Slips and falls can result in broken bones, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, and even death. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, falls are the second-leading cause of accidental loss of life nationwide, leading to almost 47,000 deaths in 2022.
If you’ve suffered a serious fall because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may be able to seek compensation through a lawsuit against that individual or entity. However, New York property liability laws are complicated, and insurance companies providing property liability coverage often try to deny claims or force lowball settlements. You’ll almost certainly need a competent lawyer on your side if you want to succeed.
How Our New York City Slip and Fall Lawyers Work for You
When you select a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to have absolute confidence in your choice. Here are some reasons why clients appreciate the work we do at Tucker Lawyers:
- We have more than 30 years of experience.
- We get results, such as the $1.35 million we recently won in a car accident settlement.
- We have a large number of satisfied clients.
- We help you document your injuries and find the most appropriate medical care.
- We handle all required legal paperwork and court appearances.
- We negotiate with insurance companies, so you won’t have to.
- We give back to the community.
- We offer free initial consultations.
- We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Steps Our Slip and Fall Attorneys in NYC Take for You
When you hire us to represent you after an injury, we can handle all legal aspects of your case so you can prioritize your health and recovery. We will:
- Investigate how your accident happened, determine who the at-fault parties are, and estimate what your case may be worth
- Gather photos, videos, and accident and medical reports
- Interview witnesses and first responders
- Thoroughly assess all your damages
- File paperwork, make court appearances, and handle appeals on your behalf
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary.
Our New York City Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Help You Determine Liability and Fault
Most of us have experienced a slip, trip, or fall at some point. Most of the time we get up, dust ourselves off, and go about our business. But when a fall causes serious, painful injuries and perhaps results in loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability, it’s time to take a more in-depth look at why the accident happened.
If you can show that you fell because the property you were on was improperly maintained and that the owner or manager of the property knew about this, that individual or entity may be held liable. Here are just a few of the situations our New York slip and fall attorneys have seen:
- Property owners who fail to clear ice and snow from sidewalks
- Grocery store employees who see spills but fail to clean them up or report them
- Apartment managers who know steps are loose and fail to repair them.
What Can Be Done If a Loved One Was Killed in a Slip and Fall Accident in NYC?
If your loved one died in a slip and fall accident in New York due to negligence, the property owner may be held liable through a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative of the deceased can file a claim on behalf of surviving family members. Compensation in these cases may include:
- Medical bills incurred prior to the deceased person’s passing
- Lost wages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Incidental costs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our New York City Slip And Fall Injury Accident Lawyers
When you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident in New York City, you may be unsure exactly how to proceed. Having slip and fall injury lawyers on your side is a smart step. These professionals deal with cases like this every day and can answer any questions you might have.
Will I have to go to trial for my slip and fall case?
Typically, slip and fall cases end with a settlement negotiated by your attorney and the defendant’s insurance company. However, one of the most effective ways to convince an insurance company to negotiate fairly can be to file a lawsuit and highlight supporting evidence during pre-trial motions. We are prepared to go to trial when the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer that allows you to fully recover from your injuries.
Will my medical creditors be willing to wait until the insurance company pays me compensation?
If your case looks like it will last longer than your creditors are willing to wait to get paid, we can send them a letter of intent. This letter will officially inform them that you have filed a lawsuit against a responsible party and will pay your bills as soon as that party pays you compensation. Upon receipt of a letter of intent, most hospitals and doctors will stop sending bills and put your account on hold until your case is completed.
Does it make a difference if someone else fell because of the same condition?
Yes. If someone previously fell because of the same condition that caused you to fall, this is evidence that the responsible party was aware of a dangerous condition and did nothing to correct it, making it easier to prove liability. It may also increase the award you get from a jury, as the defendant’s failure to address a known risk might be interpreted as recklessness.
How long does a slip and fall case take to settle in NYC?
A slip and fall case in NYC can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to settle. When cases are more complex because of inconsistencies in witness statements or in the diagnosis of your injuries, the case can take longer than if both sides generally agree on the basic facts of what happened.
Don’t wonder about what you should do after suffering injuries after falling on someone else’s property. Reach out to a slip and fall injury accident law firm in New York City to receive advice on how you should proceed and on the estimated strength and value of your claim.
Avoid These Mistakes After a Slip and Fall Accident in NYC
There are several common mistakes slip and fall injury victims make. These include:
- Failing to file an accident report: Insurers — and even a jury, if your case goes to court — may question the validity of your claim if you wait too long to report your accident. File a report with the property owner as soon as possible and ask for a copy of the report.
- Refusing medical attention: Injuries from a slip, trip or fall accident are not always obvious. Internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, and organ damage are some hidden injuries you may not even be aware of. Some head injuries don’t show obvious symptoms until a while after an accident. Seek medical help for a full documentation of your injuries.
- Speaking to an insurance company without a lawyer: Insurance company adjusters and lawyers are skilled in finding reasons for rejecting claims or decreasing the amount they offer. They may try to use your own words against you. It is best to have experienced slip and fall attorneys speak to the company for you.
- Posting on social media: You should never discuss your accident on social media, as your insurance company may be able to use posts like this against you during the claims process.
- Signing a statement: Never sign any documents unless a lawyer has read them first. Sometimes the business might try to tell you that if you don’t sign immediately, you will never get any money. This is a lie designed to get you to sign away your rights.
- Not hiring an attorney: An attorney who is experienced in handling slip and fall negligence cases will review all the details of your case, handle the complicated process of filing with insurance companies, and fight to get you fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
Contact Tucker Lawyers for a Free Case Review From Our NYC Slip and Fall Attorneys
If you suffered injuries after a fall, our New York slip and fall lawyers at Tucker Lawyers can ensure that you receive the medical care you need and the compensation you should have.
Time is of the essence, as New York has a three-year deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, per New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules Section 214. There are a few exceptions, but if you miss the deadline, the courts are likely to dismiss your case.
Call us today at (516) 399-2364. The consultation is free, and we do not charge a legal fee unless we win your case.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ATTORNEY BIO]
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Tucker Lawyers. From the very beginning of my case, they demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism. They were consistently ‘on top of everything,’ ensuring no detail was overlooked. Their proactive communication was remarkable I truly appreciated the regular calls and follow-ups after my doctor appointments, which kept me informed and reassured throughout the process. – Meaghan L.
I would highly recommend Tucker Lawyers. During a very stressful time and not knowing where to turn Tucker Lawyers really stepped up to the plate and put my mind at ease. They were very attentive and guided me and my family through this ordeal with a very successful outcome. John Tucker was fantastic. Very diligent and kept on top of things. You have a client for life for life. – Joan L.
