Slip and Fall Lawyer

When unexpected accidents leave you injured and facing mounting medical bills, RK&L provides steadfast legal guidance to help you navigate the complex legal system. Our slip and fall lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on victims and their families. With decades of combined experience representing injury victims throughout Western New York, we're committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Slip and Fall Injury

As Buffalo's trusted slip and fall lawyers, RK&L is committed to helping you recover all damages you're legally entitled to receive following a premises liability incident.

• Medical Expenses: Recover costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost Wages: Receive compensation for income lost while recovering, including sick days, vacation time used, and bonuses or promotions missed due to your injury.
• Diminished Earning Capacity: Obtain damages for reduced ability to earn income in the future if your slip and fall injury affects your long-term career prospects or ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Pursue compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Recover damages for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or post-traumatic stress following a serious fall.
• Loss of Enjoyment: Receive compensation for inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or family events due to your injuries.
• Household Services: Obtain reimbursement for costs of hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform, such as cleaning, yard work, or childcare.
• Disfigurement or Scarring: Secure additional compensation if your slip and fall accident resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Assistive Devices: Recover costs for mobility aids, home modifications, or specialized equipment needed after your injury.
• Rehabilitation Services: Get coverage for occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, or other services needed to regain independence.
• Loss of Consortium: Your spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from your injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the property owner and prevent similar conduct.

Our premises liability lawyers at RK&L will thoroughly evaluate all potential compensation sources to ensure you receive the maximum recovery allowed under New York law. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your specific slip and fall case and the damages you may be entitled to receive.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

At RK&L, our slip and fall lawyers employ proven strategies to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve after a premises liability incident in Buffalo.

• Thorough Investigation: Our personal injury lawyers conduct comprehensive scene examinations, gathering crucial evidence like surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements before they disappear.
• Expert Witnesses: Our slip and fall lawyers collaborate with medical professionals, economic analysts, and safety engineers who provide authoritative testimony about your injuries, financial losses, and the property owner's negligence.
• Full Damage Assessment: Your slip and fall lawyer will meticulously document all economic and non-economic damages, including future medical needs and long-term impacts that insurance companies typically overlook.
• Effective Negotiation: Our personal injury attorney will counter insurance company tactics with well-documented evidence and calculated settlement valuations, refusing lowball offers that don't reflect your case's true value.
• Liability Determination: Our premises liability lawyers identify all potentially responsible parties, including property owners, management companies, maintenance contractors, and other negligent third parties.
• Countering Comparative Negligence: Our slip and fall accident lawyer will build strong arguments against common defense claims that you were partially responsible for your fall, preserving your right to maximum compensation under New York law.
• Statute of Limitations Management: Our slip and fall lawyer will ensure all filings occur within New York's strict legal deadlines, protecting your right to pursue damages through proper timing and documentation.
• Litigation Preparation: Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial, strengthening our negotiating position and ensuring readiness if court becomes necessary to secure fair compensation.
• Medical Evidence Development: Our personal injury lawyer will work closely with your healthcare providers to establish clear connections between the slip and fall incident and your specific injuries, countering claims that your condition was pre-existing.
• Settlement Evaluation: Your slip and fall lawyer will provide objective analysis of settlement offers, helping you understand when to accept a fair offer versus when to pursue additional compensation.
• Trial Experience: If settlement negotiations fail to yield appropriate compensation, our experienced personal injury lawyers will confidently present your case in court with compelling arguments and evidence.
• No Win No Fee Guarantee: Our slip and fall attorney will work on contingency, advancing all costs of litigation while you focus on recovery, ensuring our interests align perfectly with maximizing your compensation.

Slip and Fall Cases We Take

Our slip and fall lawyers at RK&L represent injury victims throughout Buffalo and Western New York in a wide range of premises liability incidents.

• Commercial Property Falls: Our slip and fall accident lawyer will handle cases involving slippery floors, inadequate maintenance, and hazardous conditions at retail stores, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings.
• Residential Property Accidents: Our premises liability lawyers pursue claims against landlords, property management companies, and homeowners for injuries occurring in apartment buildings, rental homes, and private residences.
• Public Property Incidents: We represent clients injured on municipal sidewalks, in government buildings, public parks, libraries, and other city or state-owned properties.
• Parking Lot and Garage Falls: Our personal injury lawyers address cases involving uneven pavement, potholes, inadequate lighting, and winter weather hazards in parking facilities.
• Stairway Accidents: Our slip and fall lawyers handle incidents involving broken steps, missing handrails, poor lighting, and code violations on indoor and outdoor staircases.
• Elevator and Escalator Injuries: Our slip and fall lawyers pursue compensation for accidents caused by mechanical malfunctions, sudden stops, uneven surfaces, and maintenance failures.
• Sidewalk and Walkway Hazards: We represent clients who have tripped on cracked pavement, uneven surfaces, or improperly maintained walkways.
• Restaurant and Bar Incidents: Our premises liability lawyers handle cases involving food or drink spills, overcrowded dining areas, and other hazardous conditions in eating establishments.
• Supermarket and Retail Store Falls: Our slip and fall lawyers pursue claims for injuries caused by merchandise in aisles, liquid spills, freshly mopped floors without warning signs, and falling display items.
• Construction Site Accidents: Our personal injury lawyers represent visitors and bystanders injured by hazardous conditions at construction sites, including unguarded holes and debris.
• Winter Weather Injuries: We handle cases involving snow and ice accumulation, including black ice, uncleared walkways, and inadequate winter maintenance.
• Hotel and Resort Accidents: Our slip and fall lawyers pursue compensation for injuries occurring in hotel rooms, lobbies, swimming pools, and other areas of hospitality properties.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Our slip and fall lawyers at RK&L have successfully represented numerous Buffalo clients whose injuries resulted from a variety of preventable hazards that property owners failed to address.

• Wet or Slippery Floors: Freshly mopped areas without warning signs, spilled liquids, leaking refrigeration units, and recently waxed surfaces create dangerous conditions that frequently lead to serious falls.
• Uneven Walking Surfaces: Broken tiles, buckled carpeting, uneven floorboards, and unexpected changes in floor height create tripping hazards that can cause devastating injuries.
• Poor Lighting Conditions: Inadequate illumination in stairwells, hallways, parking structures, and walkways prevents visitors from identifying potential hazards they might otherwise avoid.
• Unsafe Staircases: Missing handrails, broken steps, loose treads, and improper stair dimensions violate building codes and create prime conditions for dangerous falls.
• Weather-Related Hazards: Snow, ice, and rain tracked into buildings or accumulated on outdoor walkways represent a significant danger when property owners fail to implement proper removal or warning procedures.
• Cluttered Walkways: Merchandise, extension cords, equipment, debris, and other obstacles left in walking paths create tripping hazards that can catch even cautious visitors off guard.
• Building Code Violations: Improperly constructed steps, inadequate handrails, insufficient lighting, and other failures to meet safety standards represent negligence that our premises liability lawyers regularly address.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Potholes, cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards, and other deterioration can transform ordinary walkways into dangerous areas when owners neglect proper repairs.
• Missing Warning Signs: Property owners who fail to warn about known hazards, wet floors, or construction areas create dangerous conditions for unsuspecting visitors.
• Unstable Flooring: Loose rugs, unsecured mats, and other movable floor coverings without proper non-slip backing create particularly treacherous conditions when stepped upon.
• Improper Training: Inadequately trained maintenance staff who fail to follow proper cleaning procedures or safety protocols often create hazardous conditions that could have been avoided.
• Neglected Spills: Liquids left unattended in high-traffic areas, particularly in grocery stores, restaurants, and retail establishments, represent one of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries.

Common Injuries Associated with Slip and Fall Accidents

Our slip and fall lawyers at RK&L regularly represent Buffalo clients suffering from a wide range of serious injuries resulting from dangerous property conditions.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Falls are a leading cause of TBIs, ranging from mild concussions to severe trauma that can result in cognitive impairment, memory issues, and long-term disability.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Slip and fall accidents can cause herniated discs, vertebrae fractures, and in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis requiring lifelong medical care.
• Broken Hips: Particularly common in older adults, hip fractures from falls often require surgery, extended hospitalization, and lengthy rehabilitation, sometimes leading to permanent mobility issues.
• Wrist and Arm Fractures: These common defensive injuries occur when victims instinctively extend their arms to break their fall, resulting in broken bones that may require casting or surgical intervention.
• Shoulder Injuries: Dislocations, torn rotator cuffs, and broken clavicles frequently result from slip and fall accidents, often requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy.
• Knee Damage: Falls can cause torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, and fractured kneecaps, potentially requiring surgical repair and affecting mobility for months or years.
• Ankle and Foot Fractures: Twisted falls commonly result in broken ankles or feet, requiring immobilization, possible surgical repair, and rehabilitation before normal walking can resume.
• Tailbone Injuries: Coccyx fractures and bruising can cause significant pain, difficulty sitting, and in some cases, chronic discomfort that persists long after the initial injury.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments may not be visible but can cause significant pain, limited range of motion, and require extensive therapy.
• Back Strain and Injuries: Even without spinal cord damage, back muscle strains and sprains can be debilitating, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Facial Injuries: Falls can result in facial lacerations, dental damage, broken noses, or orbital fractures that may require plastic surgery and specialized treatment.
• Psychological Trauma: Many victims develop anxiety, depression, or fear of falling after a serious accident, requiring professional mental health treatment alongside physical recovery.

Who May Be Liable For Your Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

Our slip and fall lawyers at RK&L identify all potentially responsible parties in premises liability cases to ensure our Buffalo clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

• Property Owners: These individuals or entities have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and can be held liable when their negligence in addressing known hazards leads to visitor injuries.
• Business Operators: Retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses that lease property may share or bear full responsibility for maintaining safe conditions for customers regardless of whether they own the building.
• Property Management Companies: Third-party companies hired to maintain properties may be liable when their failure to properly inspect, maintain, or warn about dangerous conditions results in injuries.
• Maintenance Contractors: Snow removal companies, cleaning services, and repair contractors can be held responsible when their negligent performance creates or fails to address hazardous conditions.
• Governmental Entities: Municipal, county, or state governments may be liable for accidents on public property, though special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines apply to these cases.
• Residential Landlords: Property owners who rent to tenants have specific obligations to maintain common areas and may be responsible for injuries occurring in these spaces.
• Homeowners: Private residence owners can be held liable for injuries to invited guests when they fail to warn about or repair dangerous conditions on their property.
• Commercial Tenants: Businesses renting commercial space typically bear responsibility for maintaining safe conditions within their leased premises for customers and visitors.
• Construction Companies: Contractors working on properties may be liable when they create hazards or fail to properly secure construction areas, resulting in injuries to bystanders or visitors.
• Product Manufacturers: Companies producing defective flooring materials, inadequate warning signs, or faulty maintenance equipment may share liability when their products contribute to slip and fall accidents.
• Homeowners Associations: HOAs responsible for maintaining common areas in residential communities can be held liable when their negligence in addressing known hazards causes resident or visitor injuries.
• Event Organizers: Those hosting events at rented or public venues may bear responsibility for temporary conditions creating slip and fall hazards during their events.

What To Do If You Are Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident in New York

Our slip and fall lawyers at RK&L recommend taking these crucial steps following a premises liability accident to protect both your health and your legal rights to compensation.

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, have a medical professional document your condition as some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately after a fall.
• Report the Accident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor about your fall and ensure they create a written incident report that you receive a copy of for your records.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of the exact location where you fell, capturing any hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or missing warning signs.
• Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw your fall or the dangerous condition that caused it, as their testimony may prove invaluable to your premises liability claim.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep the clothing and footwear you were wearing during the accident, as these items may help demonstrate you weren't at fault for your fall.
• Avoid Detailed Statements: Limit discussions about the accident with property owners or insurance representatives until you've consulted with a personal injury lawyer about your case.
• Document Your Injuries: Take photographs of visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or swelling as they develop, creating a visual record of how your condition progressed after the accident.
• Follow Medical Advice: Attend all recommended appointments, complete prescribed treatments, and follow your doctor's instructions precisely to demonstrate you're taking your recovery seriously.
• Track Your Expenses: Keep detailed records of all accident-related costs, including medical bills, prescription receipts, transportation to appointments, and documentation of lost wages.
• Maintain a Recovery Journal: Record your daily pain levels, limitations in activities, emotional impacts, and how your injuries affect your ability to work and enjoy life.
• Be Mindful of Deadlines: Remember that New York's statute of limitations for slip and fall cases is generally three years, but notice requirements for municipal properties may be as short as 90 days.
• Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer: Consult with an experienced premises liability lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your case, preserve evidence, and protect your right to maximum compensation.

Get Experienced Legal Representation For Your Slip and Fall Case

Don't face the aftermath of a slip and fall accident alone. Our premises liability lawyers at RK&L are ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

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Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQs

How long will my slip and fall case take to resolve?

Most premises liability cases in New York settle within 8-18 months, though complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer. Our slip and fall lawyers work efficiently to resolve your case while still ensuring you receive fair compensation.

What is my slip and fall case worth?

Each case value depends on several factors including injury severity, medical expenses, income loss, long-term impact, and available insurance coverage. Our premises liability lawyers provide realistic estimates after thoroughly evaluating your specific circumstances.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my fall?

Yes. New York follows pure comparative negligence rules, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for your accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our personal injury lawyers work to minimize any assignment of blame to maximize your recovery.

Will my slip and fall case go to trial?

Most premises liability cases settle out of court, but our slip and fall lawyers prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we're fully prepared if court proceedings become necessary to secure fair compensation.

How much do your slip and fall lawyers charge?

RK&L works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, with no upfront costs or hourly fees, allowing you to pursue justice regardless of your financial situation.

Is there a minimum settlement amount for slip and fall cases?

No. Each premises liability case is evaluated individually based on its specific facts and circumstances. There is no predetermined minimum or maximum settlement amount under New York law.

What if the property owner claims they didn't know about the dangerous condition?

Property owners may still be liable if they should have known about a hazard through reasonable inspection. Our slip and fall lawyers investigate to establish how long the condition existed and whether the owner had constructive notice of the danger.

Can I handle my slip and fall claim without an injury lawyer?

While possible, studies show that personal injury victims typically receive significantly higher compensation when represented by an attorney, even after legal fees. Insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants with lowball offers.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after my slip and fall accident?

We recommend consulting with a premises liability lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and ensure you don't miss critical deadlines.

What if my slip and fall accident happened at a friend or family member's home?

These claims typically involve their homeowner's insurance rather than personal assets. Our slip and fall lawyers handle these sensitive situations diplomatically while still protecting your right to compensation for medical bills and other losses.

How does New York's no-fault insurance system affect slip and fall cases?

No-fault insurance applies to auto accidents, not premises liability cases. For slip and fall injuries, you can pursue compensation directly from the negligent property owner without first going through your own insurance.

What makes RK&L different from other personal injury firms?

Our slip and fall lawyers combine extensive premises liability experience with a client-focused approach. We maintain manageable caseloads to provide personalized attention, regular communication, and the thorough case preparation needed to maximize your compensation.