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You didn’t expect to get hurt just walking through an apartment building – but a slip-and-fall accident can change everything. Whether it happened on a wet floor, cracked pavement, or icy walkway, the pain and disruption to your life can last for weeks or months afterward. It’s critical to do everything you can to protect yourself and recover fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall at a New York Apartment Building
If you have severe injuries after an apartment slip-and-fall, call 911 and see a doctor before you do anything else. However, if your injuries allow you to move, follow these steps to protect yourself and boost your chances of a successful personal injury claim:
- Report the Accident Immediately – Tell the property manager, landlord, or superintendent what happened as soon as possible. Ask them to create a written report and request a copy for your records. This action helps document the accident and shows that you took the situation seriously from the start.
- Take Photos of the Scene – Use your phone to take pictures of the precise spot where you fell. Focus on any hazards that may have caused the accident, like ice, broken stairs, spilled liquids, or poor lighting.
- Get Contact Information from Witnesses – If anyone saw you fall – or noticed the dangerous condition before your accident – ask for their name and contact details. Witness statements can help support your version of events and strengthen your claim.
- Keep the Clothes and Shoes You Wore – Set aside the shoes and clothing you had on when you fell. These items may show evidence of the accident, like torn fabric or slippery surfaces. Don’t wash your shoes and clothes or throw them away.
- Document Your Injuries and Recovery – Take photos of any bruises, cuts, or other visible injuries you sustained. Similarly, write down how the injury affects your daily life, including your pain levels, any missed work, or issues you have with performing everyday tasks.
- Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer – You want to talk to an experienced attorney before the complex or their insurance company contacts you. A lawyer can explain your rights, gather evidence, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Apartment Slip-and-Falls
Most causes of apartment slip-and-fall accidents in New York involve poor maintenance by property owners or similar examples of negligence. Some particularly common causes include:
- Wet or recently mopped floors without warning signs
- Icy or snow-covered sidewalks, steps, or entryways
- Loose or broken stair treads or handrails
- Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or entry areas
- Torn or bunched-up carpets and rugs
- Cracked or uneven pavement in parking lots or walkways
- Leaks or plumbing issues that cause slippery surfaces
Who’s Liable for a New York Apartment Slip-and-Fall?
Who’s legally responsible for your injuries in an apartment slip-and-fall depends on where and how the accident happened. The property owner or landlord is often liable, especially if they failed to fix a known hazard or didn’t keep the area reasonably safe. A property management company might also be liable if the owner hired them to handle maintenance and the management company didn’t do their job. Sometimes, a cleaning or snow removal service may be liable if their work created or failed to remove a hazard.
Deadline to File a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit
In most cases, you have three years after an apartment slip-and-fall to file a personal injury lawsuit. Call a lawyer immediately so they have enough time to build a strong case and help you recover the money you need.
Michael LoGiudice, LLP, has decades of legal experience and can protect your rights throughout your case. Let our team fight for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.