Manhattan’s Leading Slip and Fall Attorney – Get the Compensation You Deserve

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From busy retail outlets to apartments and office complexes, a slip and fall accident can happen anytime and anywhere in Manhattan. These falls result in a range of injuries, from simple cuts to severe, life-changing injuries that leave victims with mounting medical bills, burdens, and lasting pain. But who should be held responsible? In Manhattan, New York, if you have been injured by a slip and fall accident, the circumstances may entitle you to significant compensation. However, claiming this compensation requires you to navigate New York’s complex insurance and legal systems, which often requires the guidance and assistance of Manhattan slip and fall attorneys.

The Role of a Manhattan Slip and Fall Attorney

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, when the medical and financial burdens begin to mount, it is important that you have the right support at your side. The support needed to navigate Manhattan's complex insurance and legal realms can only come in the form of an experienced Manhattan slip and fall attorney. At the Law Office of Eli Shmulik, we specialize in personal injury matters and have helped many New Yorkers with their fight for fair and full compensation in slip and fall accidents. When we fight for your rights and compensation, we will—

  • Take the initial consultation free of charge.
  • Work on a contingency basis, with no hidden costs
  • Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the particulars of your slip and fall accident.
  • Gather the evidence required and accurately assess your damages.
  • Take care of all the paperwork and procedural requirements in a timely manner.
  • Take charge of negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys to reach a fair and equitable settlement.
  • Stand firm as advocates of your rights and interests in court.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Manhattan

With all the towering skyscrapers, dazzling billboards, and historic landmarks, it's easy to get caught up in the sights and forget to watch where you step. Manhattan is full of hidden hazards, and the vast majority of slip and fall accidents are due to one or more of the common causes mentioned below:

  • Poorly lit stairwells
  • Loose floorboards
  • Wet floors
  • Loose electric cords
  • Broken handrails
  • Poorly maintained public sidewalks
  • Rain, ice, or snow conditions

Common Injuries Sustained in Slip and Fall Accidents

When you get into slip and fall accidents, the injuries come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from simple scratches to serious injuries with life-changing consequences. In our experience, some of the most common slip and fall injuries that form the basis of claims include:

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Broken Bones
  • Dislocated Joints
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Amputations

Steps to Take in the Aftermath of a Slip and Fall Accident

We understand that these accidents can be sudden and disorienting, leaving you unsure of what to do next. But it must be pointed out that the strength and legitimacy of your claim will depend on your conduct in the aftermath of the incident. Thus, protecting your health, your rights, and the ability to claim compensation will depend on several key steps. They include—

  • Prioritizing your health by seeking immediate medical attention.
  • Informing your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible.
  • If possible, collecting any and all available information while at the scene of the accident.
  • Contact a Manhattan slip and fall attorney to understand your rights and liabilities.
  • Do not admit fault or apologize. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you to reduce compensation.
  • Do not post about the accident on social media.
  • Do not make any official statements or representations when not in the presence of your attorney.
  • Do not accept the first settlement offer presented by the insurance company. Many individuals make the mistake of accepting by underestimating the compensation they are entitled to receive.

Types of Legal Action in Slip and Fall Accident Cases

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Manhattan, the circumstances of the accident may entitle you to claim compensation and hold the other party accountable. The first step would be to get in touch with the relevant insurance providers and see if a fair settlement can be reached. Alternatively, you may be compelled to file a lawsuit with the help of our Manhattan slip and fall attorneys. The types of legal action that can be filed include:

Personal Injury

Property owners have a general duty of care to make sure their properties are free from hazards and dangers. As such, for the claim to succeed, it must be proved that the premises owner was in breach of their duty and it caused the accident where the claimant sustained their injuries. Who the action can be brought against will largely depend on where you sustained your injury and who was in ownership or effective control of the place at the time.

Wrongful Death

In the event that the slip and accident resulted in a wrongful death, the executor of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible. The lawsuit will be filed on behalf of the surviving family members, and the compensation acquired from the suit will be divided among the family based on priority.

Damages Claimed in Slip and Fall Accidents

One of the primary functions of a New York slip and fall attorney when handling your case is to assess the damages and present a value before the court. Determining this value requires the consideration of all the tangible and intangible losses you’ve suffered as a result of the injury. As such, the final compensation value will be a combination of all the economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic damages account for the financial losses such as medical expenses, loss of wages, and damage to property. Non-economic damages are to compensate for losses that do not have a defined financial value. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. The court on rare occasions may award punitive damages if it deems the defendant's conduct especially reckless or negligent. The damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

Get Better Representation Today

An accident can turn your life upside down. As a New York personal injury law firm, it's our duty to help you put things back in order. Speak to our team about your potential case today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking the right steps after an accident can protect your rights and improve your chances of securing compensation. Here’s what to do:

Do you need a Manhattan slip and fall attorney to represent you?

While New York does allow you to represent yourself in court, considering the importance of the proceedings, why take the risk? Getting an experienced Manhattan slip and fall attorney to handle your case can significantly improve your chances of securing compensation. 

How long does a slip and fall lawsuit take to settle?

The time frame for settling pedestrian accident lawsuits is not set in stone, but cases can go on for a couple of months. Factors such as the complexity of the cases, the cooperation of parties involved, and the timetables of the court all play a big part. 

Does the statute of limitations apply to slip and fall accidents?

Yes, slip and fall accidents fall within the ambit of personal injury lawsuits and are subject to the statute of limitations in New York. According to the statute of limitations, claimants have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim. When filing action against a government entity, you have one year and 90 days from the date of the incident. However, before you file a lawsuit, you must first file a 90-day notice of claim with the government entity. 

Can you claim compensation if you are partly at fault?

Yes, New York’s comparative negligence law allows you to claim compensation even if you share partial blame for your accident. However, the compensation payable will be reduced comparatively to the fault. This means that so long as you are not completely to blame for the accident, you can claim compensation.

Injured? Get in Touch Now

Your time may run out to file your claim. If you are seriously injured and seeking your rightful compensation, do not wait.

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