If you've been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident in Queens, you know how serious it can be. Many people don't realize the impact these accidents can have on your life. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand your challenges and are here to help. Our experienced lawyers specialize in handling slip-and-fall cases, ensuring you get the support and compensation you deserve.
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Slip and fall injuries can be serious. Make sure you see a doctor for your fall injuries first. Then, get in touch with our slip and fall attorney to schedule a free consultation. We have well-versed lawyers handling slip and fall claims, and we will work to help you secure fair compensation.
Learn more about how a slip and fall injury could impact you. Then, reach out to our slip-and-fall accident attorneys to discuss your slip-and-fall incident.
Secure Legal Representation From Queens Slip and Fall Lawyer
You need a lawyer who can navigate these complex cases when you're hurt in a slip-and-fall accident. That's where our team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers comes in. We have the experience and knowledge needed to fight on your behalf. From examining the accident to negotiating with the insurance company, we fight for slip and fall victims.
We aim to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. We'll handle all the legal details, keeping you informed every step of the way. Our lawyers will dedicate their time to answering your questions.
Understanding Slip and Fall Law in Queens, NY
Slip and fall law in Queens is complex, but understanding it is key to winning your case. These laws determine who is responsible for your injuries and how you can seek compensation. Our team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers knows these laws inside and out. We'll explain everything clearly so you understand your rights and options.
Standard of Care in New York
In New York, property owners must keep their premises safe. This is known as the "standard of care." They must fix hazards or warn people about them. If they don't, and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable.
If you're injured in a slip and fall in Queens, proving the property owner failed to meet this standard is crucial. We at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers will gather evidence to show this failure. This can include photos of the hazard, witness statements, and expert testimony. We aim to build a strong case proving the property owner's negligence.
Contributory Negligence and Your Case
In New York, you can still get compensation even if you're partly at fault for your fall. This is due to New York's contributory negligence law. It means the court looks at how much each person is to blame for the accident.
If the court finds you're partly to blame, it reduces your compensation accordingly. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, your compensation will be diminished by 30%. Our team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers works hard to minimize your fault in the accident. This ensures you get the maximum compensation possible.
Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases
In Queens, you have a limited time to file a slip and fall lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. In New York laws, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits such as slip and fall accidents is typically three years reckoning from the accident date pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules Section 214. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue.
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wet and Slippery Surfaces: These accidents often happen when floors are wet or icy. Property owners should warn about these conditions and fix them quickly. When they don't, it can lead to dangerous falls.
- Uneven or Broken Flooring: Tripping on uneven or broken floors is common. Property owners should keep floors in good condition to prevent accidents.
- Cluttered Walkways: Items left in walkways can cause people to trip and fall. Property owners need to keep paths clear. They can be responsible for the damages if their negligence leads to an incident.
- Poor Lighting: Accidents can happen when areas are poorly lit. People might not see hazards in time to avoid them. Property owners need to ensure adequate lighting to prevent these kinds of accidents.
- Unsafe Stairs: Stair-related falls can be severe. Property owners must maintain stairs, including handrails and lighting. If they don't, and someone is injured, they can be held accountable.
Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Queens, NY
Many factors can lead to slip and fall accidents in Queens. It's often a mix of unsafe conditions and negligence. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we see cases where property owners have neglected their duty to keep their premises safe.
Unsafe Property Conditions
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Accidents often happen when floors are wet or icy. Property owners must clean up spills and de-ice walkways. If they don't, and someone slips and falls, they can be held responsible.
- Poorly Maintained Walkways: Cracked, uneven, or damaged walkways commonly cause trips and falls. Property owners need to fix these issues promptly. If they fail to do so, leading to an injury, they can be liable.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting can hide hazards, leading to falls. Property owners should ensure all areas are well-lit. The property owner may be held liable if poor lighting contributes to an accident.
Negligence of Property Owners or Managers
- Failure to Warn: Property owners must warn about known hazards. If they don't, and someone gets hurt, they can be responsible. This includes signs for wet floors or construction areas.
- Failure to Address Hazards: When property owners know about a hazard but don't fix it, it's negligence. This can include things like broken stairs or loose floorboards. If this negligence leads to an injury, they can be sued.
- Code Violations: Property owners must comply with safety codes. Violations, like blocked fire exits or missing handrails, can lead to accidents. If these violations cause an injury, the property owner can be held liable.
Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents
A. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries can take place when you hit your head in a fall. These injuries can lead to lifelong complications. Some can even make it hard to return to work.
B. Hip and Other Bone Fractures: Falls often result in broken bones, especially in older adults. Hip fractures are particularly serious and can lead to long-term disability.
C. Ankle Injuries: Ankle sprains and fractures are common in slip and fall accidents. These injuries can bring about chronic pain and mobility concerns. They often require medical treatment and physical therapy.
D. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls can cause serious back and spinal cord injuries. These can range from herniated discs to paralysis. These injuries can have a major impact on your life and require extensive medical care.
What to Do After a Queens Slip and Fall Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Always get checked by a doctor, even if you think you're okay. Some injuries aren't immediately obvious.
- Report the Accident: Tell the property owner or manager about the fall. This creates a record of the incident.
- Document Everything: Record the scene and document your injuries. Get contact info from any witnesses.
- Keep a Record: Save all medical records and receipts related to your injuries. This includes doctor's visits and any medications.
- Don't Make Statements: Be careful what you say to insurance companies or others involved. Your words can be used against you.
- Contact a Lawyer: Consult with a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you on the next steps.
- Follow Your Lawyer's Advice: Your lawyer knows how to handle these cases. Trust their advice and let them handle the legal details.
How a Queens Slip and Fall Case Works
Filing a slip-and-fall lawsuit involves several steps. First, your lawyer will investigate the accident. They'll gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build your case. Then, they'll file a lawsuit on your behalf.
After this, both sides will exchange information. This process is called discovery. Your lawyer will use this information to strengthen your case. They'll also negotiate with the other side to try to reach a settlement. Your case will go to trial if a settlement can't be reached.
Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
To win your slip and fall case, you must show that the property owner was negligent or harmful. This means showing they knew or should have known about the hazard. You also need to show they didn't fix it or warn about it.
Your lawyer will gather evidence to support your case. This can include photos, witness statements, and expert testimony. They'll also use the property owner's records against them. The goal is to prove their negligence led to your accident and catastrophic injuries.
Types of Damages Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims
If you win your slip and fall case, you can get compensation for various damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The exact amount depends on the specifics of your case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages can help you recover the money you have lost after the incident. This includes lost pay, medical bills, and even emergency care for traumatic brain injuries. It's important to keep all receipts and records to prove these costs. Your lawyer will help calculate the total amount and fight for your right to compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for non-financial losses. This can cover chronic pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are harder to quantify, but your lawyer will argue for a fair amount. They'll use your medical records and testimony about how the injury affected your life.
How Our Queens Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help You Fight for Damages
A. Legal Consultation: Our first step is to understand your case. We'll discuss the accident and your injuries to assess your legal options. This consultation is free and helps us plan the best way forward.
B. Investigation: We'll thoroughly investigate the accident. This includes visiting the scene, gathering evidence, and talking to witnesses.
C. Building a Strong Case: Our team will use the evidence to build a strong case. We'll highlight the property owner's negligence and the impact of your injuries. This preparation is key to winning your case.
D. Negotiation and Settlement: We'll negotiate to reach a fair settlement with the other side. We aim to get you the compensation you deserve without going to trial. But we're prepared to fight in court if we can't reach a settlement.
E. Litigation: We'll represent you in court if your case goes to trial. We'll present your case clearly and convincingly to the jury. We're committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the justice you deserve.
Contact Our Queens Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you've suffered from a slip-and-fall accident in Queens, don't wait to get help. Our team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to support you every step of the way. We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we're committed to making it easier for you.
Our experienced lawyers will handle all the details and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let's start working on your case.
