What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Hamburg, NY
A slip and fall accident can catch you off guard, and the impact can seriously injure you. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a slip and fall in Hamburg, NY, let us guide you through your next steps to protect your health and your rights.
What Should You Do Right After a Slip and Fall?
Follow these instructions in order to preserve your own well-being and maximize the strength of your potential legal case:
- Get Medical Help: Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor to catch any unseen injuries and create a medical record of your accident.
- Tell Someone About the Accident: Let the property owner, manager, or landlord know what happened as soon as you can. Ask for a copy of any accident report they fill out, and try not to say anything that they could interpret as an admission of fault.
- Take Photos and Notes: If possible, use your phone to take pictures or videos of what caused your fall—maybe it was a wet floor, broken steps, or icy sidewalk. Get shots of the area and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
- Talk to Witnesses: If anyone saw your fall, ask for their name and contact information. Their account can help back up your story.
- Keep Evidence: Hold on to the shoes and clothes you were wearing. Do not throw away anything.
What Are Your Rights in New York?
Property owners in New York have to keep their buildings and land reasonably safe. If they ignore a hazard they knew about (or should have known about) and someone gets hurt, you can hold them responsible for your accident.
New York law generally gives you three years from the time of your incident to file a personal injury claim for compensation for your slip and fall. Even if you think you might bear some blame for your fall, you can still recover damages in New York. The court just might reduce your compensation by your share of the fault.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover money for the following accident-related costs:
- Medical bills (now and in the future)
- Lost wages if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering
- Rehab and therapy costs
The exact amount you can receive depends on how badly you were hurt and the details of your accident.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Slip and Fall?
Successful slip and fall accident claims require evidence—and even then, you may need to deal with hesitant insurance companies and burdensome legal rules. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating what happened
- Collecting evidence and talking to witnesses
- Handling the insurance companies
- Taking your case to court if needed
Having someone on your side can make the process less stressful and help you focus on healing.
Choose the Hamburg Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys
If you or someone you love sustains an injury in a slip and fall accident in Hamburg, trust the Hamburg slip and fall accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys to help you get back on your feet. Call our Hamburg, New York office today at 716-648-3030 or fill out our online contact form for a free case review. We proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.
