Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall that Occurred Anywhere in New York?
Slip and fall lawsuits occur when victims suffer injuries due to some kind of fall hazard. These plaintiffs can file lawsuits for injuries that occur in a wide range of different locations. If you have suffered a slip and fall injury in New York, there’s a good chance that you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. However, it’s important to consider the specific location of your injury in order to determine whether you can move forward.
Falls on Your Own Property
If you have suffered a fall on your own property, it is likely that you will not have the ability to sue. This is because you cannot sue the property owner, since the property owner is you. Under certain circumstances, you might have the ability to sue a defective product that caused your fall on your own property.
For example, a contractor might have built stairs in your home that collapsed as soon as you tried to use them. Or perhaps you had a leaky fridge that spilled water across your kitchen, causing you to slip and fall. It may also be possible to sue your landlord for allowing certain hazards to exist. Speak with an injury lawyer in New York to determine whether any of these situations might apply.
Falls on Private Property
Generally speaking, falls on private property can lead to premise liability lawsuits. This is because property owners are responsible for the safety of the general public – especially if there is considerable foot traffic. The obvious example is a grocery store, but virtually all other private property is associated with this duty of care. Here are a few more examples:
- Restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Hardware stores
- Superstores
- Fast food restaurants
- Cafes
- Garden stores
- Banks
- Private medical facilities
- Thrift stores
Another obvious form of private property is an average New Yorker’s home residence. For example, someone might suffer an injury while attending a dinner party at someone else’s house. In some cases, occupier liability may apply even if the host is renting the property. In addition, you might sue an apartment building for injuries that occur in the common property, such as the staircase or hallway. In addition, New York homeowners may be liable for slips and falls that occur due to accumulated snow or ice on their sidewalks or driveways.
Falls on Public Property
Finally, it is possible to sue for slips and falls that occur on government-owned or public property. These include sidewalks, parking lots, and pathways that are public. Examples of government-owned property include:
- Courthouses
- DMV
- Police stations
- Hospitals
- Veterans’ Association facilities
- Libraries
- Parks
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney in New York?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced New York personal injury attorney, consider getting in touch with Cohan Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue compensation. We know that a slip and fall can leave you with serious, life-altering injuries such as TBIs or fractured hips. With our help, you can hold negligent property owners accountable for allowing fall hazards to exist. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Source:
investopedia.com/terms/g/government-owned-property.asp#:~:text=Government%2Downed%20property%20may%20be,and%20sewer%20and%20water%20lines.
