What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident In NYC
Brian Magnosi | Uncategorized | September 23, 2020
It happens to all of us – one moment you are walking along, and the next thing you know, you are flat on the ground. Slip and falls are the #1 cause of injuries.
Over eight million people end up in hospital emergency rooms every year from slip and fall injuries. Slip and fall injuries account cause more deaths and permanent disabilities than any other accident worldwide.
What may at first seem like a trivial injury from a slip or fall could lead to lost income, mountains of medical bills, a possible long and painful recovery, and even permanent disability.
If the accident was caused by poor maintenance, a lack of light, a broken sidewalk, missing treads on steps or other carelessness by the owner or entity in charge of the property—including the City of New York–you may be entitled to compensation from your losses. To make sure that you have the best chance of getting the full compensation that you deserve, make sure you know what to do if it ever happens to you.
Gather as Much Information as You Can
After a bad fall you may be disoriented or even unconscious. However, if you are able, you should try to take note of anything you see that might have led to your fall: Was the floor wet? Were there cracks or imperfections in the surface of the floor, road, or sidewalk? Were there liquids or other objects on the floor? Was there a broken railing?
If you see anything out of place, try to take some photos or ask family and friends to do so. The hazards that cause falls are often temporary and easily cleaned up, possibly making it harder to prove exactly what caused the accident.
File a report or call the police.
If the accident happened at work, make sure to report it to your employer as soon as possible. If you fall in a store or other commercial establishment, make sure the owner or manager of the business is aware of the accident. You may be asked to describe the incident or fill out an accident report form.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The longer you wait to seek medical care the harder it may be to prove that your injuries were caused by the fall.
Call a New York Accident Attorney
Before dealing with an accident investigator or insurance company, make sure you know your rights. It is easy to be intimidated and tempted to settle a claim quickly, especially when you are out of work and worried about supporting your family. The attorneys at Mirman, Markovitz & Landau, PC have extensive experience handling slip and fall cases like yours, and will begin working for you immediately, gathering evidence, earning money for your lost wages and medical bills, and building a case that will give you the maximum compensation for your injuries. We are available 24 hours a day to arrange a free consultation. Call us at 212-227-4000, or visit our website to learn more about us.