Slip & Fall

A slip-and-fall on Long Island can lead to serious injuries. Head injuries can easily change your life, and all it takes is a slight loss of footing to suffer brain damage and other related ailments. A slip-and-fall can also lead to broken bones, including hip fractures, broken wrists, broken arms, and much more. Faced with these injuries, you may need to pay exorbitant medical costs in order to heal as best you can. You might also face weeks, months, or even years of missed work as a result of your injuries.

Unfortunately, some slip-and-fall victims never work again and suffer from serious disabilities for the rest of their lives. In addition to these economic losses, slip-and-fall victims may also struggle with mental health issues as a result of their injuries, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of low self-worth. Slips and falls can be especially devastating for elderly individuals, who are at much greater risk of serious injury, disability, and death.

When you consider all of the potential negative consequences of a slip-and-fall, it should come as no surprise that many victims decide to sue. But when exactly can you file a lawsuit after a slip and fall on Long Island? Who are you supposed to sue? How do you move forward with a lawsuit, and how much money can you get? Is it even worth filing a lawsuit in the first place? All of these questions and many others can be answered by a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney on Long Island, such as the Law Office of Frank A. Cetero. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with the answers you need, and it may be more reliable than internet research.

Premise Liability Explained

If you want to know whether you can sue for a slip and fall, it is important to understand how premise liability works. When a property owner allows other people onto their premises, they become liable for their safety. This obviously applies to properties that experience excessive foot traffic, such as grocery stores, malls, restaurants, and so on. Premise liability may also extend to private homeowners, especially in the case of snow or ice left on their sidewalks or driveways.

There are many other examples of potential hazards that may cause safety issues for members of the public. But in the context of slips and falls, we can focus on just a few issues:

  • Snow and Ice: If a property owner fails to clear away snow and ice in a timely manner, they are putting other people in danger. As we all know, it is all too easy to slip and fall on a patch of black ice or a chunk of snow. Ice and snow pose hazards in numerous areas, such as parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, public pathways, and so on.
  • Liquid Spills: Spills are common hazards in places of business, such as grocery stores, restaurants, auto shops, and many others. If a property owner allows spills to go unattended, they pose a serious hazard to innocent people walking in these areas.
  • Debris: Solid debris can be just as hazardous as liquid when left on the ground. This might include foods such as grapes or nuts left on a grocery store floor. It might also include ball bearings or nails lying around in an auto shop or hardware store.
  • Dimly-Lit Walking Areas: One of the most underestimated hazards is dim lighting. Many people are visually impaired, and these individuals may struggle to see changes in elevation when there is not enough light. But even a person with perfect vision may also stumble down a staircase if they are left in complete darkness.
  • Building Code Violations: Lack of proper lighting is technically a building code violation – but there are many other examples. An obvious hazard is the lack of handrails on a staircase. Broken steps, stairs that are too steep, and cracked or uneven pathways may also constitute building code violations.
Our Process

We meticulously strategize every detail to ensure effective advocacy and solutions.

We seamlessly move into proactive execution, leveraging our strategy to advocate fiercely for your rights and interests.

We proceed with filing your case in court, where we advocate vigorously for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.

Understanding the Role of Awareness

If you are attempting to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit, one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself is simple: Was the property owner aware of the hazard? The concept of awareness is critical in a personal injury lawsuit. Why? Because if the property owner was never aware of the hazard, they cannot be expected to address it or fix it. However, there are some situations in which property owners can be held liable because they should have been aware. For example, a property owner is expected to maintain and inspect their property for hazards on a regular basis. They cannot simply allow their property to fall into complete disrepair and then claim that they were never aware of the hazards. Once the property owner becomes aware of hazards, they are required to immediately take proper action. They cannot delay this process. For example, if a property owner (or their staff members) notices a spill in a grocery store, they are required to clean up the mess as soon as possible. If they allow the mess to sit on the floor for long periods of time, they may be held liable for any injury caused by someone slipping. Property owners also have a second option, which is to put up a “wet floor” sign. This general rule extends to virtually all other hazards. For example, they might put a sign warning members of the public about ice, uneven sidewalks, debris, or any other hazard. As long as the sign is easy to see and legible, this might be enough to avoid liability. However, it is almost always seen as a temporary fix.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney on Long Island?​

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Long Island, look no further than the Law Office of Frank A. Cetero. We know how devastating slips and falls can be, and we are ready to fight for your rights as a victim. Whether you have suffered a major disability or a relatively minor ailment, you always deserve to seek compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. There is no reason to pay for your damages out of your own pocket, and a settlement can help you cover medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress after your accident. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions !!

Seek medical attention if needed, report the incident to the property owner or manager, and document the scene with photos or videos.

Statutes of limitations vary by state, but it’s crucial to act promptly to ensure you meet deadlines for filing a claim.

Liability depends on factors such as the property owner’s negligence, the dangerous condition that caused the fall, and whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries.

Still Have Questions ?

Don’t hesitate to Reach out – We’re here to provide clarity and guidance every step of the way.

Go to Top