Extensive Experience With Slip, Trip, and Fall Claims
A lawyer with decades of general personal injury experience might still not have an intimate understanding of slip and fall cases. A dedicated premises liability attorney will have a proven history of holding property owners and managers accountable for the hazards that cause slips and falls, such as the following:
- Wet floors
- Unaddressed snow and ice
- Inadequate lighting
- Unsafe stairways
- Defective or uneven sidewalks
- Negligent security
Familiarity With New York Premises Liability Law
It’s especially important for your slip and fall lawyer to understand local laws and courts. A New York premises liability attorney will know how the Empire State’s laws differ from others and how they apply to your case.
In New York, a property owner is not automatically liable when someone gets hurt. The victim generally must prove the following:
- The victim was lawfully on the premises at the time of the accident, whether as a guest, customer, pedestrian, or worker.
- A hazardous condition on the property caused the victim’s slip, trip, or fall.
- The property owner or possessor was responsible for addressing the dangerous condition or warning guests about it.
- The owner or possessor either knew or should have known of the hazard and failed to take reasonable action to address it or warn those legally on the premises about it.
- That failure caused the victim’s injury and losses.
If the victim was partially responsible for the accident, the available damages may be reduced in proportion to his or her share of the blame. The right slip and fall lawyer will gather evidence to prove the property owner’s liability under New York law while minimizing your own.
A Detailed Plan for Investigating and Building Your Case
Each premises liability claim is unique, and the evidence vital to some claims may be relevant to others. When consulting with a slip and fall lawyer, ask what information they think will be key to proving your case and how they plan to find it.
Valuable evidence in slip and fall cases may quickly become unavailable, so taking decisive action to preserve it early on may make the difference in your case.
Evidence your lawyer gathers may include the following:
- Surveillance footage
- Photographs of the scene
- Maintenance records and inspection logs
- Incident reports involving the hazard or similar issues
- Written complaints submitted before the accident
- Witness statements from anyone nearby at the time
A Reputation for Going Up Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies try to minimize what they have to pay out to injured accident victims. They will seize any opportunity to dispute an aspect of your claim, such as whether a hazard existed, whether the property owner or possessor should have known about it, whether the accident actually caused your injuries, or the amount of damages you sustained.
When choosing a slip, trip, and fall lawyer, look for an attorney with an established track record of standing up to insurers, negotiating settlements, and securing significant compensation. Courtroom experience and a willingness to file lawsuits when necessary are also a plus.
Significant Resources, Connections, and Results
Many slip and fall claims require expert witness testimony to prove key aspects of the case, such as establishing the nature of the hazard, proving that it caused your injuries, establishing your injuries, or estimating the value of your damages and future medical costs. The firm should work with an extensive network of accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other professionals who can provide expert opinions to bolster your case.
Complex cases may sometimes result in long and costly litigation, requiring significant resources to keep fighting until your lawyer secures full compensation. Firms with deep financial resources to advance legal costs may give you the best chance of success. Look for a proven track record of significant recoveries in premises liability cases.
A Clear and Direct Communication Style
If legal jargon were easy to understand, no one would need a lawyer. The right slip and fall attorney will be able to explain your legal options in plain language and make sure you fully understand them. They should also give you a straightforward explanation of how they will handle fees and legal costs.
Effective communicators will provide regular updates on the status of your case and be available to quickly respond to your questions, keeping you in the loop throughout the process.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Slip and Fall Attorney
Your initial consultation with a premises liability lawyer is your chance to see whether they are the best fit for you. Ask as many questions as you can think of, such as these:
- How much experience do you have with premises liability cases?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- How will you investigate my accident?
- What challenges do you see with my claim?
- Who will handle my case?
- How will you keep me updated?
- How are legal fees and case expenses handled?
- What happens if my case goes to trial?
How Lever & Ecker Handles Slip, Trip, and Fall Claims
At Lever & Ecker, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation and making a difference for people in need. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients, maintaining an open line of communication and a compassionate approach throughout the legal process.
Our experienced slip and fall lawyers will level the playing field between you and big insurance companies, fighting to secure full compensation for your injuries. When we take your case, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your fall and document the hazard.
- Identify every potentially liable party involved in the accident.
- Collect evidence to build a strong case and prove the property owner’s liability.
- Evaluate the long-term impact of your injuries and estimate the value of your damages.
- Negotiate with insurers to reach a full settlement.
- File a lawsuit and litigate your case.
- Take your case to trial if necessary.
Speak to Our New York Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, the experienced New York premises liability lawyers at Lever & Ecker are ready to listen to your circumstances and start pursuing the compensation you deserve. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to preserve evidence necessary for a successful claim.
Contact us online or call (914) 288-9191 today to schedule your free consultation.
