Slip and fall accidents are far too common in New York, particularly when sidewalks and steps ice over during winter weather. These accidents can happen almost anywhere, from the steps outside a business to the inside of a grocery store. Many Dutchess County slip and fall accidents occur when pedestrians trip over a cracked sidewalk or debris. Under New York law, property owners owe customers and guests a “duty of care” by ensuring that their property is reasonably safe. When someone becomes injured on their property because of an unsafe condition, the victim can bring a lawsuit for damages against the property owner.
If you’ve slipped and fallen in Dutchess County, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. Damages include compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and any other expenses related to your injuries. At Michael LoGiudice, LLP, our experienced New York premise liability lawyers have a proven track record of obtaining compensation for our clients after slip and fall accidents. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Common Causes of Dutchess County Slip and Fall Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control, millions of people slip and fall, requiring treatment in an emergency room. Every year, over 800,000 people require hospitalization from these accidents. Every year, over one out of every four adults over age 65 will slip and fall, resulting in injuries. If you’ve slipped and fallen on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold them responsible for your injuries. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere; the following are some of the most common causes:
- Unsecured rugs and mats
- Slippery floors
- Uneven floors
- Missing or broken railings on staircases
- Loose wires and cables
- Loose or frayed carpet
- Broken pavement and sidewalks
- Clutter and debris
- Uneven or damaged stair treads
- A build-up of snow or ice on the sidewalk or steps
- Spilled liquids on floors
Severe Injuries Caused By Dutchess County Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents frequently cause severe injuries. One out of every five slip and fall accidents causes a serious injury, such as a head injury or broken bone. Accidents often cause severe head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries are hazardous, especially when someone has a preexisting condition, such as one that requires the use of a blood thinner.
Severe slip and fall accidents can also cause sprains and fractures, including twisted ankles and knees, and torn ligaments. Many victims reach out with their hands to brace their fall, and the fall’s impact can cause tissue, ligament, and other damage. When elderly adults slip and fall, they are at a greater risk of suffering a dangerous hip fracture. Hip fractures typically require invasive surgery and hospitalization for several weeks. When the slip and fall victim is elderly or has other preexisting conditions, the victim may also need to spend time in a rehabilitation or nursing facility.
Finally, slip and fall accidents can also cause serious spinal cord injuries. When a person slips and falls on his or her back or neck, a herniated disk or fractured vertebrae can result. Back and neck injuries can cause severe pain and limit the victim’s mobility and ability to engage in day-to-day activities. Falls cause a significant number of spinal cord injuries. Depending on the location of the spinal cord fracture, paraplegia or quadriplegia can result.
Holding a Property Owner Accountable for Your Dutchess County Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve suffered a personal injury on another person’s property, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You will have to prove that the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries. Specifically, you’ll have to prove that the defendant owned or controlled the property at which your accident happened.
You’ll also have to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the potential hazards that caused your slip and fall accident. As part of a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll have to prove that the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries. In many cases, a defendant will claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or preexisted your slip and fall accident. Likewise, insurance companies will often try to deny your claim or offer you an amount below the amount of your actual damages.
Why You Need an Experienced New York Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Trying to recover from a serious injury is difficult enough, but when you add medical bills and time taken off from work, the stress of recovery can become daunting. Hiring an experienced lawyer will put you in the best possible position to obtain all of the money you deserve.
At Michael LoGiudice, LLP, we know how to stand up to and negotiate with insurance companies that try to deny and devalue our client’s claims. We have the resources and professional network available to thoroughly investigate your slip and fall accident circumstances to determine who is liable for your injuries. We will examine your case and advise you on who is legally responsible to pay damages for your injuries. Our legal team knows how to negotiate for a meaningful settlement agreement. If the offers are too low, our team of trial lawyers will take your dispute to court.
Contact Our Dutchess County Slip and Fall Attorney Today
The sooner you contact an experienced New York slip and fall lawyer, the better. At Michael LoGiudice, LLP, our legal team will advocate fiercely for your right to compensation. It’s essential to speak to a lawyer before the statute of limitations runs out on your claim, and you become barred from filing a claim. The experienced legal team at Michael LoGiudice, LLP is ready to get started on your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.