The most important steps after a New York slip-and-fall are getting medical help immediately, even if you don't have serious injuries, and getting advice from a New York slip-and-fall attorney.
A slip-and-fall accident can happen just about anywhere in New York City, whether you're walking the busy sidewalks of Times Square or going through a subway station. Understanding premises liability is key after such an accident.
These accidents can be tough to deal with, both physically and emotionally, no matter if you live in the city or are just visiting.
According to the NYC Department of Health, falls are the top reason people end up in the hospital for injuries, especially older adults. If you’ve had a slip-and-fall accident in New York, it’s important to know what to do next to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what to do in a slip and fall accident in NYC
Taking the right actions can significantly impact the outcome of your slip-and-fall case. Here's what we recommend:
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
Make sure to see a doctor immediately, even if you think you’re not badly hurt. Seeking medical care is important for your health and safety, and it also provides a medical record that can help your case later.
If you are injured in a slip-and-fall in New York, we can help!
Our experienced team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contact a New York City slip and fall lawyer from our firm today to learn how we can assist you in recovering from your injuries and holding the responsible parties accountable.
2. Report the Accident
Let the property owner or manager know about the accident as soon as you can. This makes sure there’s an official record of what happened.
Remember to ask for a copy of the accident report for your own records. It's important to document the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and any injuries sustained.
3. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos of where you fell, including anything that caused your fall, like wet floors or uneven ground. These pictures are important to show what made you fall and to help with your claim.
This will also help ensure that any necessary repairs or adjustments are made to prevent the same accident from happening again in the future.
4. Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw you fall, ask them for their contact information and if they’re willing to share what they saw. Having witnesses can really support your story.
If possible, try to jot down any details or statements the witnesses provide. Remember, the more information you can gather, the better chance you have of building a strong case to support your story.
Don't be afraid to reach out to witnesses and ask for their cooperation. Most people are willing to help in situations like these, especially if it means helping someone who may have been injured.
5. Avoid Social Media
Don’t post about your accident on social media. Insurance companies and other parties might look at your posts to try to weaken your claim or argue that your injuries aren’t severe. Remember that anything you post online can be used against you in a legal setting.
Even if you think a post is harmless, it's best to stay off social media entirely until your case is settled to protect your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
7. Talk to a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
A lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies and work to pursue compensation for your injuries. Consider scheduling a free consultation with a personal injury attorney to see how they can help you.
An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm will assess your case, discuss your legal options, and advise you on the best course of action to take to secure the compensation you deserve.
We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, handle all aspects of your claim, and represent you in court if necessary.
Contact a NYC personal injury attorney today to get the help you need!
8. File a Claim Promptly
If you miss the deadline to file a claim for your slip and fall injuries, you might lose your right to get compensated.
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident.
While there may be exceptions for your case, you need expert legal advice to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand the specific statute of limitations that applies to your case and ensure that you file your claim on time.
What to do when you slip and fall in a store
Slipping and falling in a store can be a shocking experience, and it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Prioritize your health by getting medical help right away, even if your injuries seem minor. This ensures your safety and creates a medical record that can support your claim. There might be a first-aider in the store or in the mall.
- Report the Incident to Store Staff: Notify the store manager or an employee about your fall as soon as possible. Make sure they document the incident in an accident report and request a copy for your records.
- Document the Scene and Gather Evidence: Use your phone to take photos of where you fell, including any hazards like spills or cluttered aisles. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw how the accident happened.
- Keep All Receipts and Records: Save all receipts, medical bills, and any other documentation related to your injuries and expenses. Write down everything you remember about how the accident occurred.
- Consult with a Slip and Fall Lawyer: Contact an experienced lawyer from our firm so we can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How long do you have to report a slip-and-fall?
If you slip and fall, it’s important to tell the property owner or manager right away. There isn’t a legal deadline for reporting the accident, but letting them know quickly helps make sure there’s an official record.
Also, you have three years from the day you fell to file a claim for compensation, as dictated by the statute of limitations. If you miss that deadline, you might not be able to get any money for your injuries.
The legal process after your accident
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect when it comes to the legal process:
- File a claim: Right after your trip accident, you’ll need to file a claim with the property owner’s insurance company. This can take a few weeks to several months, depending on how complex the case is.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Your personal injury lawyer will gather all the evidence needed, like photos, medical records, and witness statements. This usually takes a few months and is key for building your case.
- Settlement negotiation: The insurance company will review everything and might offer a settlement. Negotiating this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Your attorney can help you get a fair amount, considering the average slip-and-fall settlement amounts, to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Filing a lawsuit: If the settlement isn’t fair, your lawyer might file a lawsuit. This starts the formal process and can take several months to a few years, depending on the court’s schedule and how complicated the case is.
- Discovery and pre-trial: Both sides will exchange information and evidence during the discovery phase, which usually lasts a few months. There might also be pre-trial meetings with the judge.
- Trial: If the case goes to trial, it could take an additional few months to a year to get a verdict. This is where both sides present their evidence and arguments in court.
Additional reading: How are slip and fall settlements calculated
Typical slip & fall injuries we see as experienced NYC lawyers
A trip and fall accident can lead to a wide range of suffered injuries, some of which can have serious, long-lasting effects. As experienced NYC lawyers, we frequently encounter the following types of injuries:
- Broken bones: Many slip and fall accidents result in broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, or wrists. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
- Sprains and strains: These injuries can be painful and may limit mobility, affecting daily activities.
- Head injuries: Falls can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. These can have significant impacts on cognitive function and overall health.
- Back and neck injuries: Injuries to the back and neck, like herniated discs or whiplash, are also common. These injuries can cause chronic pain and require long-term medical care.
- Soft tissue injuries: These include injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can cause pain and swelling and may require physical therapy to heal properly.
- Internal injuries: More severe falls can result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.
How we’ve helped victims after accidents
Highly knowledgeable lawyer!
"Paul is highly knowledgeable. Great personality and he will win your case. I would recommend someone to him who may be looking for a good lawyer."
Professional, courteous staff!
"Dealt with their staff recently, and couldn’t be any happier with the professionalism and courtesy I received! Really makes things so much easier with an experienced and attentive group at your disposal!"
Phenomenal, expert service!
"Paul of Ajlouny Injury Law, was awesome! Would give more than 5-stars if I could. His services have been more than phenomenal. He has helped me through my cases at ease. He helped me with my settlements during my recovery after the accident. You’ll receive a professional and expert experience. I would recommend anyone in the Brooklyn area in a car accident."
How we can help you!
If you’ve slipped and gotten hurt, we’re here to help. Our New York City slip-and-fall lawyer knows what to do and will guide you through everything. We’ll deal with the insurance companies and work hard to get you the money you deserve. Whether it’s filing your claim or going to court, we’ll do our best to get a great outcome for you.
You don’t have to handle this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you need. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Key takeaways
A slip-and-fall accident can be really stressful, but knowing the steps to take after a slip or a fall can help a lot with your recovery and getting the compensation you deserve. Make sure to see a doctor right away, keep track of what happened, and talk to an experienced lawyer to protect your rights.
Our team is here to support you at every step, making sure you get the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
FAQs
What is the slip-and-fall law in NYC?
Property owners and tenants must keep their premises safe. If you're injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to an owner's negligence, you may sue for compensation. To win, you must prove the business owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it.
How long does a slip-and-fall case take to settle in NYC?
The time to settle a slip-and-fall case in NYC varies widely, taking from months to years. Factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, clarity of fault, and court scheduling can affect the timeline. Willingness to negotiate also plays a significant role in the process.
Can you sue NYC for falling on a sidewalk?
Yes, you can sue New York City if you fall on a sidewalk and think the city’s negligence caused the dangerous condition. But there are special rules and deadlines for suing the city, like filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of your fall.
