Fresh Meadows Slip and Fall Lawyers
Most slip and fall injuries primarily result in embarrassment. Unfortunately, a certain percentage result in serious injury, keeping the victim out of work for a long time and leading to expensive medical bills.
In New York, property owners have a duty of care to maintain premises safely. If the property owner was negligent in the premises’ upkeep, they may prove liable for the slip and fall accident.
A Fresh Meadows personal injury attorney at Douglas & London protects your rights while pursuing justice for you.
Duty of Care
In commercial buildings, it is the building owner’s or management’s duty to inspect the premises regularly for any type of hazard, including trip hazards. Once identified, these hazards require prompt amelioration or, at the least, warning signs or cordoning to indicate the danger.
The property owners should have sufficient insurance, but their insurance companies will go out of their way to fight slip and fall claims. That is why anyone injured in a slip and fall accident should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Even if an insurer offers a settlement amount, it is usually a lowball figure that may not cover the victim’s expenses, let alone any pain and suffering. Once a settlement is agreed to, there is no going back for further negotiation, even if it turns out the injuries were worse than initially believed.
Do not agree to a settlement before consulting an attorney. A lawyer knows a reasonable settlement amount for the type of injuries the client suffered and the long-term effects.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident can occur literally anywhere. When it comes to commercial sites, the most frequent locations include:
- Supermarkets
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Movie theaters
- Hotels
- Parking lots
Serious slip and fall injuries may involve:
- Fractures
- Head trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
After a slip and fall accident, it is imperative to go to the doctor or the emergency room right away. Failure to do this will significantly harm the claim, as the insurer will allege the injury was either a pre-existing condition or did not occur as a result of the slip and fall.
Take photos of the accident scene, and report the fall to the building manager. If too badly injured to do so, ask a friend or relative to take such photos as soon as possible. Good documentation is critical in a successful slip and fall claim.
Contact a Fresh Meadows Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you or someone you know suffered a serious injury because a property owner neglected their premises, you need the services of the experienced slip and fall lawyers at Douglas & London. Arrange a free consultation by submitting our online form or calling or texting us 24/7.
After reviewing your case, we will let you know whether you have a valid claim. We will hold those responsible for your injury accountable, working hard so that you receive the compensation you deserve. Because we serve you on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Espanol.
