Fair Compensation For Slip Or Trip And Falls In New York

It can be surprising how easy it is for us to suffer injuries after a serious fall. Even a fall that looks nonthreatening can have a lifetime of consequences, and it is important that the victim of the fall get the medical treatment they need right away. If possible, it is also important to get contact information from any witnesses of the accidents. Statements from witnesses and your medical records will be crucial to pursuing the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able can help you determine if you have a claim.  At Kaston & Aberle, LLP, our experienced attorneys offer our clients the aggressive and dedicated representation they need to secure the settlement that reflects the total cost of their injuries. We have led our clients to multimillion-dollar settlements, verdicts and judgments to see that they have the resources they need for their best possible recovery, and we want to help you get the same results.

Fighting Falls From Anywhere

An environment does not have to be full of danger for someone to suffer a serious fall. In fact, many of our slip-and-fall cases come from situations involving:

• Uneven sidewalks
• Poorly maintained parking lots
• Construction site
• Loose carpets or rugs
• Crowded walkways
• Icy paths

Whether your injury happened at work, at the office, at the store or at a friend’s house, we can help you. Premises liability claims such as trip or slip-and-fall accidents can happen on privately-owned commercial property, government property or a private residence. We will help you pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slip-and-fall accidents can be painful and confusing, especially when it is not immediately clear who was supposed to keep the area safe. In New York, determining the next steps usually depends on where the fall occurred, who owned the property and whether someone neglected a hazardous condition long enough to allow repairs.

Who is legally responsible if I slip and fall on a public sidewalk in New York?

In New York, responsibility for a fall on a public sidewalk depends on who owned, maintained or controlled the sidewalk area where the accident occurred. For example, a private property owner may be responsible if the sidewalk in front of their building was their legal duty to maintain, especially if local laws require them to clear snow, ice or other hazards.

In other situations, the city or municipality may be responsible, but claims against government entities often have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines. The key issue is whether the person or entity in control of the sidewalk knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it in a reasonable time.

Does a New York property owner have to shovel snow immediately after it falls?

No, New York courts recognize the “storm in progress” doctrine, which protects property owners from liability if someone slips while a winter storm is actively occurring. However, property owners must still remove snow and ice within a “reasonable amount of time” after a storm ends, unless a local ordinance or specific rule states otherwise.

For example, some local laws require sidewalks to be cleared within a certain number of hours after snowfall stops. For example, New York City requires owners to clear sidewalks within four hours if snow stops between 7:00 AM and 4:59 PM. Meanwhile, Long Island towns like Hempstead or Oyster Bay often grant owners up to 12 or 24 hours to clear ice and snow.

If a property owner waits too long or otherwise addresses a slippery condition, they may be found negligent if someone gets hurt.

Can I file a claim if my slip and fall happens on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the MTA subway platform?

Yes, you can. These claims often require strict notice-of-claim procedures and very short deadlines, so acting quickly is important. Liability will depend on whether the MTA, LIRR or another responsible party failed to maintain the platform, stairs or walking area in a reasonably safe condition. Because transit-related injury claims are complex, it is important to document the scene, report the incident and consult a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Your Compensation Matters

To us, you are not just another case, you are someone who needs our help seeking justice after suffering a wrongful injury. We know that the outcome of your personal injury claim can have considerable consequences on your future, and we want to make the future as bright as possible.

If you are ready to meet with us for your free initial consultation at our offices in Garden City and Brooklyn, contact us by calling 516-879-7280 or email us here. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner you can get the settlement you deserve. Se Habla Español 24/7.