Slip and fall accidents put victims at risk for serious personal injuries and health complications. Many people assume that only older people face risks in a fall. The fact is that people of any age group are prone to serious injuries caused by a fall. If you were injured in a fall due to negligence, then the responsible party should be held liable. A Long Island slip and fall lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will determine the liable parties, gather evidence for your claim, and pursue the compensation you may be eligible to receive. For a free case consultation, reach out and call us at (631) 600-0000 today.
The Health and Safety Risks of Falls
The unexpected nature of falls accounts for some of their most significant health risks. When your body is not prepared for impact, it is more likely for personal injuries to occur. Depending on the angle and severity of the fall, you may be at risk for the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruising
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fractures
- Arm, leg, and shoulder injury
Certain populations face a greater risk of a negative outcome following a slip and fall accident. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) shows that fall injuries are rising among the state’s older population. While older people may be at a higher risk of injury in the event of a fall, people of all ages can suffer serious consequences in a slip and fall accident.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are many possible causes of slip and fall accidents. Some cases may place responsibility on a place of business that fails to maintain its facilities. Violating health and safety protocols can result in severe injuries for anyone traveling through a place of business on foot. When a property owner or manager demonstrates negligence, and someone falls and sustains injuries, they may be held liable. They may face fines, civil suits, and legal consequences depending on the nature of the accident.
Parking lots represent another common source of slip and fall accidents. Uneven pavement is common in parking lots, as are potholes and other imperfections. These faults present some substantial risks to anyone walking in a parking lot. In many slip and fall accidents that occur in parking lots, several factors overlap. For example, if a property owner or manager fails to maintain their pavement and their lighting, then these two risk factors often combine to create the ideal environment for falls.
Workplace slip and fall accidents are also common. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists falls as one of the “fatal four” causes of workplace accidental deaths. In these cases, worker’s compensation laws may take effect. These laws can often be confusing for the average person to interpret. A lawyer can assist you in determining which laws apply to an incident.
A Long Island slip and fall lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will work to construct a case on your behalf. Our legal team will communicate with all involved parties for you so you can focus on healing and recovering from your injuries. If we are not able to settle with other parties, we will stand up to defend your position in trial. Call our office today at (631) 600-0000 for a free evaluation.
Establishing Liable Parties and Pursuing Compensation
Lawyers, property owners, and insurance companies may all get involved in the process of establishing liable parties after a slip and fall accident. These disparate entities often perform thorough investigations to establish liability. If an accident happens on public property, then lawyers may look to footage from nearby surveillance cameras to assist in establishing liable parties. They may also gather other forms of evidence, such as maintenance records, medical reports, and eyewitness testimonies.
According to New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules (CPLR) §214, you generally have three years to take action after an incident that results in a personal injury. If you are planning to file a suit, or take any other type of legal action, you should remember that local laws like these may affect your timetable. When you contact a lawyer for your slip and fall accident immediately after an incident occurs, you give them time to get to work on gathering evidence and building a case to represent your legal interests.
If you sustain injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills. Some falls may require weeks or months of ongoing medical treatment in the form of hospital visits, physical therapy programs, medication, and more. These costs often pile on to create a large financial burden. Lawyers will work to determine what types of compensation you are owed to cover these costs and others. Additional forms of damages that you may recover after a slip and fall accident include:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
- Personal property damage
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Slip and fall accidents can happen when least expected. The injuries and psychological trauma from a fall can affect you for the rest of your life. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. A Long Island slip and fall lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will work to gather evidence and build a case on your behalf. To speak with someone in our office about your situation, call us today at (631) 600-0000.
