SLIP AND FALL

Home / SLIP AND FALL

The NYC Trial Lawyers Group

Practice Areas

Slip and Fall Accidents in Supermarkets, Apartment Buildings, Retail Stores, Hotels and Office Buildings

As compared to trip and fall accidents, slip and fall accidents—in which the victim’s foot fails to maintain the friction needed to stay in place when walking, often causing a backwards fall—are more likely to be caused by transient factors: precipitation from snow, rain or ice, debris, spilled liquid, and other elements which might lead to a slippery (that is, low-friction) surface.

By the time an investigation starts, the factors that lead to the accident may have been cleaned up or disappeared on their own (for example, a patch of water that dried up in a heated lobby or a sloppy worksite that has since been tidied up). If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is not only highly important to retain an attorney as early as possible but to retain one that prioritizes an early and comprehensive investigation.

Common Hazards Leading to Slip and Fall Accidents:

Spilled Liquids: Liquid spills from dropped produce to broken bottles can often produce dangerous conditions. Heavy foot traffic, perishable goods and lack of maintenance are common hazards, especially in supermarkets, that can lead to dangerous slip and fall conditions if not properly addressed.

Leaking Equipment: Condensation or leaks from refrigerators or freezers can leave floors wet and slippery.

Wet Floors: Spills, rainwater, melted snow from entryways, and routine mopping can create slick surfaces, increasing the risk of falls.

Uneven Surfaces: Uneven flooring, broken tiles, or cracks in the floor can lead to trips and slips.

Businesses Responsibilities for Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents

Businesses owe their customers a duty of care to ensure they can safely shop without fear of injury. Managers and employees must take reasonable steps to keep their businesses safe.

Regular Inspections: Managers and staff must conduct routing inspections to identify potential hazards immediately.

Timely Management of Hazards: It is crucial to address unsafe conditions and clean up spills as soon as they are identified.

Warning Signs: Utilizing signage to alert customers to wet floors or other hazards.

Employee Training and Policies: All staff must be trained to identify potential hazards, clean them up immediately, and manage dangers as they become apparent.

Failure to meet the above requirements can lead to being held liable for accidents and injuries.

How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case

To hold the business or property owner responsible for a slip and fall accident, you must be able to prove they have failed in their duty of care, proving their negligence.

Proving the Existence of a Hazard: Documenting the hazard, whether it was a spill, uneven flooring, or another danger.
Failure to Address the Hazard: Show the business failed to address the hazard within a reasonable time.

Lack of Warning: Demonstrate that the business failed to warn visitors of a known risk.

What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have experienced a slip and fall accident, you should take several steps to protect your rights.

Report the Incident: Report the incident to the business, preferably a manager, immediately and be sure to get a copy of the incident report to use as evidence to support your claim. Do not forget to get the name of all employees you speak to.

Document the Scene: Note the time and place of the incident and the surrounding area, including the presence or lack of warning signs. Capture images of where you fell, noting the cause of the incident.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to seek medical attention as some injuries may not present symptoms immediately.

Keep all Documents: Keep all medical records, treatments and medications/prescriptions you receive.

Contact a Lawyer: An experienced lawyer, like those at The NYC Trial Lawyers Group, can help you gather evidence, protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies while you focus on healing.

Compensation and Damages Available for Slip and Fall Cases

There are various forms of compensation that you may be entitled to after you slip and fall:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries and long term physical therapy.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for time missed from work and any future income lost due to injury.

Pain and Suffering: Monetary relief for physical and emotional trauma endured.

Permanent Disabilities and Scarring: Compensation for lasting impacts, like reduced mobility or necessary medical devices.