Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere in Yonkers. Many property owners do not pay attention to hazardous conditions that could hurt people passing by.
These accidents can cause a person to fall and break something inside of them. Consequently, the injured person gets a lot of pain, is negatively affected in their life, and brings a financial burden that the property owner could have avoided.
One responsibility of a property owner is to ensure a safe environment. People who own businesses must be extra careful not to fail their duty of care. They expect people to visit their store or business, so they must ensure their customers are not hurt in a slip-and-fall accident.
If you were injured in these accidents, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. You should contact a Yonkers slip and fall lawyer at The Ward Law Group to review your case, and they will tell you your options based on the circumstances.
Types and Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Let's review some of the causes that generate slip and fall accidents in private and public places so you know how to avoid them, and if they occur, you will know what to do.
Supermarkets, grocery stores, and department stores must have a cleaning crew attentive to wet floors. A liquid poured over the floor might be invisible to some people, and a slippery floor means an imminent fall accident.
The cleaning crew must have signage ready to place over slippery spots. While cleaning, their mop will leave a slippery surface for some minutes. If they are in a busy place where several people are in and out, they must be alert and warn those people about the hazard so they can avoid it.
The same happens when there is a step on the floor due to a change in flooring level. Some people may be distracted by shopping and may not notice the step in front of them. The property owner must have warning signs so that people can see the potential tripping obstacle. It is the same on staircases; sometimes, they are built with tile that gets very slippery with a bit of water.
They should have anti-slip tape on every step to prevent people from slipping on the staircase.
A natural danger in Yonkers is the presence of snow and ice on public places such as streets and sidewalks. In winter time, between December and March, it is normal to see snow and ice all over, which makes a lot of slippery spots.
People need to be extremely careful while walking and always use proper footwear to avoid slipping. Restaurants and other businesses have a duty of care to ensure the floors of their front doors and all their surroundings, including the parking lots, are hazard-free.
Anyone who gets into a slip-and-fall accident in those places can present a claim against the property owner.
Lack of illumination is another factor that can result in a slip, trip, or fall accident. In addition to the slippery hazards caused by ice and snow, property owners must have proper illumination so that their customers or visitors can see where they are stepping.
Lack of visibility because of missing lights creates a dangerous condition and can cause people to trip and fall.
Typical slip and fall injuries
It is very common to see people sustain broken bones when they experience this type of accident. Often, they instinctively use their arms to brace themselves upon falling.
Sprains and strains are other types of injuries that people can sustain. Some other people don't have too much luck and get their heads smashed into a hard surface. That hit can cause from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic head injury.
The way a person falls affects the type of injury; for example, a person who falls directly on their back or their bottom can have spinal cord injuries, break their coccyges, and have a herniated disc.
Dislocations are also often in these accidents, commonly found in ankle and shoulder dislocations. Older people are prone to these accidents and, in most cases, sustain serious injuries.
The recovery time of an older person from a fracture can take longer than a young one.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of the previous injuries mentioned, you should contact your slip and fall accident attorney to tell you what legal options you can proceed with.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Experiencing a slip-and-fall accident can be disorienting and even painful. In the immediate aftermath, taking certain steps to protect your rights and ensure your well-being is crucial. Depending on the specific circumstances, here are the immediate actions you should consider:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, seeking medical attention promptly is imperative. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a healthcare professional can provide a thorough examination.
Additionally, medical records can be crucial in establishing a connection between the accident and your injuries, which is vital for any potential legal claim.
2. Document the Scene
If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Capture any hazardous conditions such as wet floors, icy patches, or uneven surfaces that may have contributed to your fall.
This visual evidence can be pivotal in demonstrating liability in a potential legal case.
3. Gather Witness Information
If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. Witness testimonies can be invaluable in corroborating your account of the events and strengthening your case.
Their statements may provide critical insight into the conditions leading up to the accident.
4. Report the Incident
Inform the property owner, manager, or relevant authority about the incident immediately. If an incident report is generated, be sure to obtain a copy. This report can serve as an official record of the accident, which may be essential in building your case.
5. Preserve Evidence
Do not discard the clothes or footwear you wore during the accident, even if damaged. They may serve as evidence of the conditions during the incident. Keep any medical records, bills, or receipts for your injuries and treatment.
Every slip-and-fall case is unique, and seeking legal advice is crucial. Consulting with an experienced lawyer for a slip-and-fall accident in Yonkers can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
They can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
Legal Rights and Forms of Compensation
After experiencing a slip and fall accident, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and the types of compensation you may be entitled to pursue under New York Law. These can be broadly categorized into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages:
Medical Expenses
This encompasses all costs related to your medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary assistive devices. It also includes future anticipated medical expenses resulting from the injuries sustained in the slip and fall.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your lost wages. This also includes any future earnings you may not be able to obtain due to your injuries.
Property Damage
In some cases, your personal property, such as clothing or items you carried, may have been damaged during the accident. You can seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement of these items.
Non-Economic Damages:
Pain and Suffering
This encompasses the physical and emotional distress caused by the slip and fall accident. It includes the pain experienced due to injuries and the impact on your quality of life and overall well-being.
Mental Anguish
In some cases, slip-and-fall accidents can lead to emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression. These intangible damages are real and can significantly impact your daily life.
Loss of Consortium
This type of compensation may apply if your injuries have affected your relationship with a spouse or partner. It acknowledges the strain caused by the accident on your relationships.
How can a slip-and-fall lawyer in Yonkers Help?
Firstly, one of our reputable slip and fall lawyers from The Ward Law Group in Yonkers will offer you an initial consultation at no cost. During this meeting, you'll have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, including the circumstances leading up to the accident, your injuries, and any concerns you may have.
This consultation provides an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into the strength of your case and the potential legal options available to you.
As a second step, they will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene. This includes examining any hazardous conditions, such as slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or poor lighting, which may have contributed to the accident.
They may also gather information about potential witnesses and review any available security footage to understand the incident comprehensively.
Then, they will work diligently to collect pertinent evidence to strengthen your case. This may involve obtaining medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and any incident reports filed with the property owner or manager. These pieces of evidence establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
After being armored with evidence and facts, a negotiation with the insurance company or the negligent party may be necessary. Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and often daunting.
A seasoned slip-and-fall lawyer has experience negotiating with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They understand the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts and will work to protect your rights and interests.
Should negotiations with the insurance company not yield a satisfactory resolution, a slip-and-fall lawyer is prepared to represent you in court. They will present a compelling case, backed by the evidence gathered, and advocate for your rights before a judge or jury.
Having a skilled attorney by your side can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome in court.
Contact a Yonkers Slip and FAll Lawyer
We are compassionate and professional slip-and-fall accident attorneys. The Ward Law Group team is a group of respected individuals who have helped thousands recover from accidents.
We understand how difficult, confusing, and painful these incidents can be for you. We are here to alleviate that stress; we'll take care of your claims and represent you in court if necessary.
We are proud to serve the Hispanic community because we know how overwhelming it is to deal with a language barrier in such cases. You won't pay anything until we win a case for you. Don't hesitate to contact us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation of your case.