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What are the most common causes of slip and fall injuries in New York City?
Slip and falls are a leading cause of injuries and death among Americans. According to the National Safety Council, over 35,000 people die in falls at home or work each year. Slip and falls can happen nearly anywhere, from sidewalks and grocery stores to construction sites. Premises liability law can hold property owners accountable for falls occurring in their home or place of business, but slip and fall cases can be complex. Slip and fall plaintiffs will need to prove that the fall occurred due to the negligence of the property owner or an agent of the owner, which can be challenging. Our New York City slip and fall injury attorney discusses the causes of slip and falls and how you can pursue compensation for your injuries below.
Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can have varied causes. Some of the most common causes of slip and falls include:
- Wet floors
- Spills
- Broken handrails or stair risers
- Misplaced items
- Poor lighting
- Broken sidewalks
- Icy parking lots
- Uneven surfaces in nursing homes
- Uneven flooring
Elements of a Slip and Fall Case
In New York, injured slip and fall accident victims can pursue a claim against the owner of the property on which they fell under premises liability law. A personal injury plaintiff will need to prove that the property owner was negligent. A finding of negligence will typically require evidence that the property owner knew or should have known of the hazardous condition, but failed to correct it in a timely manner. Knowledge or constructive knowledge can potentially be proven through customer complaints as to the dangerous condition before the fall, evidence the condition that lead to the fall existed for some time, or prior falls stemming from the same dangerous condition.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows the principle of comparative negligence, which means that a plaintiff’s recovery could be reduced should the court find the plaintiff shared some degree of fault for the slip and fall. Potential circumstances that could give rise to a sharing of fault include the plaintiff’s inattention when walking, inappropriate footwear, or presence in an area that was marked as off limits.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall, contact NYC law firm Michael LoGiudice, LLP for assistance.
It is important that you act quickly after the fall to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. With the help of Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, you can potentially recover the compensation you deserve to make you whole following your fall. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit us online or call us at 845-538-4792 today!