GARDEN CITY SLIP AND FALL LAWYER

A sudden slip or loss of footing can cause serious damage in the blink of an eye. If you recently suffered an injury as a result of a trip and fall, you may have a case against a negligent property owner. Start working with a knowledgeable legal team to determine your next steps.

Our Garden City, NY slip and fall lawyer at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith is prepared to answer your questions regarding your case of premises liability. Whether you need to prove fault, pursue compensation, or simply get clarification on the legal process, let us be the ones to guide you forward.

Contact us today after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in New York or Long Island. We will be happy to set you up with a free consultation. Our firm is proud to represent clients in the surrounding areas as well, including Hempstead, Westbury, Queens, Hicksville, Mineola, and all counties and areas across New York.

Common Causes of Fall Accidents and Injuries

Dangerous or poorly kept premises present large likelihoods for accidents. If a negligent property owner is to blame for your slip or trip and fall injury, our attorney Steven R. Smith is ready to help you hold them accountable. We have been representing individuals in their premises liability claims since 2000. Some of the most common causes of our clients’ injuries include:

• Poor snow and ice removal

• Inadequate lighting, both indoors and outdoors

• Damaged sidewalks or walkways

• Cluttered walkways

• Loose floorboards

• Torn carpeting

• Wet floors

• Cords running across walkways

• Lack of handrails in stairways, platforms, or other areas

Don’t wait to start seeking financial compensation for your injuries. Reach out to us today at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith in Garden City. Our in-depth experience and passion for litigation make us the team you want fighting on your behalf.

Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle

Slip, trip, and fall cases can happen in many different settings, and each one requires a careful review of what caused the fall and who may be responsible. If you were hurt because a property owner or manager failed to keep a space safe, our Garden City slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your options and take steps toward a claim.

Falls in Grocery Stores and Retail Spaces

Stores are responsible for keeping aisles clear and floors reasonably safe for customers. Spills, recently mopped surfaces without warning signs, and items left in walkways can all create a risk of falling. Our firm helps clients who were hurt while shopping in places throughout Long Island.

Accidents on Sidewalks and Parking Lots

Sidewalks and parking areas should be maintained so people can walk safely. Cracked pavement, potholes, loose gravel, poor lighting, or snow and ice that were not cleared in a timely way can all lead to serious injuries. These claims often involve local property owners, commercial tenants, or municipalities.

Falls in Apartment Buildings and Rental Properties

Landlords and property managers must keep common areas in a safe condition. This includes stairwells, hallways, entryways, and shared outdoor spaces. We handle cases involving broken handrails, loose steps, worn carpeting, and inadequate lighting. We will look into lease agreements, maintenance logs, and prior complaints to show that the property owner knew about the problem or should have known about it.

Workplace Slip and Fall Incidents

Falls can happen at work sites in many industries, from offices to construction zones. Wet floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, and unsafe ladders are common causes. Some workplace falls may be handled through workers’ compensation, while others may involve a separate claim against a third party, such as a contractor or property owner. Our personal injury lawyer will help you find the right path based on how and where the injury occurred and who may share responsibility.

Falls in Restaurants, Hotels, and Public Venues

Restaurants, hotels, and event venues must keep their spaces safe for guests. Spilled drinks, greasy kitchen areas, damaged flooring, and poor lighting can all lead to falls. These businesses often have regular cleaning and inspection procedures, and we examine whether those procedures were followed. If you were hurt in a public setting, our attorney can help gather records, witness statements, and other proof to support your case.

Injuries on Private Property

Slip and fall accidents also happen in private homes. Uneven walkways, broken steps, or unsafe decks can create hazards for visitors. Homeowners have a duty to fix known problems or warn guests about them. We will review the condition of the property, how long the issue existed, and whether any repairs were attempted before your injury.

Support Is Here When You Need It

No matter where your fall occurred, the key issue is whether the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about a dangerous condition. If you were injured in a fall and are dealing with medical bills, missed work, or ongoing pain, we are here to help. Our New York City slip and fall attorney can review your situation, explain your rights, and discuss the next steps. Contact client brand today to talk about your case and learn how we can support you in moving forward.

Determining Fault in Premises Liability Cases

Your fight for compensation likely will not come without its fair share of challenges. The property owner responsible for your injury will likely deny any fault or argue that you share a portion of the blame. Their argument could state that:

• They had marked off the area or displayed proper signage warning you of potential hazards.

• You weren't paying attention to where you were walking (for example, you were distracted by your cell phone).

• You were on a part of the property where you should not have been.

If you are wondering whether you are partially to blame for your slip or trip and fall accident, your attorney will be able to provide you with a sense of clarity.

New York Comparative Negligence Law

In the event that your New York slip and fall case goes to trial, your compensation amount will be determined by what is known as “comparative negligence.” Simply put, this means any damages you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned.

For example, say you recently sustained an ankle injury after you tripped and fell near a construction site. Witnesses in your trial say you stepped over cones designating the dangerous area. The jury then finds you 30% to blame for your injury. Under comparative negligence, your original award of $10,000 would then be reduced to $7,000.

For questions about how fault is determined in premises liability claims, be sure to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable New York slip and fall lawyer.

Why Hire an Attorney?

After a slip or trip and fall, you could be facing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. A personal injury attorney can be a valuable resource as you fight for fair compensation.

Don’t let a negligent property owner prevent you from living the life you deserve, even if it was a friend or neighbor. Contact our skilled legal team at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith today to schedule a free consultation of your case. We represent clients throughout the area, including residents of Hempstead, Westbury, Queens, Hicksville, Mineola, and all across the state of New York.