Premises Liability: Slip-and-Fall Injuries on Commercial Property
A slip-and-fall accident can happen in a matter of seconds, yet the effects may last for months or even years. What seems like a simple fall can result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, or other medical conditions that interrupt your ability to work and enjoy daily life.
If your injury happened on commercial property, it's common to wonder whether the property owner could be held responsible and what steps you should take to file a claim. It's natural to have questions during this time, especially when medical bills and lost income begin to add up.
At The Eskesen Law Firm, we represent those who have been injured in slip-and-fall accidents on commercial property and help them advocate for the compensation they deserve. If you've suffered an injury in a slip and fall, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your options for pursuing compensation.
Located in New York, New York, we serve clients throughout New York City, including Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, New York County (Manhattan), Bronx County, and Richmond County (Staten Island).
What Creates Property Owner Liability?
Commercial property owners have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When dangerous conditions are ignored or hazards aren't addressed within a reasonable period, visitors may suffer preventable injuries.
A successful personal injury claim often depends on proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action. An unattended spill, broken flooring, poor lighting, or icy walkways may all contribute to serious accidents. The circumstances surrounding the incident often determine whether the property owner may be held legally responsible.
An experienced New York premises liability lawyer can help you evaluate the facts of your case, review available evidence, and explain how the state's premises liability laws may apply to your personal injury claim.
Steps to Take When Filing a Premises Liability Claim Against a Commercial Property Owner
If you have been injured due to a slip-and-fall accident on a commercial property, you have the right to file a claim to hold the property owner accountable and seek compensation for your injuries. To build a strong claim, consider the following advice.
Gather Evidence After the Accident
The evidence collected after a slip-and-fall accident can significantly affect your claim. The conditions on commercial property can change quickly, making it important to document the scene before hazards are repaired or cleaned.
If you're physically able to do so, gathering information immediately after the accident can preserve valuable evidence. Your family members, friends, or a third party may also be able to assist if your injuries prevent you from collecting information yourself. The types of evidence you should typically gather include the following:
Photographs of the hazard and the surrounding area
Pictures of your injuries
Contact information for witnesses
Incident reports completed by the business
Surveillance camera information
Medical records documenting your injuries
Clothing and footwear worn during the accident
Strong documentation may also help respond to disputes raised by insurance companies or property owners, and collecting this information allows your New York personal injury attorney to evaluate your personal injury claim more effectively. Remember that acting quickly often helps preserve details that may later become difficult to verify.
Seek Medical Treatment and Set Up a Recovery Plan
Medical care should always be your highest priority after a slip-and-fall accident. Some injuries may not produce immediate symptoms, making it important to receive a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Prompt treatment creates a clear record connecting your injuries to the accident. Your healthcare providers will document your condition, recommend treatment, and monitor your recovery over time. These records often become valuable evidence in a personal injury case.
Continuing with follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and prescribed treatment also helps demonstrate the full extent of your injuries. Keep copies of medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment records to provide additional documentation that may support your claim.
Keep Records of Every Loss Related to Your Injury
After a slip-and-fall accident, your losses may extend well beyond your initial medical bills. You could face ongoing treatment, reduced income, transportation expenses, and limitations that affect your daily routine.
Keeping detailed records of these losses can provide valuable support for your personal injury claim and help demonstrate the full impact of the accident. Additionally, maintaining organized documentation also makes it easier to respond if an insurance company questions your damages. The more complete your records are, the better your attorney can evaluate your claim and present evidence that reflects how your injury has impacted your life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim
After a slip-and-fall accident, seemingly small decisions can affect your ability to recover compensation. Unfortunately, many injured individuals unintentionally weaken their claims by failing to preserve evidence or communicating with insurance companies before fully understanding their legal options. The common mistakes you should try to avoid include:
Delaying medical treatment
Failing to report the accident to the property owner
Posting details about the accident on social media
Giving recorded statements without legal guidance
Throwing away damaged clothing or shoes
Accepting a settlement offer before reviewing your options
Avoiding these mistakes can strengthen your personal injury claim and reduce unnecessary obstacles as your case progresses. Remaining organized throughout your recovery also helps document the full impact of your injuries.
Contact Our Personal Injury Accident Attorney in New York City for Tailored Representation
Recovering from a slip-and-fall injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. You may be dealing with ongoing medical treatment, time away from work, and uncertainty about what comes next.
While every case is different, taking prompt action, preserving evidence, and receiving appropriate medical care can strengthen your ability to pursue compensation from those who may be responsible.
At The Eskesen Law Firm, our attorney, Frank Eskesen, proudly represents injured clients who have been injured on a commercial property. If you've been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the next step toward recovery.
Located in New York, New York, we serve individuals throughout New York City, including Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, New York County (Manhattan), Bronx County, and Richmond County (Staten Island).