A patch of ice or wet floor might be easy to miss, and falling due to these hazards can lead to serious injuries. In fact, the National Floor Safety Institute reports that accidental falls make up 21.3% of emergency room visits, with 5% of those patients experiencing a fracture. If you injure yourself while on a rental property, contact an experienced New York slip-and-fall lawyer.
As a trusted slip-and-fall accident lawyer in New York, Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, can review your case and determine whether you have grounds for suing the property’s owner. This guide dives deeper into the legal process of personal injury cases, particularly those surrounding slips and falls on rental properties.
Landlords Have a Responsibility Surrounding Tenant Safety
New York City is known for its unique housing market, which largely consists of tenants in rental properties. The city’s comptroller’s office reports that 69% of households rent their dwellings instead of owning them. This does not mean that those tenants are without any rights.
Leases must offer a warranty of habitability, which outlines a landlord’s responsibilities to make the dwelling safe and comfortable for their tenant, such as:
- Provide working electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems
- Keep a property free of bed bugs
- Repair any noticeable damage to the property
- Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
After injuring yourself on the property, consult a New York slip-and-fall lawyer. They’ll review the nature of the fall and determine whether it occurred due to a violation of the warranty of habitability. If so, you can file a personal injury suit against the landlord in question.
How New York Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyers Prove Negligence Against Landlords
Recovering damages in slip-and-fall cases is only possible when the victim’s injury is due to the negligence of others. For example, you won’t have grounds to sue your landlord if you slip and hurt yourself while using your shower. However, attorneys will gather and assess evidence pointing to known negligence from the landlord.
This could include any of the following scenarios:
- Inadequate signage: Landlords must alert tenants and visitors of any hazards in the area due to planned maintenance or repairs. Failing to post the appropriate signage may hold them responsible for potential injuries.
- Damaged flooring: Property owners who are aware of uneven or damaged floors and don’t address them can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a consequence.
- Icy sidewalks: During the winter months, it’s up to a landlord to clear snow and ice from their property’s walkway for the safety of their tenants. Failure to do so makes them negligent.
- Unsafe staircases: Broken steps, missing handrails, and other issues can make rental property’s staircase a danger for tenants. It’s the landlord’s duty to maintain these areas and keep them in good condition.
Discuss the nature of your injury with a New York slip-and-fall lawyer. Experienced attorneys who handle hundreds of personal injury cases like these will know whether landlord negligence plays a role in your accident.
Take These Important Steps After Experiencing a Slip and Fall
If you take a tumble on your rental property, you must complete a few critical steps, especially if you plan to file a personal injury suit against your landlord. Document as much as you can to support your case. Take photos of where the accident occurred, such as on an unmaintained staircase or dislodged walkway paver.
Did anyone nearby witness the accident? Take note of any witnesses and ask for their contact information. This could strengthen your case if lawyers want additional accounts of what happened.
Finally, it’s vital that you receive medical attention. The CDC reports that 37% of fall victims either require medical treatment or restrict their activity to recover from the accident. Seeking immediate care not only promotes your overall health and well-being but also establishes the severity of your injuries, which lawyers can connect to the accident when advocating on your behalf.
After you receive the proper treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to a New York slip-and-fall lawyer. Per the state’s statute of limitations regarding slip-and-fall accidents, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a case. Act quickly, as this prevents witnesses from forgetting vital information that can support your case.
Consult Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC – Trusted Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Queens, NY
If you are dealing with a serious injury after suffering an accident due to your landlord’s negligence, reach out to our firm. Should we deem your case viable and you agree to pursue a claim, one of our professional New York slip-and-fall lawyers will get to work gathering a strong body of evidence on your behalf.
At Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, our knowledgeable attorneys represent victims with compassion and fight for fair compensation for slip-and-fall injuries. We have years of experience working on slip-and-fall cases in Queens and understand the duties and obligations of landlords here in the city. Contact us online or call (718) 205-1010 to discuss your case with a member of our resourceful legal team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more about suing a landlord for an injury that occurs on their property? Legal professionals answer common questions about this type of personal injury suit below.
How Do You Determine Fair Compensation for a Slip-and-Fall Injury?
You can seek compensation based on the amount of pain and suffering the injury brings. This may include economic damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and ongoing rehabilitation, as well as non-economic damages for emotional distress due to the injury.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
A trial is possible, but experienced New York slip-and-fall accident lawyers aim to reach settlement agreements during negotiations.
How Can I Find a Personal Injury Lawyer New York Locals Trust?
Look for a New York slip-and-fall lawyer with years of experience in the field as well as a favorable track record of recovering damages for clients.