Slip and Fall Injuries FAQs
What should I do after my slip-and-fall accident?
Here are some good steps to take after the accident:
- Get medical treatment immediately.
- Document all events in a journal, including doctor’s visits and any contact with anyone regarding the accident.
- Photograph your injuries as well as the accident scene from day one.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Do not speak to anyone regarding the accident, such as an insurance adjuster, without contacting an attorney.
- Contact The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, as soon as possible to discuss your accident. Premises liability cases are often strongly contested by property owners, their insurance companies and their defense attorneys. If you have had an accident on someone else’s property in Rochester or elsewhere in New York, call us now at 800-TALK-LAW (800-825-5529) or fill out our online contact form. All calls and inquiries are responded to the same day, usually within one hour. There is no case-review cost.
I slipped in a supermarket aisle when I stepped in a puddle of spilled ketchup. I broke my leg and hurt my back. The store is claiming that they are not responsible because they didn’t have time to clean up the mess. Is this true?
The store’s insurance company might make this argument, but it is often not successful. That is because retail stores are usually liable for the negligence of their cleaning crew. It sounds like you have a reasonable case, and The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, can review the facts and provide you with advice about how to proceed.
A neighbor slipped and fell on my deck, but I don’t believe that I did anything wrong. Am I responsible for his injuries?
Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies will pay for things such as medical bills when someone is injured on your property, regardless of fault. If someone slipped and fell on your property and got hurt, be sure to report it to your insurance company immediately.
What are some common causes of slip and fall accidents?
Some common scenarios include:
- Liquid spills
- Cluttered aisles
- Ice or snow-covered walkways
- Water or snow that has been tracked inside
- Unmarked obstacles, such as steps or ledges
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose carpeting, tiles, boards or other flooring
I slipped on a snowy walkway in front of a restaurant. Is the property owner responsible for my injuries?
In situations such as these, the property owner’s insurance company will often pay for medical expenses up to a certain limit without consideration of fault. However, you could be entitled to additional compensation for pain and suffering if the property owner was negligent in not removing the snow from the sidewalk.
What is a slip and fall accident?
The term “slip and fall accident” actually refers to more than just accidents that involve a slip and a fall. When someone is injured in a fall because of a trip, stumble, slide, slip or other similar action, it is often referred to as a “slip and fall accident” or a “trip and fall accident”. These accidents fall under the area of the law known as premises liability. The victim of a slip and fall accident could be entitled to compensation for his or her injuries under certain circumstances.