New York City’s diverse landscape, from the crowded sidewalks of Manhattan to the vibrant streets of Queens, presents unique challenges. With over 52,000 hospitalizations annually due to slip and fall incidents, these accidents are a pressing issue.
From slick sidewalks after a rainy day to uneven pavements in busy areas, the risks are everywhere. Our Queens slip and fall attorney is here to help.
As an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer, we understand the impact these accidents can have on your life. We're dedicated to providing compassionate support and the legal guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t go through this challenging time alone. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you get back on your feet.
Understanding Slip and Fall Claims with NYC | Queens Attorneys
When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you might wonder if you have a case. In New York, including Queens, successfully pursuing a personal injury claim depends on a few key factors:
- Duty of Care: Property owners must keep their spaces safe and free from hazards. For example, a Queens grocery store owner is responsible for promptly cleaning up spilled liquids to prevent slips.
- Breach of Duty: If a property owner fails to address a known hazard, like not repairing a broken step or ignoring icy walkways outside a Queens apartment building, they may have breached their duty.
- Causation: It’s important to show that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury. For instance, slipping on an unmarked wet floor in a Queens coffee shop and breaking your wrist ties the accident to their oversight.
- Damages: You’ll need to prove how the fall affected you—medical bills for treating your injuries, time missed from work, or pain and suffering. Without these, there’s no claim to pursue.
If these elements align with your situation, you may have a strong case to seek compensation.
Compensation for NYC Slip and Fall Victims
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. Understanding these can help you determine what compensation you might be eligible for:
Economic Damages
These cover tangible financial losses resulting from the accident. For example:
- Medical Bills: Treatment for a fractured hip after falling on an icy sidewalk outside a Queens apartment building.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Ongoing physical therapy for mobility issues caused by the fall.
- Lost Wages: Missing work while recovering from injuries sustained in a Queens grocery store due to a slippery floor.
- Future Earnings: Compensation for being unable to return to your job as a result of long-term injuries from the fall.
Non-Economic Damages
These address intangible losses that don’t have a direct dollar value but significantly impact your life. Examples include:
- Pain and Suffering: Chronic back pain caused by a fall in a poorly maintained Queens parking lot.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety and fear of walking in public spaces after the incident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Being unable to participate in favorite activities, like jogging in Queens' parks, due to injury.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the court may award these to punish exceptionally reckless behavior. For instance, a property owner in Queens knowingly ignoring repeated warnings about a dangerously unstable staircase that led to your fall.
These damages can vary based on the specifics of your case, but they collectively ensure you receive fair compensation for both tangible and intangible losses.
Workers’ Compensation for NYC Slip and Fall Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to provide financial support and medical coverage, ensuring you can focus on recovery without added financial stress.
Workers’ compensation typically includes the following:
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation covers all necessary and reasonable medical treatments related to your workplace injury. This includes:
- Emergency room visits after a fall.
- Ongoing care such as physical therapy for mobility issues caused by the fall.
- Medications, surgeries, or assistive devices like braces or crutches needed for recovery.
Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits. Typically, these cover a portion of your average weekly wage, helping to ease the financial burden while you’re unable to work.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury results in a lasting impairment, such as a permanent back injury from slipping on a wet warehouse floor, you may receive additional compensation. This could be in the form of:
- Partial Disability Benefits: For injuries that limit but don’t completely eliminate your ability to work.
- Total Disability Benefits: For injuries that render you unable to work entirely.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injuries make it impossible to return to your previous job, workers’ compensation may fund vocational training or job placement services to help you transition into a new role.
Death Benefits
In the unfortunate case of a fatal workplace slip-and-fall accident, workers’ compensation can provide death benefits to dependents. These benefits often include coverage for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support for the worker’s family.
Understanding these benefits ensures that workers are fully aware of their rights and the support available after a workplace-related slip-and-fall accident. Workers’ compensation laws vary by state, so consulting an experienced attorney can help handle the claims process and maximize your benefits.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Queens Today
We’re here to help you with your personal injury case, and there are several ways to reach out. You can call us at (718) 521-2251 or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with one of our team members.
We’re always ready to listen and provide guidance. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Comprehensive Support for Slip and Fall Victims
At our New York City slip and fall law firm, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to clients dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
Here’s how we can assist you in your slip and fall claim:
- Recovering Lost Wages: If your slip and fall injury has forced you to miss work, we will work to ensure you receive compensation for the wages you’ve lost. We aim to help you regain financial stability while you focus on your recovery.
- Help with Medical Bills: Medical expenses can be overwhelming. We’ll help you secure compensation after a slip for all medical costs related to your injury, from emergency room visits to ongoing treatments and therapy.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as clothing or personal items, was damaged during the accident, we’ll include these damages in your claim to ensure you are fully compensated for all losses.
- Emotional Recovery: We understand that the impact of a trip and fall accident extends beyond physical injuries. We are here to support your emotional recovery by addressing the pain and suffering caused by the accident and seeking compensation for these non-economic damages.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for the least amount possible. We will handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
- Advocate for You in Civil Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to advocate for you in civil court. Our experienced attorneys will represent your interests, fighting for the compensation you deserve and ensuring your voice is heard.
Our firm is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process, providing the expertise and support needed to achieve a successful outcome for your slip and fall case.
Your First Steps After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve had a slip-and-fall accident, it can be overwhelming. However, acting quickly and taking the right steps can significantly impact the success of your case. Here’s what to do:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Don’t delay seeing a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries from slip-and-fall accidents, like head trauma or internal injuries, might not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care ensures your health is prioritized and your injuries are documented for your case.
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Document the Incident Thoroughly: Take clear photos of the accident scene, including hazards like wet floors or broken stairs, and your injuries. Collect contact information and statements from any witnesses. These details can be critical evidence.
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Report the Accident Right Away: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor about your fall and request a written incident report. This official documentation can support your claim later.
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Contact a Lawyer Immediately: One of the most crucial steps is reaching out to an experienced New York City slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
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Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or personal items damaged during the accident, as they may serve as valuable evidence.
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Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about your accident, injuries, or case on social media. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ online activity and could use posts against you.
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Don’t Accept Quick Settlements: Insurance companies often offer low settlements to close cases quickly. Consult your lawyer before agreeing to any offer to ensure it adequately covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
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Be Cautious in Communication: Avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries when speaking to insurance adjusters. Always consult your lawyer before discussing the case with the insurance company.
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Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a thorough record of your medical treatments, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation will help build a strong claim.
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Follow Your Treatment Plan: Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Not only does this help your recovery, but it also demonstrates your commitment to getting better, which strengthens your case.
By acting promptly and contacting a skilled lawyer early, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of achieving a successful outcome. These steps ensure your recovery—both physical and financial—remains the top priority after your slip-and-fall accident.
Determining Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Depending on what happened, figuring out who’s at fault for a slip and fall in New York City can be tricky. Here’s a rundown of who could be held responsible:
- Private Property Owners: The property owner may be held responsible if you slip and fall on someone’s private property. This includes residential properties where the homeowner failed to maintain safe conditions, such as fixing broken steps or addressing slippery walkways.
- Landlords: Landlords must maintain rental properties in a safe condition. If a tenant suffers a slip and fall due to a hazardous condition that the landlord neglected to repair, the landlord could be held liable. This includes issues like broken staircases or unsafe floors in common areas.
- Property Managers are often responsible for maintaining the premises of commercial or residential properties. They may be held accountable if a slip and fall occurs because of a failure to manage or address unsafe conditions. This includes managing maintenance and ensuring that safety protocols are followed.
- Government Agencies can sometimes be liable, particularly if the slip and fall happened on public property or streets maintained by the city or state. Examples include accidents caused by poorly maintained sidewalks, defective street conditions, or neglected public facilities.
Deadlines to Be Aware Of
In New York, there are strict deadlines to keep in mind when filing a slip-and-fall claim. The statute of limitations—the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit—is typically three years from the date of the accident. This means you have up to three years to bring your case to court. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as a slip and fall on municipal property, the deadline may be much shorter, often requiring a notice of claim within 90 days and filing the lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Delaying action also increases the risk of losing critical evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness testimony, which can weaken your claim.
That’s why it’s crucial to act immediately. Our experienced New York personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you navigate these timelines, preserve evidence, and ensure all legal steps are completed on time. Taking swift action not only safeguards your rights but also maximizes your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait until the last minute—contact a knowledgeable NYC slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is handled correctly and within the legal deadlines.
Gathering Evidence
After a slip-and-fall accident, gathering and preserving evidence is critical for building a strong case. Here’s what you should collect:
- Police Documentation: If law enforcement was involved, obtain a copy of the police report.
- Medical Records: Keep all treatment notes, hospital discharge papers, and follow-up care documentation.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from witnesses.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take photos or videos of the scene, hazards, and your injuries.
We understand this can be overwhelming while you recover. Our firm steps in to handle evidence collection, including:
- Investigating the accident scene, securing photos, and obtaining surveillance footage.
- Collecting and documenting witness statements.
- Preserving time-sensitive evidence like video recordings.
- Organizing and linking medical records to your case.
Let us manage the process, so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to ensure your case is as strong as possible.
No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fees for Slip and Fall Cases
When hiring a lawyer for your slip-and-fall case, it's important to understand the costs involved. Our firm uses a contingency fee model, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or hourly rates.
Here’s how it works: We only get paid if you win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your compensation, so you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket unless you get a settlement or award. This means you can focus on your recovery without stressing about legal fees.
We aim to ensure that financial concerns don’t add to your burden. We work on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome, and our fee is only taken from the amount we recover for you. This way, our interests are aligned with yours, getting you the compensation you deserve.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our fees or the process. We’re here to help and ensure you understand every step of the way.
Why Choose Us Over Other Slip & Fall Accidents Attorneys in New York City?
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your slip-and-fall case. Here’s why our firm is the right choice:
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Expertise in Slip-and-Fall Cases: With extensive experience handling slip-and-fall accidents and personal injury claims, our attorneys know how to handle New York City’s legal complexities. Our deep understanding of local laws and proven strategies ensures we’re well-equipped to fight for you.
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Personalized Attention: Unlike larger firms, we provide tailored service. You’ll work directly with your attorney, who will take the time to understand your unique needs. We’re committed to building a case that reflects your specific circumstances.
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Proven Track Record: Our results speak for themselves. We’ve secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, earning a reputation for excellence and dedication.
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Client-Focused Service: From managing paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every detail so you can focus on recovery. Your well-being and the compensation you deserve are always our top priorities.
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No Upfront Costs: With our contingency fee model, you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means you can get the representation you need without financial stress.
Choose a team that combines expertise, personal dedication, and a record of success. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
General Information on Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City
Slip and fall accidents are a big issue in New York City, affecting many people yearly. Knowing what usually causes these accidents and the kinds of injuries people often get can show why getting legal help is essential if you’re hurt.
Common Causes of Slips and Falls
Slip and fall accidents in New York City often result from everyday hazards that can turn dangerous if not properly managed. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, weather conditions, or unmarked cleaning activities can create dangerously slippery surfaces. In New York City, wet floor incidents frequently cause slip-and-fall accidents.
- Uneven Surfaces: Broken sidewalks, damaged flooring, and uneven pavement can easily cause trips and falls. NYC’s busy streets and sidewalks are prone to these issues, which can lead to accidents.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see hazards, leading to falls. Poorly lit staircases and walkways are common problem areas in the city.
- Obstructed Walkways: Items left in walkways, like construction materials or debris, can create tripping hazards. This is especially problematic in crowded urban environments where obstructions are more likely.
In New York City, the number of fall-related injuries among older adults (65 and older) has stayed about the same over the past decade. However, with the older population expected to grow by 45% between 2010 and 2030, we might see a big increase in these injuries. This makes tackling slip and fall hazards around the city even more important.
Injuries That We See
In New York City, some of the most common injuries from these accidents include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Many people suffer from fractures, particularly in the wrists, ankles, and hips. These injuries can be severe and often require long-term treatment.
- Head Injuries: Falls can cause concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, which can have lasting effects on a person's health and daily life.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine or back is common in slip and fall accidents, leading to chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises may seem less severe but can still cause significant discomfort and affect a person’s ability to work or handle daily tasks.
According to the New York Department of Health, slip and fall incidents each year lead to an average of 52,673 hospitalizations. If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, it’s essential to get legal advice to ensure you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Other Locations We Serve
Our team proudly covers the entire New York City area, ensuring we can assist clients throughout the region. In addition to the heart of the city, we serve the following areas:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
No matter where you are in New York City, our experienced NYC slip and fall attorneys are here to help with your slip and fall case. Reach out to our injury lawyer for experienced support wherever you may be.
Meet Your New York City Slip and Fall Attorneys
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a dedicated slip-and-fall injury attorney with extensive experience representing clients across New York State and achieving favorable outcomes. A St. John’s University graduate, he began his legal career as an associate with the renowned Daniel Galinson, and his reputation for excellence quickly grew.
Mr. Ajlouny is a tenacious and dedicated attorney who takes pride in offering personalized attention to each case, understanding that every client’s situation is unique. The firm he leads has recovered over $150 million on behalf of its clients, reflecting their dedication and success in personal injury law.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz is a distinguished NYC personal injury attorney known for his exceptional litigation skills and unwavering commitment to clients. He is dedicated to educating his clients about their legal rights and the steps involved in their cases.
Mr. Levitz brings a competitive edge to his practice, drawing on his background as a former competitive athlete to take on large insurance companies and well-funded opponents. His proactive approach includes regular communication with clients, ensuring they are informed and supported throughout their case.
Notably, Mr. Levitz secured a top settlement of $730,000 for a client in 2021, demonstrating his ability to achieve remarkable results even in challenging situations.
Named one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association and recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, Mr. Levitz continues to earn accolades for his dedication and expertise.
Speak to a New York City Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you consult an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Delays can risk losing critical evidence and weaken your case.
Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight aggressively for the financial recovery you need. Contact us today to get started—we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free case consultation with one of our skilled New York slip and fall lawyers. You can call us at (718) 521-2251 or fill out our contact form here.
Additional reading: average slip and fall settlement amounts
