Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer in Melville, NY

Slip-and-fall accidents are anything but minor. These types of accidents can cause significant injuries and impairments that may impact a person’s life in the long term. You deserve fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more when someone else’s carelessness causes an injury. With a Melville slip and fall lawyer, you can claim damages from the liable party.

At Parker Waichman LLP, our dedicated legal team and seasoned legal team are committed to providing you with experienced, focused representation. We prioritize your physical and financial recovery. Our Melville slip-and-fall attorneys advocate for you, holding careless property owners accountable. As a trusted law firm with a proven track record of success in complex personal injury cases, we also work hard to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries so you can move forward with life. We understand the challenges that slip-and-fall accident victims face. Let’s face them together so you can recover the money you deserve.

We offer a free consultation and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Call our office today at 800-968-7529 to learn more about how we can help you during this stressful time. You can also contact us online 24/7.

Do You Need a Melville Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?

You may be compensated for your injuries and losses if you slipped and fell in Melville. Property owners must always keep their premises safe for visitors, customers, and tenants. They can be held responsible when they fail to fix hazards like wet floors or broken steps. However, holding a careless party responsible can feel overwhelming. Most victims don’t know where to start and believe a quick insurance settlement is all they can hope for.

Slip-and-fall accidents can cause serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, or back pain that disrupt your life. A Melville slip and fall attorney can help investigate the accident and gather the evidence for your claim. At Parker Waichman LLP, our slip-and-fall legal team fights for injured victims. We aim to use our knowledge and resources to hold negligent property owners accountable for unsafe conditions. That means you don’t have to settle for the pennies an insurance company offers. Instead, you have the power to pursue what’s fair because a legal team is standing up for you. Hiring a skilled slip and fall attorney in Melville can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

We know how to deal with insurance companies that try to downplay your injuries or deny responsibility. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, but a personal injury attorney can help protect your interests and advocate for fair compensation. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

What Is Premises Liability?

Slip-and-fall claims fall into premises liability, a specific area of tort law that handles the legal responsibility of property owners for failing to maintain a reasonably safe space. Property owners must maintain safe property, fix potentially hazardous issues, and warn visitors of known dangers. When a property owner fails this duty, a victim can hold the careless party accountable for their injuries. To prove liability, it must be shown that the defendant owed a legal duty to the injured party and that the defendant breached that duty. The negligent party or at fault party can then be held responsible for damages resulting from their failure to maintain safe premises.

To successfully pursue compensation for slip-and-fall injuries in Melville, an individual must prove that a careless property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous conditions. They must also prove that the accident directly caused their injuries and related losses, such as medical expenses or lost wages.

Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers

In New York, the property owner’s liability is also determined by the relationship between the owner and the injured individual. Invitees are individuals who enter a property for the owner’s benefit. They can be guests entering a store or hotel, or someone invited to perform a service for the business. Property owners owe these individuals the highest duty of care. That can include regularly maintaining and inspecting their property and fixing all hazards immediately. It may also mean warning invitees about potentially dangerous conditions or marking hazards. Property owners have a legal duty to ensure the safety of invitees and licensees while they are on the premises.

Licensees are individuals who enter a property with an owner’s permission for their benefit. Friends coming over for dinner or social guests may be considered licensees. Property owners must maintain a reasonably safe property, but don’t have to inspect for hazards as frequently.

Property owners do not need to maintain a safe environment for trespassers. Trespassers enter without permission or the legal right to be there. A property owner cannot deliberately cause harm to trespassers, but they also don’t owe them the same duty of care as invitees and licensees.

Common Causes of New York Slip-and-Fall Accidents 

A dangerous fall can happen anytime and anywhere when a property owner fails to take safety seriously. Simple preventative measures and regular maintenance can go a long way toward making a space safe for guests and patrons. Some of the most overlooked conditions and common causes of Melville slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Ice and snow
• Rain
• Wet or slippery floors
• Spills
• Uneven walkways
• Cracked sidewalks or pavement
• Loose floorboards or tiles
• Torn carpets and rugs
• Broken or uneven steps
• Poorly maintained stairs
• Dimly lit stairwells or hallways
• Obstructions in walkways/cluttered floors
• Loose electrical cords and wires
• Missing or broken handrails
• No warning signs around hazards
• Unsafe ladders or scaffolding

Other unsafe conditions can also lead to devastating slip-and-fall accidents. No matter the cause, it is always best to discuss your situation with a slip and fall lawyer in Melville experienced in personal injury law. They can help you understand your rights and options in personal injury cases and guide you through the legal process.

Where Do Melville Slip-and-Fall Accidents Occur?

Unfortunately, for Melville residents, slip-and-fall accidents can occur nearly anywhere. Public spaces such as retail outlets, restaurants, and hotels are the most common places for accidents. However, dangerous accidents can occur at private homes and in the workplace. Some of the areas where Melville slip-and-fall accidents are most common include:

• Retail stores
• Grocery stores
• Movie theaters
• Schools
• Restaurants
• Parking lots
• Hotels
• Entertainment venues
• Apartment complexes
• Private homes
• Pools

These incidents often result in a premises liability case, as they fall under the broader category of premises liability cases where property owners may be held responsible for failing to maintain safe conditions.

Insurance companies for these types of businesses and homeowners will attempt to get you to settle for pennies. Aggressive tactics can pressure you into an unfair settlement. Property damage may also be included in claims arising from slip-and-fall accidents, covering repairs or replacements needed due to the incident. Always talk to an attorney before signing anything, whether it’s an offer to you from a property owner or an insurance company.

Injuries Common in Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Significant injuries from slip-and-fall accidents are more common than people think. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that falls lead to nearly half of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, which may require extensive medical treatment. Falls can also lead to other serious injuries such as:

• Concussion
• Neck and back problems
• Broken bones, especially hands, wrists, hips, and ankles
• Dislocations
• Dental injuries
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Abrasions
• Contusions
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord damage

Falls and the severe injuries they cause can also lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Individuals who have suffered injuries from a slip-and-fall should seek prompt medical treatment to support their recovery and legal claim.

What Compensation Is Available for Slip-and-Fall Injuries?

Slip-and-fall accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. A personal injury claim or personal injury case may entitle victims to financial compensation for their losses, including medical bills and legal fees. The value of that compensation varies depending on the cause of the accident, the severity of the person’s injuries, and other factors. Seldom is it in a victim’s best interest to accept an initial offer from an insurance company. It pays to explore your options and have someone help evaluate the full value of your claim. Most accident victims can seek money for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Burial expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses (available in a wrongful death lawsuit)

Victims may also seek compensation or seek financial compensation for property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. Settlement negotiations are a key part of the process to achieve a fair settlement or maximum compensation. Punitive damages may be available in cases of egregious conduct to punish particularly reckless or intentional behavior.

Who Can Be Liable?

It is also essential to understand that the property owner may not be the only liable party after a slip-and-fall accident. Multiple parties may share liability, which may also impact your claim. Parties in Melville who may be wholly or partially responsible for a slip-and-fall accident can include:

• Property owners and/or business owners
• Landlords
• Property managers
• Easement owners
• Contractors

Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within the statute of limitations, and our firm also handles workers compensation claims and car accidents. We help clients recover compensation and guide them through the process of personal injury claims, ensuring their rights are protected at every stage.

There are numerous factors potentially influencing compensation. Discussing your claim with a Melville slip-and-fall attorney can help you evaluate your legal options and understand the fair value of your claim.

You Have Limited Time to File a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit

New York law limits your time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. In most cases, individuals must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident date.

If your slip-and-fall accident involved a government entity, special notice requirements and much shorter deadlines may apply.

Sticking to this deadline is critical. Filing a case after the deadline means the court can dismiss the case. You lose all negotiating leverage, and the court will not hear your case.

What to Do After a Melville Slip-and-Fall Accident

A slip-and-fall accident may leave you feeling like you don’t have any control. However, your actions are vital, and taking proactive steps to protect yourself can help strengthen your compensation claim. Take control of the situation and follow these steps after a Melville slip-and-fall accident:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Report the accident to a manager or supervisor
• Document the scene with photographs and videos
• Ask for a copy of the accident report
• Ask witnesses for a brief witness statement and their contact information
• Obtain police reports if available, as they can provide important official documentation for your claim
• Save your clothing and shoes from the accident
• Contact a Melville slip-and-fall lawyer
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company without an attorney
• Keep complete records of your medical expenses and other accident-related losses
• Avoid posting anything on social media
• Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan

Your actions after an accident can impact the outcome of your claim. Taking these steps can put you in a better position to support your claim and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

If you have questions about your case, contact our firm for a free case evaluation to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.

Speak to a Melville Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Today 

The Melville personal injury lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP have a lengthy track record of helping Melville accident victims and injury victims recover the compensation they deserve in a wide range of personal injury claims, including medical malpractice and cases involving someone else’s negligence. As an experienced law firm, we serve as trusted and experienced lawyers, capable of handling any Melville personal injury case with dedication and skill. Our personal injury attorneys work closely with medical professionals to ensure your case is thoroughly evaluated and supported.

Let us work with you to find legal solutions to your situation so you can rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free case review with our experienced personal injury attorneys and medical professionals.

Contact us online or call our office today at 800-968-7529 to arrange a free legal consultation. We can even get you the compensation you deserve.