Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone in nearly any location. Rockland County slip and fall accidents commonly occur due to icy sidewalks and steps. This can also happen in the workplace or retail locations. While some slip and fall accidents are harmless, others cause severe, long-lasting injuries. In the United States, these accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death.
Many victims of serious slip and fall accidents are unable to return to work, making it difficult to pay for their extensive medical bills. If you’re the victim of an accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP has helped many Rockland County area clients recover the compensation they deserve after becoming injured in slip and fall accidents. Contact him today to schedule your initial consultation.
Common Causes of Rockland County Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often happen when victims least expect it. They may be on their way to work or running an errand when they suddenly slip and fall due to a dangerous condition. There are many causes of slip and fall accidents, and some of the most common causes include the following:
- Slippery floor
- Uneven floors
- Unsecured mats and rugs
- Uneven or broken stair treads
- A buildup of snow and ice
- Loose wires or cables running across the floor
- Clutter and debris
- Broken pavement and sidewalks
- Spilled liquid
- Staircases without handrails
- Staircases that are not up to code
- Potholes
- Loose brickwork or paving stones
- Poor lighting
- Defective escalators or elevators
Proving Liability in a Rockland County Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have a right to bring a personal injury lawsuit in a civil New York court. You will need to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. In other words, you will need to prove that the defendant is liable for the damage you sustained from the accident. Almost all slip and fall lawsuits are considered premises liability lawsuits. The plaintiff brings a lawsuit against the property owner for his or her failure to keep the property reasonably safe.
Under New York law, property owners have a legal duty to guests and visitors on their property to keep the property free from dangerous or hazardous conditions. Property owners owe visitors a legal obligation to inspect for dangerous conditions and fix those dangerous conditions. The more open and obvious the dangerous condition, the easier it is for plaintiffs to succeed in court.
Suppose a customer tripped and fell on a cord running across the entrance to a stairwell. In that case, the plaintiff would need to show that the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. The plaintiff would also need to show that the property owner failed to remove the hazardous cord. Finally, the plaintiff must show that the dangerous condition caused his or her injuries.
The Benefits of Working With an Expert Lawyer
Proving all of the elements in a premises liability lawsuit can be challenging, especially when there are no witnesses to the slip and fall accident. In many cases, businesses will attempt to quickly clean up the dangerous condition that caused the accident. Suppose a customer slipped and fell on a pool of milk that leaked in a grocery store. In that case, a store employee may help the victim stand up and quickly grab a mop and clean up the milk.
Working with an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help you prove the property owner’s negligence in court. To succeed, you will need to provide evidence that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused your injuries.
Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP understands what it takes to succeed in slip and fall cases. He has built up a reputation for thoroughly investigating slip and fall accidents and gathering the evidence necessary to obtain compensation for his clients. Whether he is negotiating with an insurance company or preparing to bring a personal injury lawsuit to court, he will advocate for you to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Damages Available in a Rockland County Slip and Fall Accident
Successful plaintiffs and slip and fall cases are entitled to several different types of damages. New York courts attempt to restore personal injury victims to the state they were in before the injury occurred. It isn’t possible to stop the plaintiff from becoming injured, but the court can award compensation to help the plaintiff return to as normal a life as possible after the accident. In New York, successful plaintiffs are entitled to the following types of damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost income
- The value of household services
- Lost fringe job benefits like union benefits or overtime benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damages
- Reimbursement for any other type of out-of-pocket medical costs
New York’s Comparative Negligence Rule
You will also need to show that you were not negligent yourself. New York recognizes the comparative negligence rule. Even though you won’t be barred from recovering compensation because you were partially at fault, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of the blame. Should the property owner attempt to blame you for your injuries, attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP will help you minimize your role in the accident so you can recover as much compensation as possible.
Contact a Rockland County Slip and Fall Lawyer Today!
Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP has a well-known reputation throughout Rockland for advocating strongly for his clients. He has recovered millions in damages for New York slip and fall victims. When you’ve suffered a serious injury due to a slip and fall accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Contact attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how he can advocate for your rights.