Why Choose Us as Your New York Slip and Fall Lawyers
You deserve proven advocacy after suffering a slip and fall injury. Here’s why we’re the team you want on your side:
- Nearly 60 years of experience: We’ve represented New Yorkers since 1967 and recovered billions of dollars in compensation for people injured in slip and fall accidents, car accidents, and more.
- Litigation-forward strategy: Our NYC slip and fall lawyers don’t hesitate to file lawsuits when necessary to create leverage. We push back against low settlement offers and are always ready to fight for what’s right in trial.
- Resources to go the distance: Our financial resources and access to experts allow us to stand up to powerful insurance companies and property owners in complex premises liability cases.
- Personalized advocacy: We’re approachable, clear, and direct, never losing sight of the human behind the case.
- Accessible representation: Our team is available 24/7 and offers resources in Spanish, French, Russian, Korean, and more to meet the needs of New York City’s diverse communities.
Proven Results in New York Slip and Fall Accident Cases
With billions of dollars recovered in verdicts and settlements for our clients, our firm has a proven record of success in complex injury cases. Our case results include many significant awards for people who slipped and fell on someone else’s property.
In one case, we recovered $2.25 million for a 45-year-old woman who fell on a raised tile floor while shopping at a department store at the Roosevelt Field Mall, requiring a total knee replacement. We achieved this result by hiring an engineer and demonstrating how the store could have avoided the accident by using rubber molding.
Our team also recovered $1.75 million for a 60-year-old woman who fell down the steps of her apartment building and suffered a compound ankle injury that required multiple surgeries. The property owner failed to provide records demonstrating proper maintenance of the staircase, which helped us prove negligence.
I had a great experience with the Sanders Law firm.
The firm did amazing job. I greatly thankful for the Brooklyn office. They are truly amazing people you can trust. Special thanks for Shahzoda who really helped me through this process. Thank you!
Isroil S.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries in New York
Hazards that commonly lead to slip and fall accidents in New York City include:
- Wet floors: Spills, leaks, or recent mopping can create slippery surfaces, potentially leading to liability if the responsible party failed to clean it or post warning signs.
- Broken steps: Cracked or loose steps can increase a person’s fall risk. This hazard often points to neglected repairs in high-use areas.
- Poorly marked changes in elevation: Small steps or ramps can be easy to miss. Without clear markings, people may not notice the drop or rise in time to adjust their footing.
- Poor lighting: When property owners fail to install proper lighting, visitors may have a harder time seeing hazards.
- Uneven floor surfaces: Loose tiles, warped wood, or potholes can disrupt balance and may indicate that the property owner has failed to maintain the premises over time.
- Icy walkways: Winter weather can quickly make outdoor surfaces slippery when property owners fail to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time.
Understanding Liability in New York Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall cases are a type of personal injury litigation known as premises liability. When a preventable safety failure leads to an injury on someone else’s property, the party responsible for the dangerous condition may be liable for your damages.
Landlords, property owners, building management companies, tenants, and municipal governments in New York are required by law to maintain safe walkways for visitors. Any of these parties could be liable for your injuries, depending on who was responsible for maintaining the property and what conditions led to your injuries. In some cases, a maintenance or cleaning contractor may also be liable if they failed to provide proper repairs or left the floor in a dangerous condition.
Multiple parties may share liability for a single slip and fall accident. When we build your case, our attorneys will investigate every angle to determine who’s at fault and pursue a claim against each liable party.
What Happens if You Were Partially at Fault for Your Slip and Fall Accident?
Under New York’s modified comparative negligence rule, you may still be eligible to recover compensation if you’re partially responsible for your slip and fall accident, as long as you are no more than 50% at fault. Both you and the property owner may share liability, and your recovery will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if the property owner failed to address a wet floor but you didn’t see it because you were distracted, you may be 20% at fault. If your damages are worth $100,000, your compensation would be $80,000. However, if you were more than 50% at fault, under New York law you are barred from recovering any compensation.
We Have Your Back
Founded in 1967, The Sanders Law Firm has grown into a large, thriving organization of attorneys, paralegals, medical consultants, and support staff – all committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to injured New Yorkers.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you may seek compensation for the full range of losses you’ve suffered because of your injuries.
Economic damages focus on the financial aspect of your losses, such as the cost of any past and future medical care required to manage your injuries. These damages may also include lost wages if you missed work during your recovery. If your injuries cause lasting limitations on the type of work you can perform, your recovery may also account for your reduced earning capacity.
Non-economic damages reflect the accident’s impact on your quality of life. This commonly includes physical pain and suffering along with emotional distress for the psychological effects of dealing with a serious injury. Your non-economic damages may also include loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer do the things you once enjoyed. Some slip and fall victims also qualify for scarring and disfigurement damages when their injuries cause permanent changes to their appearance.
How Long Do You Have To File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in New York?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your fall to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner. If a loved one died of their injuries after slipping and falling, you’ll have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Claims involving government entities have shorter deadlines. If you fell on public property, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. You’ll also have only 1 year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.
Missing the deadline may prevent you from recovering damages, regardless of how strong your case may be. Acting early protects your right to pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
What To Expect When We Handle Your Slip and Fall Claim
When you turn to us for help after a slip and fall accident, we’ll handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on recovering. Here’s what you might expect from the legal process:
- Free consultation: You’ll share what happened, and we’ll explain your options in clear terms.
- Investigation: Our team will review records and gather evidence to identify the dangerous conditions that caused your fall.
- Determining liability: We’ll determine who is responsible for your injuries, whether it’s a property owner, business owner, manager, or other party.
- Filing and negotiation: Our slip and fall accident lawyers in Manhattan will file a claim with the appropriate insurance provider and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf.
- Lawsuit and trial: If the insurer refuses to settle for what your case is worth, we’ll be ready to file a lawsuit. Many cases still settle after involving the court system, but we’re not afraid to go all the way to trial if necessary.
Discuss Your Case With a New York Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a slip and fall, you do not have to figure out your next steps alone. The Sanders Law Firm is here to help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you move forward. Contact us online or call (833) SANDERS for a free consultation with a trusted member of our team.