Have you suffered serious injuries from a fall in New York City caused by a dangerously slippery floor? Falls on wet floors can cause head injuries and broken hips. If the fall accident happened on someone else’s property due to an unsafe condition, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your medical bills and related expenses. An experienced NYC wet-floor accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your injury and discuss your legal options.

Contact David Resnick & Associates, P.C. today to speak with a New York City wet floor accident attorney. The personal injury law firm has successfully handled many wet floor accident claims and can provide a free evaluation of your case.

The Common Injuries from NYC Wet Floor Falls

Wet floors are a leading cause of slips and falls. Rainwater and melting ice and snow around building entrances can create dangerous conditions. Wet floors in grocery stores, caused by spills, can also create treacherous footing. Wet floors commonly lead to fall injuries such as:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
  • Broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, ankles, and hips
  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs
  • Back and spinal injuries

Who May Be Held Liable for a Wet Floor Accident?

If a NYC property owner or business owner fails to remove accumulated water and spills, they could be liable for injuries caused by wet floors on their premises. In the case of leased properties, the business occupying the property could be financially liable. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault parties might include:

  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Stores, shopping malls, and other retailers
  • Hotels and entertainment venues
  • Office buildings and commercial properties
  • Landlords or property managers of apartment complexes
  • Hospitals, nursing homes, and medical offices
  • Schools, universities, and childcare facilities
  • Airports, train stations, and other transit facilities
  • Government entities in charge of municipal buildings and other public spaces

You will need an experienced New York City wet floor accidents lawyer to gather evidence and prove that the property owner’s negligence caused the accident.

What Must Be Proven in a Wet Floor Claim in NYC

If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property in New York City, you may be entitled to hold the property owner or business financially responsible through a premises liability claim. However, you will need to establish certain elements to win your case. First, you must show that you were lawfully on the property, either as a retail customer, a social visitor, or someone hired to do a job there. Next, you must show that the property’s owner or occupier had actual notice or constructive notice of the wet floor. In other words, they either knew about the wet-floor danger or should have known if they had exercised ordinary diligence.

Your attorney will need evidence to establish these elements, which might include:

  • Photos and videos of the wet floor and whether there were any warning signs placed nearby
  • Surveillance footage showing you fall or establishing how long the hazard existed
  • Accident reports prepared by managers or employees
  • Statements from eyewitnesses who saw you fall or knew about the hazardous conditions
  • The shoes and clothing you were wearing during the incident
  • Maintenance, cleaning, and inspection records
  • Weather reports if tracked-in rain or snow contributed to the hazard
  • Prior complaints or similar incidents involving the same location

New York City Wet Floor Accident Cases Can Be More Complicated

Did you slip and fall at a city-owned property such as a subway station or MTA stop? If so, your claim could be especially complicated. You must submit a notice of your pending claim with the New York City Comptroller’s Office. Generally, the Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of your injury. It’s important to contact a knowledgeable NYC injury lawyer today.

Compensation That May Be Available for a New York City Wet Floor Accident Claim

If you slipped on a wet floor and suffered injuries as a result, the property owner or business owner could owe you compensation for your medical expenses and related losses, including the following:

  • Past, present, and future medical care
  • Lost wages while you were unable to work due to your fall injuries
  • Diminished earning potential if you suffer long-term impairment
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Damaged personal property

David Resnick & Associates has secured a number of wet floor settlements on behalf of injured individuals. While past results are not predictive of future case outcomes, they do show the law firm’s experience handling fall cases involving serious injuries. Two examples include:

You May Still Be Able to Recover Compensation Even If You Were Partly Responsible for the Accident

Many people who slip and fall on wet floors in New York City ask whether they can pursue a claim if they were partly to blame. Maybe they overlooked a warning sign that wasn’t obvious or a handwritten notice peeling off a faulty freezer case. The property’s owner could have done a better job warning of the hazard, but perhaps the injured person should have been more alert, too.

The good news is that New York’s pure comparative negligence rule means you may still recover compensation if you were partially to blame for your fall. In such cases, any compensation the court awards you would be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. Your wet floor accident lawyer in New York will seek evidence to minimize your share of fault.

There is a Time Limit for Filing Your Wet Floor Accident Claim

New York State has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims that establishes a three-year deadline for filing your wet floor accident lawsuit. Certain circumstances can shorten this filing deadline, such as if the fall happened on government property and you are required to notify the government of a pending claim. Protect your rights by speaking with a premises liability lawyer as soon as possible to understand your legal options.

How Long Can a Wet Floor Accident Case Take to Settle?

Relatively straightforward wet floor accident cases may be resolved within a few months. Cases involving more serious injuries, higher medical costs, or disputes about liability might take a year or longer to conclude. David Resnick & Associates, P.C. can review the details of your accident and give you a better idea about what to expect.

What You Should Do After a Wet Floor Accident

If you are able, photograph the hazard and the surrounding area. Get the contact info of anyone who saw what happened.

Report the accident to the property owner or manager and request a written incident report. Seek prompt medical attention and keep your medical records and receipts. Contact David Resnick & Associates, P.C. as soon as possible to discuss your rights and options.

How a New York City Wet Floor Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Claim

Wet floor accident claims can be complicated. Fortunately, experienced legal help is available. While you heal from your injuries, the legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. can build your claim by taking the following steps:

  • Investigate the accident and recover critical evidence that the property owner knew or should have known of the hazard
  • Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your losses and your anticipated future medical care needs
  • Handle paperwork requirements, from sending demand letters to submitting notices of claims to a government agency
  • Negotiate forcefully for a fair settlement
  • Be prepared to take your case to court if the defendant or their insurer refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement

What’s more, we’ll do all this without an upfront cost to you. You’ll only pay us if and when we win your case. We are proud of the many testimonials from former clients about their experience working with David Resnick & Associates, P.C., such as the following:

“This was my first time experiencing a slip and fall injury, and I’m happy I trusted my gut to choose David Resnick & Associates, P.C. Everyone is so kind and provided me with multiple updates on my case. They assisted me with physical therapy and surgery referrals. They never once stopped fighting my case until it was settled with an amount I was satisfied with. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is in need of an injury lawyer!”— Ivone Maduro

Contact a New York City Wet Floor Accident Lawyer

Did you slip and fall on a wet floor in New York City? Then get help from a law firm that has recovered over $180 million for New Yorkers like you. Contact David Resnick & Associates, P.C. today for your free consultation.