If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be overwhelmed with medical and financial concerns. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, our injury lawyers in Rockland County have a proven track record of recovering compensation for injuries like yours. We provide large-firm, full-service quality legal work for a broad range of clients. We are big enough to do it all and small enough to care.

You should not have to bear the burden of a property owner’s negligence and noncompliance with basic safety standards. Your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being are our priority. Enlist the help of a tireless advocate who will go the extra mile to fight for justice and your rights under the law.

What you need to know about liability

A premises liability lawsuit holds a property owner responsible for damages caused by an injury. In New Jersey, owners are obligated to thoroughly inspect their grounds to ensure that there are no defects or hazards. 

Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents occur regularly. Common causes include the following:

  • Torn carpeting 
  • Cluttered floors
  • Loose floorboards
  • Parking lot potholes
  • Defective sidewalks
  • Poorly constructed staircases
  • Recently waxed floors
  • Recently mopped floors
  • Loose mats
  • Moisture collection 
  • Exposed wiring 
  • Inadequate lighting

Slip and falls can happen in any environment, whether a grocery store or visiting a commercial property, industrial area, or public place. However, one fact remains: people at the highest level of organizations are required to prioritize the well-being of their employees, patrons, invitees, and anyone else on a property—as long as they are not trespassing. 

Commonalities in injuries and injury claims

According to the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC), floors and flooring materials directly contribute to over two million slip and fall injuries yearly. Fractures are among the most common in a slip and fall accident. Hip fractures are among the most serious—they can lead to many related health problems and, in some cases, death. Moreover, there is a slip-and-fall crisis that affects the elderly population, as each year in the United States, one in every three people over the age of 65 will experience a fall.

Perhaps you have experienced a slip-and-fall on the job. You’re not alone. It is one of the most common workers’ compensation claims and is the primary cause of occupational injury for individuals over 55. In fact, 85% of workers’ compensation claims result from employees slipping and falling.

What to do after a slip & fall accident

Evidence is essential in slip and fall cases. Your lawyer must prove that a property owner or manager was negligent in addressing dangerous conditions they knew about or should’ve known. In other words, they did not repair the hazard nor warn people about the inherent risks.

Slip and fall victims should take pictures or videos. Thanks to the technology of smartphones–locations, dates, and times are meticulously recorded. It’s best if you can take photos of the scene of the slip and fall accident from different angles so that the property location is obvious.

Witness testimonies are also helpful. Identify people who saw you fall, were involved in building, repair, or maintenance, or frequent the property and may have insight or knowledge about the premises. In addition to other people’s testimonies, it is crucial that you write down the most accurate possible recollection of the incident. Consider documenting the impact that the injury has on your day-to-day life. 

We know this can sound overwhelming. When you reach out to our Rockland County slip & fall injury lawyers, we will help gather any evidence you have and find other sources, e.g., CCTV video.

Contact our Rockland County Slip and Fall Lawyers for a free consultation

We take our clients’ experiences very seriously. We are dedicated to your well-being and want to see that you are compensated for the pain, inconvenience, and overall impact of your slip and fall injury. Reach out today and schedule an appointment to confer with one of our knowledgeable and sympathetic Rockland Country attorneys–there is no obligation to hire us afterward. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries. We look forward to hearing from you.

Slip & Fall FAQ

Q: What are some common factors that can contribute to slip and fall accidents?

A: As a Rockland County, NY slip and fall lawyer is knowledgeable about, many factors can affect slip and fall accident cases. Some common causes include hazardous or uneven surfaces, such as wet or slippery floors, icy or poorly maintained walkways, loose rugs or carpets, and uneven or broken pavement. Insufficient lighting in walkways or staircases can also contribute to accidents. Additionally, obstacles or clutter in pathways, inadequate signage warning of potential hazards, and improper footwear can increase the risk of slip and fall incidents. Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying negligence or liability when pursuing a slip and fall claim.

Q: Can the negligence of property owners or occupiers be a contributing factor to slip and fall accidents?

A: Yes, negligence on the part of property owners or occupiers can be a significant factor in slip and fall accidents. Property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain safe premises and address potential hazards promptly. Failure to address known hazards, such as failing to clean up spills, fix uneven surfaces, or provide adequate warnings about dangerous conditions, can constitute negligence. Negligent maintenance, insufficient property inspections, and disregard for safety regulations are common factors that contribute to slip and fall accidents. In order to proceed with a claim, a lawyer needs to gather evidence which can establish that a party committed negligent acts which led to the slip and fall incident. 

Q: How does the weather play a role in slip and fall accidents?

A: When there is inclement weather and related hazards, it increases the chances of a slip and fall accident. Rain, snow, ice, or even wet leaves can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of falls. Property owners and occupiers have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to address weather-related hazards, such as promptly clearing walkways, applying ice melt or sand, or installing proper drainage systems. Negligence in addressing weather-related hazards, such as failing to clear snow or ice from walkways, can be a contributing factor in slip and fall accidents.

Q: Can inadequate warning signs or barriers be a factor in slip and fall accidents?

A: It is common for inadequate signs or lack of signage to result in a slip and fall accident. Property owners or occupiers should provide clear and visible warning signs or barriers to alert individuals to potential hazards, such as wet floors, construction zones, or uneven surfaces. Failure to provide adequate warnings or barriers can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Additionally, the absence of cautionary signage or barriers to redirect foot traffic around hazardous areas can contribute to accidents. Establishing the lack of appropriate warnings or barriers is important when determining liability in slip and fall cases.

Q: Can the use of improper footwear contribute to slip and fall accidents?

A: Yes, improper footwear can contribute to slip and fall accidents. Wearing shoes with inadequate traction or slippery soles increases the risk of losing balance and falling on slippery surfaces. Additionally, footwear that does not provide proper support or stability can increase the likelihood of tripping or stumbling. While property owners and occupiers have a responsibility to maintain safe premises, individuals should also exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear when navigating potentially hazardous areas. If you have recently been in an accident, do not wait to contact a Rockland County slip and fall lawyer from Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. now.