Can You Sue a Store or Business for a Slip and Fall in Cheektowaga?

Buffalo, New York, is famous for its epic winter snowstorms, and that includes the suburb of Cheektowaga. Residents there are familiar with the dangers of snow and ice, but that does not remove the responsibility of retail stores and businesses for the safety of their customers. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a Cheektowaga business, New York state law supports your right to hold that business accountable.

What if the Business Is Not the Property Owner?

Many stores and businesses do not own the property where they operate. That does not excuse them from maintaining a safe environment for their customers. In fact, the law says they have a duty to do so and that they cannot avoid their duty by putting the blame on someone else, like their landlord. This “duty of care” extends to both the indoor and outdoor premises.

What Are Some Frequent Causes of Slip and Falls?

During the busy holiday shopping season, indoor slip and falls at a store or business may be caused by:

• Wet surfaces from melting snow and ice tracked in by customers.
• Spills from food or drink.
• Freshly cleaned or waxed floors.
• Uneven surfaces or damaged flooring.
• Broken steps and railings.
• Aisles cluttered with merchandise, boxes, or equipment.

Causes of outdoor slip and falls on ramps, sidewalks, and entranceways include:

• Snow and ice.
• Inadequate or broken lighting.
• Oil spots in parking lots.
• Missing handrails.

While not every puddle is a sign of mismanagement, lack of proper maintenance is something our slip and fall accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys can investigate and use to determine if negligence was involved in your accident.

What Is Premises Liability?

New York State's “premises liability” law says that a business has a “duty of care” to its customers and must provide them a reasonably safe environment while on the premises. If they breach this duty, the law holds them accountable for your slip and fall accident. To receive compensation for any injuries from your slip and fall, it must be shown that the store’s breach of duty caused your accident and that you were directly harmed by their negligence.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall sounds minor, but can cause serious injuries, including but not limited to: Broken bones, head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, bruising, back and spinal cord injuries, sprains and strains, and dental injuries. If your injuries are the fault of negligence on the part of the business, you can be compensated for your current and future medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering.

Keep in mind that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. After that, you will likely be barred from bringing a claim for compensation. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of preserving the evidence surrounding your slip and fall and pursuing compensation. Let a professional lawyer handle the investigation so that you can concentrate on your recovery.

Our Cheektowaga Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Have the Experience You Need to Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you have been injured in a slip and fall at a Cheektowaga business, do not hesitate to contact our Cheektowaga slip and fall accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys. Our experienced team will investigate your case and fight to get you compensation for injuries, lost wages, and additional damages allowed under the law. For a free case review, call us today at 716-648-3030 or submit our online contact form. Located in Hamburg, New York, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.