witnesses, our legal team carefully investigates the conditions of the accident. Proving responsibility depends on knowing how the fall happened and whether the property owner knew about the hazard already.
• Determining negligence – Proving negligence calls for proving that the management or owner of the property was aware of the harmful state of affairs or should have known about it. Our lawyers look at whether reasonable steps were taken to reduce hazards, if the hazard was reported prior to the accident, and whether appropriate safety precautions were in place. Securing just compensation depends on making careless parties answerable.
• Handling negotiations – Often focusing their bottom line, insurance companies may provide settlements much below what victims actually deserve. Our legal team vigorously negotiates with insurance companies to make sure any settlement offer fully covers medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering. Strong lobbying is required to stop insurance agents from downplaying the claim.
• Representing clients in court – When insurance companies deny proper compensation, some circumstances call for litigation. Presenting strong arguments and evidence to maximize compensation, our lawyers are totally ready to take matters to trial. Court representation guarantees responsibility among careless property owners and their insurance companies.
• Providing personalized legal guidance – Every slip and fall case is unique. Our legal team tailors strategies to the specific circumstances of each client, ensuring legal advice aligns with the severity of injuries, financial losses, and long-term impact of the accident. By offering a personalized approach, we help clients feel supported and confident throughout the legal process.
• Working with medical experts – The severity of injuries plays a critical role in determining compensation. Our firm collaborates with medical professionals to assess the long-term impact of injuries, document treatment plans, and provide expert testimony if necessary. Medical evaluations strengthen the case by illustrating how the accident has affected the victim’s physical health and quality of life.
• Calculating damages accurately – Victims of slip and fall accidents often underestimate the full extent of their financial losses. Our attorneys meticulously assess current and future damages, including lost future earnings, ongoing rehabilitation costs, necessary home modifications, and emotional distress. This comprehensive approach ensures clients pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
• Protecting clients from unfair tactics – Insurance adjusters may attempt to place blame on the victim or argue that injuries were pre-existing. Our attorneys anticipate and counter these tactics, ensuring that clients are not unfairly blamed for the accident. Legal protection is crucial to prevent insurance companies from diminishing rightful claims.

By working with our legal team, clients benefit from a comprehensive approach that maximizes their chances of obtaining fair and just compensation. From gathering critical evidence to aggressively negotiating with insurers, our attorneys handle every aspect of the case, allowing injured individuals to focus on recovery.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can result in severe injuries, ranging from minor bruises to life-altering conditions, as well as being extremely expensive in some cases. Common injuries include:

• Fractures – A hard fall can put immense pressure on bones, leading to breaks in the wrists, ankles, arms, or hips. Elderly individuals are especially at risk for hip fractures, which often require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Head trauma – Falls can result in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head traumas can cause cognitive problems, memory loss, regular headaches, and emotional instability. Even little head injuries should be seen by a doctor.
• Spinal cord injuries – If a fall impacts the spine, it may cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or even paralysis. These injuries often require extensive treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
• Soft tissue injuries – Twisting or sudden impacts can cause sprains, strains, or ligament tears, which may take months to heal. These injuries can be extremely painful and limit mobility, making daily activities difficult.
• Cuts and lacerations – Sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause deep cuts, leading to infections or scarring. Severe lacerations may require stitches and leave lasting cosmetic damage.

Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Cases in Queens

In New York, premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. To establish liability in a slip and fall case, you must prove that:

• The property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazardous condition – This can be demonstrated through prior complaints, maintenance records, or visible signs of long-standing hazards, such as worn-out flooring.
• They failed to address or warn about the danger – Property owners are expected to take reasonable measures to repair hazards or, at the very least, provide adequate warning signs to protect visitors.
• Their negligence directly caused your injuries – It must be shown that the hazardous condition was the direct reason for your fall and subsequent injuries. Medical reports and eyewitness testimony can help establish this connection.

Premises liability cases can be complex, as different types of properties fall under different legal obligations. For example:

• Commercial properties (such as grocery stores, shopping malls, and restaurants) must routinely inspect their premises for safety hazards.
• Residential properties (including apartment complexes and rental units) require landlords to ensure common areas, stairwells, and entryways are free from dangers.
• Public properties (such as government buildings and parks) may have additional legal protections, requiring special procedures when filing claims.

New York also applies a comparative negligence criterion; therefore, their compensation may be less if a victim is considered partially culpable for their fall—that is if they were inattentive while walking. This emphasizes even more the need to have a competent lawyer defend your rights.

Our legal team investigates the specifics of your accident closely in order to establish responsibility and strengthen your case.

Compensation Available for Slip and Fall Victims

Depending on the degree of injuries and financial losses, victims of slip and fall mishaps could be entitled to large compensation. Compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescriptions, and long-term medical treatment are often required after a serious fall. Costs can quickly add up, and compensation should account for both current and future healthcare expenses.
• Lost wages – Many slip and fall victims are unable to return to work while recovering from their injuries. Compensation should cover lost wages and diminished earning capacity if injuries result in long-term disability or inability to return to a previous profession.
• Pain and suffering – Injuries from a slip and fall accident often cause physical pain and emotional distress. Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life can be considered when calculating damages.
• Disability and disfigurement – Permanent injuries that affect mobility or physical appearance can significantly impact a person’s life. Compensation should reflect the challenges of living with a disability or scarring.
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Everyday activities, hobbies, and social engagements may become difficult or impossible after a slip and fall injury. The emotional toll of these losses can be factored into a claim.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Queens

Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. If you are injured, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Even if your injuries seem minor, symptoms may worsen over time. Prompt medical care creates documentation that links your injuries to the fall.
2. Report the accident to the property owner or manager – Request a written incident report and keep a copy for your records.
3. Document the scene – Take detailed photos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and any contributing factors.
4. Collect witness statements – If others saw your fall, their testimony can support your case.
5. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal representation – Insurers may try to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle communications.
6. Contact a Queens slip and fall lawyer – An attorney will guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.

Contact a Queens Slip and Fall Lawyer for a Free Consultation

At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a slip and fall accident can bring. Our dedicated legal team is here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Queens personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.