Slips and falls are serious accidents that can cause traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and other major problems. Many individuals may assume that slips and falls only happen in the most obviously hazardous places, like on an icy sidewalk. But any slick, uneven, or unstable surface can cause slips, trips, and falls.
Determining who is at fault is one of the most important steps you can take in your claim for monetary damages to pay for medical bills and other losses. The law firm that you retain will make a difference in the outcome of your case. Learn how Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. helps slip and fall victims in Nassau and Queens.
A Slip and Fall Can Happen Anywhere
Nearly anywhere that you walk is susceptible to unsafe conditions that can cause you to slip, trip, fall, and get injured. Some of the most likely places that you will run the risk of a slip and fall accident are:
- Parking lots and sidewalks: When these are icy, uneven, or filled with potholes, a slip, trip, or fall becomes possible. Nassau and Queens property owners (including the owners adjoining sidewalks) are responsible for keeping these areas free of dangers.
- Stairs: Broken or uneven stairs, or those that do not have proper railing in place, can also be hazardous to pedestrians. If the staircase is poorly illuminated, then there’s also a likelihood of significant injury.
- Bar and restaurant floors: Bars, restaurants, and other similar establishments can become hazardous when drinks, grease, food, and other items make their way to the floor. The owner or manager should immediately take steps to clean up the mess.
- Retail businesses: In fact, any business in Nassau or Queens with heavy foot traffic such as a grocery store or gas station could become the site of a slip and fall accident. This is especially the case if people are bringing in water from outside on a rainy day.
- Any place with floormats, rugs, and carpets: Any business that uses floormats and rugs should be aware that these can bunch up and present trip and fall hazards. Likewise, if the carpet snags it can easily trip someone.
- Any place with cords and wires: The use of extension cords and the placement of uncovered wires are also safety hazards. The person responsible for the property should secure these to the floor, for instance with tape, to reduce risks.
Who Is At Fault?
After you determine what the dangerous condition is, you need to figure out who may be liable for your slip and fall. Possible examples include:
- The property owner: A good place to start with liability is the owner of the Nassau or Queens property. However, their relationship with other parties (see below) may complicate the issue.
- The commercial tenant: If you slipped and fell in a retail business, the commercial tenant could be responsible for the property hazard that injured you. You will need to know the details of their relationship with the owner to determine the question of liability.
- The property manager: Sometimes the individual or company responsible for managing the property neglects their duty to keep the premises free of hazards. This could point to liability on their part.
- The homeowner: If you were injured in someone’s home or on their land, the homeowner is potentially responsible. You could seek compensation for your injuries from their premises liability insurance company.
Hurt in a Nassau or Queens Slip and Fall? Start With Hiring a Knowledgeable Attorney
The steps you take after being injured in a slip and fall will determine whether you win fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. When you hire Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., we investigate the facts surrounding your slip and fall, find out who is liable, and build a case for the damages you deserve. Connect with us to schedule your consultation today.
