Lackawanna Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents happen without warning, leaving individuals with serious injuries and difficult recoveries. The circumstances leading to these falls vary, but the legal standards for liability remain rooted in the principles of premises liability law.

At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, our Lackawanna slip and fall accident lawyers skillfully represent clients injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. Whether the incident occurred at a commercial property, private residence, or public space, there may be opportunities to pursue fair compensation. Understanding how these cases are evaluated and your legal rights will determine your next steps.

What Conditions Commonly Lead to Slip and Fall Injuries?

Slip and fall incidents often result from hazards that could have been addressed by a property owner or occupier, such as:

• Wet or freshly mopped floors without proper signage
• Loose carpeting
• Cracked sidewalks
• Icy steps
• Cluttered walkways
• Lighting issues that impair visibility
• Uneven flooring
• Broken handrails

A fall can occur in a matter of seconds, but the injuries may last for weeks, months, or longer. Property owners are expected to take reasonable steps to identify and correct hazardous conditions. When they do not, and someone is injured as a result, our Lackawanna slip and fall accident lawyers may hold them legally responsible.

What Must Be Proven in a Slip and Fall Case?

In order to pursue compensation after a slip and fall accident, the injured individual must demonstrate several key elements:

• There must be proof that a hazardous condition existed on the property. 
• It must be shown that the property owner or manager knew, or reasonably should have known, about the condition and failed to address it.
• There must be a clear link between the dangerous condition and the injuries sustained.

These cases depend on physical evidence like photographs, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and eyewitness statements. Timely reporting of the incident and prompt medical evaluation can also help strengthen a claim. The process of establishing liability requires careful attention to the facts and an understanding of applicable legal standards.

Are Property Owners Always Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries?

Not every fall leads to liability. Property owners are only responsible if they had notice of the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable action. Notice can be actual, meaning they were directly aware of the hazard, or constructive, meaning the hazard existed long enough that they should have discovered it through routine inspection.

For example, if a spill occurs in a grocery store and an individual slips within moments before staff have had a reasonable chance to respond, liability may be limited. On the other hand, if the spill remains unaddressed for an extended period or if similar incidents have occurred previously in the same area, the store may be found responsible. 

Each case depends on specific circumstances, including how long the danger was present and what actions were taken by those in control of the property.

What Types of Injuries Result from Slip and Fall Accidents?

The injuries sustained in slip and fall incidents can range in severity. Broken bones, concussions, spinal cord damage, and soft tissue injuries are common. In some cases, these injuries lead to long-term medical treatment or permanent physical limitations. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to hip fractures and head trauma after a fall, which may require surgical intervention and rehabilitation.

Even seemingly minor injuries can have a lasting impact on daily activities, employment, and overall well-being. Recovery depends on the location and seriousness of the injury; some individuals may be unable to return to work or may need to modify their routines indefinitely. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a fall should not be underestimated.

How Is Compensation Determined in a Slip and Fall Case?

When a property owner is found to be legally responsible, our Lackawanna slip and fall accident lawyers help clients pursue compensation for a range of losses. Examples include medical expenses, physical therapy costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Future treatment costs may also be considered when calculating damages.

The amount of compensation depends on the nature of the injuries, the amount of time missed from work, the cost of recovery, and the impact on the person’s lifestyle. In some cases, comparative fault may be assessed, meaning the injured party’s actions are evaluated to determine whether they contributed to the fall. 

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If a court finds shared fault, the amount awarded may be adjusted accordingly. This rule can be more favorable for plaintiffs; even if you were 99 percent responsible for the slip and fall, you might be entitled to some form of reduced compensation. However, that example happens rarely.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in New York?

New York law places time limits on how long a person has to file a lawsuit after a slip and fall injury. In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the property where the incident occurred is owned by a government entity, such as a city or town, the timeline might be shorter.

Missing the applicable deadline can bar you from seeking compensation entirely. Early action also helps preserve evidence that may become unavailable over time, such as surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony. Those are two reasons why we recommend contacting our Lackawanna slip and fall accident lawyers promptly after an accident.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Lackawanna?

The steps taken immediately after a slip and fall can affect the outcome of your potential claim. Report the incident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible and request that an incident report be documented. Medical evaluation should be sought right away, even if the injuries do not appear serious at first.

Photographs of the scene, including the hazardous condition that caused the fall, can also be useful later; witnesses should be identified and contact information recorded. Keeping records of all medical treatment, expenses, and any related correspondence to support a claim for compensation, and following all of the physician’s recommendations to establish the nature of the injuries and your determination to promote the healing process.

Lackawanna Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Can Explain Your Legal Options

Slip and fall accidents can disrupt daily life and create significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If your injuries were caused by unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. To discuss your options with our Lackawanna slip and fall accident lawyers, call our Hamburg, New York office at 716-648-3030 or complete our online form to schedule a free case review. Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys serves clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.