Polsky Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.

Slip and Fall Lawyer Queens NY

As a slip and fall lawyer Queens NY residents rely on from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. can explain, we believe that when people or entities fail to adhere to a basic duty of care, and an accident happens, they should be held accountable. When you enter business premises or a private residence, you might expect the owner (or management) to maintain the premises so that the possibility of having an accident, such as a slip and fall, is limited.

If you are the victim of a slip and fall accident, our law firm is ready to listen to what you have to say during a complimentary consultation. When negligence is a factor, we will explain your legal options and rights so you can make an educated decision about what to do next. To speak with a member of our team, please call our firm or email us using the form on this site.

 

The Responsibility of Maintaining Premises

Slip and falls are one of the most common types of personal injuries. Most of these accidents were entirely preventable but happened because of a lack of duty of care, known as negligence, on part of the property owner or management. Examples of negligence include:

  • Failing to maintain the premises; for instance, not repairing uneven surfaces. 
  • Failing to notify visitors of potential hazards; for instance not posting a sign warning people of a wet floor.
  • The property owner was aware of a hazardous or unsafe condition but failed to take necessary actions against preventing an accident.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall

As a Queens, NY slip and fall lawyer, we have handled many cases in which the conditions which led up to the accident were temporary, or that involved the owner making a poor attempt in covering up the scene of the accident to avoid legal repercussions. Following a slip and fall, it is recommended you

  • Photograph the scene to protect you from tampered evidence or expedited repairs. 
  • Get medical treatment, and make sure to report all of your pain. 
  • Obtain the contact details of any witnesses who were present. 
  • Report the accident to the premises owner. You should avoid going into detail, but rather let them know you were injured. 
  • Talk with a slip and fall lawyer before answering questions or giving statements to any party. 


Compensation for a Slip and Fall

When you have a legal claim, you will almost certainly be able to recover monetary compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, any out of pocket expenses, pain, and suffering. A lawyer might also seek other types of compensation including noneconomic damages and punitive damages. 

An experienced slip and fall lawyer will have access to medical expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, social workers, economists, and other professionals who may be able to assist us in building your case. As a result, we are able to seek maximum compensation. 

To begin the process of a slip and fall claim or lawsuit, call a slip and fall lawyer in Queens, New Work from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.

Statistics on Slip and Fall Injuries

Millions of Americans visit the emergency room each year for slip and fall injuries. These accidents are the second primary cause of accidental death in the United States. Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone regardless of age, however, older adults are more vulnerable to being seriously injured. Recovering from these common types of injuries often requires medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation:

Broken Bones
Taking a tumble to a hard ground surface applies excessive pressure on the human bones, making them at risk for breaking. The hip, ankles, and wrists are some of the more prevalent kinds of bone breaks for slip and falls. Those of older age are more likely to sustain a bone breakage from falling to the ground. But keep in mind that from the standpoint of legalities and seeking compensation, it doesn’t matter how old you are. You still have the right to pursue restitution if another person or entity was partially responsible for your fall.

Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries are painful, and are most often visible externally in the form of cuts, wounds, and bruises. But, it is possible to have soft tissue damage that you cannot visibly see. For instance, you could have sprains or tears to your ligaments and tendons. Soft tissue injuries that go untreated can result in chronic issues, so visiting a doctor shortly after the slip and fall is strongly advised. Obtain copies of your medical documents to share with your lawyer.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head and brain injuries can easily happen if during the fall the head made contact with an object or the floor. Head injuries such as minor concussions and bruises may only require rest to heal. But for other injuries like skull fractures, subarachnoid hemorrhages, and hematomas, emergency medical care is needed immediately. For those who fell and now have a tragic loss of quality of life are encouraged to speak with a lawyer about their right to pursue compensation from the responsible party.

Spine, Back, and Neck Injuries
The spinal cord is a vital component of our body system. It sends messages to and from organs so that our body is working at its most optimal level. So when a slip and fall happens and the spine, back, or neck get injured, it can have serious and lasting effects. For many people, they have to see a chiropractor or other medical health professional for many months or years afterwards to correct spinal misalignments that resulted from the slip and fall.

Scenarios Where You Need an Attorney

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to know that you may have legal options available to you with the help of a Queens NY slip and fall lawyer representing your case. In order to determine if you can pursue a claim, take a look at the following scenarios. These do not cover every possibility for a case, but it is a good staring place. Seek the help of a qualified attorney at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C who can review your case and advise you on how to proceed if you have been injured.

#1 Injured in a Public Place

A few examples of slip and fall accidents in public places that could qualify for a case include:

  • Tripping over a defective sidewalk due to uneven or raised pavement.
  • Slipping on a wet floor or surface that has not been properly marked with a “wet floor” sign.
  • Falling on a broken stair due to a loose railing or missing treads.
  • Falling in a store or mall due to an item left in the walkway by an employee.
  • Slipping on an icy patch in the parking lot or sidewalk due to the property owner’s negligence.

#2 Injured in a Private Place

Slip and fall injuries can occur in private places as well, such as a store, restaurant, or a friend’s home. These cases can be more difficult to prove due to the fact that there may be fewer witnesses and less clear evidence of the circumstances that led to the fall. Common examples of slip and fall injuries in a private place include:

  • Slipping on a wet surface that was not properly marked as hazardous.
  • Tripping over objects left in an aisle or on a stairway.
  • Falling down stairs due to lack of handrails or loose carpets.
  • Slipping on a substance that was spilled or tracked onto the floor but not cleaned up in a timely manner.

In these cases, having the assistance of a Queens slip and fall lawyer can help you build a strong case and ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries.

#3 Injured at Work

This type of accident is often the result of the employer failing to provide a safe work environment or failing to provide proper training to their employees. Depending on the circumstances, your employer may be held liable for your injuries. If your injuries are serious, such as fractures, lacerations, or head injuries, you will likely require extensive medical treatment, which could lead to costly medical bills and lost wages from missing work.

#4 Serious Injuries

Examples of serious injuries that may arise from a slip and fall accident include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and even wrongful death. These types of injuries require specialized medical treatment and can often lead to long-term complications. In addition, they may also lead to financial losses due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.

#5 Other Party Denies Responsibility

Slip and fall accidents can be a tricky situation to navigate when the other party denies responsibility for the injury. For example, if you were injured in a grocery store and the store manager refuses to accept blame for the incident, it can be difficult to prove who was responsible.

If you have been injured, contact a Queens slip and fall lawyer at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C for help with your case.

If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to discuss your case with a Queens NY slip and fall lawyer. These accidents can result in huge medical bills and lost wages, and you deserve to be compensated for that. An experienced lawyer from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. can help you pursue a timely legal claim against the negligent parties.

Scenarios Where You Need An Attorney Infographic

Scenarios Where You Need An Attorney Infographic

Premises Liability FAQ

What Is Premises Liability Law?

Premises liability law aims to hold property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property. Property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their property is safe for others. If they knew or should have known that the condition on their property was dangerous and didn’t get it fixed, they can be held liable if an accident occurs.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, from grocery stores to sidewalks. One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents are wet and slippery floors. For example, if someone spilled juice in a grocery store and it doesn’t get cleaned up, a customer can slip and fall over it. In this situation, the customer may be able to file a slip and fall accident claim against the grocery store.

Another common cause of slip and fall accidents are icy sidewalks. When ice forms on sidewalks during the winter, property owners are responsible for throwing salt on it to prevent tripping accidents. Unfortunately, as a Queens slip and fall lawyer can confirm, not all property owners do this. 

Other causes of slip and fall accidents include poor lighting, uneven floors, torn carpeting, clutter and defective handrails.

If I Got Injured at a Family Member or Friend’s House, Should I Feel Bad About Filing a Lawsuit?

No, absolutely not. While you may be concerned about hurting your relationship with your friend or family member, understand that you will most likely be suing their home insurance company. Your friend or family member won’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel guilty about pursuing damages. 

When Should I Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer?

If you have sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident, it is in your best interest to get in touch with an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can start building your case. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, identify liable parties and negotiate with the insurance company. If the insurance company isn’t willing to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may take your case to trial.

How Much Is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?

The value of your slip and fall case may depend on a number of different factors, like the cost of your medical bills, severity of your injury and how long you have been out of work. A skilled lawyer can estimate how much your case is worth.

Schedule a consultation with a Queens slip and fall lawyer from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.

Client Review

“I used Mark Polsky and his team to help with my worker’s comp case. He and his team are professional and were always looking out for my best interests. They were always available to answer any questions I had, and checked in on me frequently to see how I was feeling, and provided me with updates on my case. I highly recommend them.”

Howard K.
Client Review

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Brooklyn Office:

Contact Our Brooklyn
Workers Compensation Lawyers

300 Cadman Plaza West One Pierrepont Plaza 12th Floor, 11201
(718) 875-0909