Staten Island Slip-and-Fall Lawyer

If you’ve ever slipped on wet tiles in a store, you know that slip-and-fall accidents have the potential to happen all the time. And when they do, the store generally apologizes for your accident or even offers compensation for your injuries.

But what if you end up with a permanent disability? Even a few thousand dollars in medical expenses and a few weeks of missed work you’re dealing with can hurt your future. When you’re facing long-term injuries, it’s an even more serious matter.

In New York City, falls, slips, and trips accounted for 21 fatalities, up one from the prior year. Total hospitalizations for falls among older adults in NYC cost approximately $722 million annually, or $40,600 per fall-related hospitalization.

A Staten Island slip-and-fall lawyer from Kuharski, Levitz, & Giovinazzo Law Group can help victims like yourself get the compensation they deserve. We can assist you with filing a claim, negotiate a settlement on your behalf, or even fight for you in court if the at-fault party fails to meet your demands.

What is Premises Liability?

A slip-and-fall accident can result in what’s called a premises liability lawsuit. It involves someone slipping and falling due to an unsafe condition on the property of another person or business.

For example, if there is ice on a sidewalk, it is the responsibility of whoever owns the property to clear it off. If they do not do so, then your slip-and-fall lawyer in Staten Island may be able to hold them liable for injuries you sustained as a result of the ice.

Premises liability cases that involve a slip-and-fall generally fall into one of two categories: cases where a property owner or tenant failed to correct known hazards, such as slippery floors or broken pavement; and cases in which a property owner or tenant failed to warn of hidden hazards, such as an uncovered manhole.

Other examples of slip and fall accidents that can lead to a premises liability lawsuit include:

Slippery floors at grocery stores
Spilled drinks in a restaurant or bar
Sidewalk cracks or holes in front of a business
Poorly lit parking garages that lead to vehicle accidents
Stairwells in an office building that collapse due to poor maintenance

Questions Your Staten Island Slip-and-Fall Attorney May Ask

If you’re thinking about filing a premises liability lawsuit against someone who owns or manages a business or other property, there are some questions that will need to be answered before proceeding.

How Did Your Accident Happen?

Did you slip and fall on something that was wet and slippery? Was there something in the flooring that caused an injury? Did you fall because of an uneven step or other defects?

Most importantly, was there a dangerous condition that could have been avoided if the property owner had taken reasonable steps to correct it? Were you given adequate warning about the danger?

When Did the Accident Happen?

This is also important because it can help determine whether there is any statute of limitations issue. In New York, there are strict time limits on bringing lawsuits for injuries caused by dangerous conditions.

For example, you must file a lawsuit within three years after an injury occurred. However, if your slip-and-fall occurred on property owned by the government, you will only have ninety days to bring a lawsuit, so you must act quickly. An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer in Staten Island can provide you with a free case review, explain your rights, and what your next steps should be.

Were There Witnesses to Your Slip-and-Fall Accident?

If multiple people were involved in your accident and suffered injuries, then it’s important to make sure they’re also included in the claim. Get their contact information and ask them to provide you with any evidence they may have that will support both of your claims.

For example, if they took pictures of the scene or recorded video of what happened, those can help prove liability for your case.

Your Staten Island slip-and-fall attorney will be able to help you determine who’s responsible for what damages, and we know how to handle all of the paperwork involved with your case.

Reach Out to a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Staten Island

A slip-and-fall accident can leave a lasting impression on the lives of those involved. If you were the victim of someone else’s carelessness and want to seek compensation, it’s wise to know all of your legal options before proceeding.

A skilled Staten Island slip-and-fall lawyer from Kuharski, Levitz, & Giovinazzo Law Group can help you figure out what steps to take. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay until we win. Fill out our online contact form or call 1-877-335-8784 to discuss your case.

Citations

Fatal Work Injuries in New York City — 2022, US Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_newyorkcity.htm

Falls among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in New York City, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/epi/databrief14.pdf