New York City is densely populated, with millions of people daily navigating its sidewalks, stairways, and public transportation systems. As a result, NYC slip and fall accidents happen frequently. If someone else’s negligence or disregard for safety caused your slip and fall injuries, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.

David Resnick & Associates, P.C., helps injured people in NYC seek just compensation for their slip and fall injuries. Our reputation is backed by our record of success and numerous heartfelt testimonials from former clients.

In this article, we examine the most common types of slip and fall injuries in New York City. To discuss the specific facts of your case and learn more about how we can help, contact us today. We can provide a free consultation about your case.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in NYC?

New York City is full of dangerous conditions that cause serious slip and fall injuries, regardless of whether you are on someone else’s property, in a commercial building, or walking through a public place. Some of the most common causes of NYC slip and fall injuries include the following:

  • Icy sidewalks
  • Uneven sidewalks
  • Slippery surfaces from spills
  • Public transportation falls
  • Poor lighting
  • Cluttered walkways
  • Inadequate maintenance.

Every slip and fall accident that occurs in NYC is unique. The circumstances surrounding how the fall happened vary from case to case. For instance, an injury could result from an icy or uneven sidewalk, which would be the responsibility of a government agency and would require giving notice to the agency.

A slip and fall attorney can lead you through this process and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines that might compromise your claim.

What Are The Most Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries?

The most common slip and fall injuries include the following:

  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Broken bones
  • Sprains and strains (soft-tissue injuries)
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Whether an injury is minor or severe, the consequences can be traumatizing and highly costly. However, a slip and fall accident attorney can gather your medical records, show the extent of your harm, and fight for compensation that will help you move forward.

What Are Some of the Consequences of a NYC Slip and Fall?

The aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident can be life-altering. Some of the most severe consequences include the following:

  • Loss of mobility — Fall injury victims may require walkers or wheelchairs due to loss of mobility, which can result in a temporary or permanent loss of earning capacity.
  • Loss of cognition — Head injuries can impair memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions, damaging a victim’s ability to earn a living and enjoy daily life.
  • Long-term or permanent disability — A severe neck or spinal cord injury can cause chronic pain or paralysis that impacts every aspect of life.
  • Death — The most tragic slip and fall accidents are the fatal ones. These are most common with older adults, but they can happen to anyone.

Are There Symptoms to Look for After a NYC Slip and Fall Accident?

Even if you felt fine immediately after a fall, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are unharmed. Some injuries worsen over time, and others don’t become symptomatic until long after the accident. Be alert for these signs of injury:

  • Persistent or worsening pain
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Headaches
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating.

You should seek medical attention immediately after a slip and fall accident. Healthcare professionals can identify injuries that you overlook. Receiving medical attention creates official documentation of your injuries and helps to establish how the fall caused your injuries.

Do Certain Seasons in NYC Have More Slip and Fall Accidents?

Yes, the seasons can significantly affect the frequency of NYC slip and fall injuries. During the winter, snow and ice create slippery conditions that can cause serious injuries.  Summer brings other risks, including sidewalk safety hazards created by construction activities.

After a rainy day in the fall, wet leaves can create slippery conditions in city parks and raise the risk of knee or back injuries.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in New York?

Your actions in the days and weeks after a slip and fall accident can impact the outcome of your case. After you’ve sought medical attention, be sure to:

  • Contact a slip and fall attorney — Pursuing a personal injury claim is complicated. An experienced slip and fall attorney can guide you through this process, investigate the accident, gather evidence, handle all insurance company communications, negotiate a fair settlement, and represent you in court if necessary.
  • Document the accident scene — Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any hazards, warning signs, lighting conditions, and visible injuries.
  • Report the incident — Inform the property owner or manager of the accident immediately and request a copy of the accident report. By doing so, you will establish official documentation of the accident and proof that the property owner is aware of the incident.
  • Collect witness contact information — Witnesses can provide third-party testimony and offer key details. Gather the names and contact information of anyone present when the slip and fall accident occurred.
  • Be careful when speaking with insurance companies — An insurance company may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident. The insurer wants to obtain information to deny or minimize your claim. So, never admit you were at fault, or quickly accept a settlement offer. Instead, consult with a lawyer before you talk with the insurance company.

How Do You Prove Liability in a NYC Slip and Fall Accident Case?

Property owners and managers are legally required to maintain reasonably safe property for visitors. If they fail to address hazards or post proper warning signs, they may be liable for your injuries.

Whether you have suffered a brain injury, a spinal injury, or a sprained wrist, your slip and fall claim depends on establishing liability with as much evidence as possible. To do this, your attorney will seek to gather:

  • Photos and videos — Visual evidence of the hazardous conditions, lack of maintenance, poor lighting, and visible injuries can provide compelling evidence in a slip and fall case.
  • Incident reports — An incident report documents the accident’s date, time, and location, and can show that you took your injuries seriously.
  • Witness statements — Witnesses to the accident and anyone who may have previously reported the hazard that caused your injuries can corroborate your claim.
  • Maintenance records — These records can indicate when the property was last cleaned or inspected, whether any repairs were made, and if any previous complaints had been filed regarding the hazard.
  • Medical records — Medical documentation can connect your injuries to the accident and show their impact on your daily life and finances.

Under CPLR § 214(5), you must file a premises liability lawsuit within three years of injury. However, if the accident occurred on public property, you may have to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. It’s crucial to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing a filing deadline and, in turn, limiting your legal options.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a NYC Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

Your NYC slip and fall attorney may seek the following compensation on your behalf:

  • Medical expenses — You may claim compensation for any ambulance services, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, medical devices, prescription medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
  • Lost wages — The accident may have disrupted your ability to work. You may seek compensation for lost income, including hourly wages or salary, commissions or tips, missed raises or promotions, sick days and vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering — Compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
  • Emotional distress — Compensation for psychological trauma you have endured due to the accident, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and acute stress reaction.
  • Property damage — If your laptop, cell phone, briefcase, or eyeglasses were damaged in a fall, your lawyer can also pursue compensation to repair or replace them.

Contact a New York Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

David Resnick is an experienced premises liability attorney with a thorough understanding of New York personal injury law. Since 1998, he has represented injured people throughout New York City and recovered over $180 million in verdicts and settlements on their behalf.

If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can count on our team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., to fight for your right to fair compensation. We’re on your side. Get started today. Contact us for a free consultation.