Long Island Slip & Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of personal injury in New York, often resulting in severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to understand your rights under New York law. Property owners and other parties may be held liable if their negligence contributed to your injury. Long Island slip & fall lawyers at Jacobson Law represents injured clients across New York City, helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
Slip and fall accidents can happen in various settings, including sidewalks, stores, restaurants, office buildings, and residential properties. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Broken or uneven pavement
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Loose carpeting or floor tiles
- Ice or snow accumulation on train platforms and stairways
- Debris or obstructions on walkways
When these hazards are present, and property owners fail to address them, they may be liable for any injuries that occur.
Liability for Sidewalk Injuries Under NYC Administrative Code 7-210
Sidewalk injuries are a significant concern in New York City, where pedestrians heavily rely on sidewalks for transportation. Under Section 7-210 of the NYC Administrative Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their properties in a reasonably safe condition. This law shifts the responsibility for sidewalk repairs and maintenance from the city to property owners. If a sidewalk defect, such as a crack, pothole, or uneven surface, causes someone to slip and fall, the property owner may be held liable.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. The NYC Administrative Code does not apply to one-, two-, or three-family homes that are owner-occupied and used exclusively for residential purposes. In these cases, the city may retain responsibility for sidewalk maintenance. If you’ve been injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident, it’s essential to determine who is liable, and Jacobson Law can help you navigate this complex area of law, ensuring that your claim is brought correctly and efficiently.
Snow and Ice Removal Obligations in New York
New York property owners also have a legal duty to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, and other areas where people commonly walk. Failing to do so can result in dangerous conditions that increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Under New York law, property owners must clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm ends. This requirement ensures that pedestrians can safely navigate sidewalks and walkways.
The storm-in-progress doctrine is a key legal principle in New York slip and fall cases involving snow and ice. Under this doctrine, property owners are generally not held liable for injuries that occur while a storm is still in progress. This means that if a slip and fall happens during an ongoing storm, the property owner is not obligated to remove the snow or ice at that time. However, once the storm ends, the owner must promptly take steps to clear the snow and ice to avoid liability.
It’s important to note that the definition of “reasonable time” for snow and ice removal can vary based on the circumstances. For example, a property owner in a high-traffic area may be expected to clear the sidewalks sooner than a property owner in a less populated area. Jacobson Law has extensive experience handling slip and fall cases and can determine whether the property owner met their obligations.
Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases
To recover compensation for a slip and fall injury, you must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining their property. This typically involves showing that:
- A dangerous condition existed, such as a broken sidewalk or snow-covered walkway.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the condition.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps to address the hazard.
- The hazardous condition caused your injury.
Jacobson Law thoroughly investigates every case to gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence, such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and maintenance records.
Contact Jacobson Law for Your Slip and Fall Case
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation. At Jacobson Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims and ensuring that property owners are held accountable for their negligence. Our experienced Long Island slip & fall attorneys will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today at 631-661-2030 for a free consultation to discuss your slip and fall accident and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
