Nassua Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone at any time. They can be caused by a wide range of factors, including uneven surfaces, wet floors, debris on the ground, poor lighting, and more.

While some slip and fall accidents may only result in minor injuries, others can lead to serious harm, such as broken bones, head injuries, and even paralysis. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Nassau County, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation if you need help after a slip and fall accident.

How Slip and Fall Accidents Occur

Slip and fall accidents can happen in various settings, including homes, businesses, public places, and more. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors: Floors that are wet or slippery can be extremely hazardous, particularly if they are not properly marked or cleaned up promptly.
• Uneven surfaces: Uneven surfaces, such as cracked sidewalks or potholes in parking lots, can easily trip up unsuspecting pedestrians.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or hazards, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.
• Obstacles in walkways: Cluttered walkways or obstacles in high-traffic areas can make it difficult for people to navigate safely.
• Poorly maintained stairs: Poorly maintained stairs, such as those with loose or missing handrails, can be extremely dangerous.

Nassau County Slip and Fall Laws

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Nassau County, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Under New York law, property owners and managers have a duty to maintain their premises reasonably safe. This means they must identify and correct any hazards that could cause slip and fall accidents. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

However, it’s important to note that New York’s comparative negligence law may affect your ability to recover damages in a slip and fall case. Under this law, your damages may be reduced if you were partially responsible for your own injuries. For example, if you were not paying attention to where you were walking at the time of the accident, you may be found to be partially at fault for your injuries.

Stats About Slips and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are a serious problem in the United States, and Nassau County is no exception. Consider the following statistics:

• According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits yearly, making them the leading cause of visits.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the U.S., accounting for over 46% of all TBIs.
• The CDC also reports that falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among people aged 65 and older.
• In New York, slip and fall accidents are one of the most common premises liability claims.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can result in many injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to more serious harm. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries include:

• Broken bones: Slip and fall accidents can easily lead to broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, and hips.
• Head injuries: Falls can also cause serious head injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries: In severe cases, slip and fall accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which can cause permanent paralysis or even death.

• Soft tissue injuries: Slip and fall accidents can also cause soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions.
• Emotional trauma: In addition to physical injuries, slip and fall accidents can also cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Process to File a Slip and Fall Claim

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Nassau County, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority after a slip and fall accident. Even if you don’t feel like you have been seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure no hidden injuries.
• Document the accident: Be sure to take pictures of the accident scene, including any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. Also, obtain contact information for witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.
• Report the accident: If the accident occurred on someone else’s property, be sure to report the incident to the property owner or manager. Obtain a copy of the incident report, if possible.
• Consult with an attorney: Finally, speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through filing a claim.

FAQs About Nassau Slip and Fall Accidents

What should I do if injured in a slip and fall accident?

First, you should seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel like you’ve been seriously injured. It’s also important to document the accident by taking pictures and obtaining contact information for any witnesses. Finally, be sure to consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney.

Who can be held liable for a slip and fall accident?

Property owners and managers can be held liable for slip and fall accidents if they fail to maintain their premises reasonably safe. However, liability can be complex, and speaking with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights is important.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under New York’s comparative negligence law, your damages may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, you may still be able to recover some compensation for your injuries.

How long must I file a slip and fall claim in Nassau County?

In New York, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

What types of damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What if the property owner claims that I was trespassing at the time of the accident?

Even if you were trespassing at the time of the accident, property owners still must maintain their premises reasonably safe. However, liability may be more difficult to establish in these cases, and it’s important to speak with an attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.

What if I slipped and fell on a public sidewalk?

If you slip and fall on a public sidewalk, you may be able to file a claim against the municipality or government agency responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. However, these cases can be complex, and it’s important to speak with an attorney with experience handling slip and fall cases.

How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall attorney in Nassau County?

Many slip and fall attorneys in Nassau County work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation on your behalf. The fee is typically a percentage of the total amount recovered, and the exact percentage may vary depending on the attorney and the case’s complexity.

What if the property owner claims they weren’t aware of the hazard that caused my slip and fall?

Even if the property owner wasn’t aware of the hazard, they may still be held liable if a reasonable person would have discovered the hazard and taken steps to correct it. This is known as constructive notice, and it can be established in various ways, such as by showing that the hazard had been present for a long time.

Do I need to go to court to recover compensation in a slip and fall case?

Not necessarily. Many slip and fall cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, you may need to go to court to pursue your claim.

Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Slip and Fall Claim

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone at any time. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Nassau County, it’s important to understand your legal rights and take steps to protect them.

An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact us today for a free consultation.