January is Fall Prevention Month, and while many of us are focused on resolutions and starting the new year off right, it’s also a time to think about safety—particularly slip-and-fall accidents. These accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and they often result in serious injuries that disrupt lives.
Slips, trips, and falls happen suddenly, often leaving victims embarrassed and unsure of what to do next. At The Perecman Firm, our slip and fall accident lawyers are committed to helping injured individuals get the compensation they deserve.
Our legal team has been helping people in New York City, Queens, and Long Island for over 40 years. This is our community, and the people in it are our neighbors. We have the resources to secure justice against powerful foes and support people in their time of need.
What is a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall is exactly what it sounds like—an accident where someone slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. While these incidents may seem minor, they can cause serious injuries. Slip and fall accidents can happen in a variety of settings and under numerous circumstances, such as:
- Slipping on a wet floor in a grocery store where no warning signs were posted.
- Tripping over loose carpeting or electrical cords in an office building.
- Falling on icy or unshoveled sidewalks outside an apartment complex.
- Losing balance on uneven or cracked pavement in a parking lot.
These accidents are often preventable, and property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result. Whether the incident happens on a construction site, at work, or in a public space, knowing your rights is essential to protecting yourself and seeking justice.
Fall Injuries in the United States: A Critical Safety Analysis
According to the National Safety Council, falls represent one of the most significant workplace and public health challenges in the United States, causing substantial human and economic impacts across all sectors of society.
Workplace Falls: A Leading Cause of Occupational Fatalities
The workplace safety landscape in 2022 revealed concerning statistics regarding fall-related incidents. A total of 865 workers lost their lives due to falls, while hundreds of thousands more sustained injuries severe enough to require extended time away from work. Particularly noteworthy is that fatal falls don't necessarily involve great heights - 144 workers suffered fatal injuries from same-level falls, highlighting the serious nature of what might be perceived as minor incidents.
High-Risk Industries and Occupations
The construction industry faces disproportionate risk, with workers experiencing fatal falls at more than seven times the rate of other industries. However, the data indicates fall hazards exist across all occupational settings, including traditional office environments. This universal risk factor emphasizes the need for comprehensive fall prevention strategies across all workplace settings.
Public Health Impact
The scope of fall-related injuries extends far beyond the workplace. In 2022, emergency departments nationwide treated more than 8.5 million individuals for fall-related injuries. This staggering figure underscores falls as a significant public health concern affecting Americans of all ages and backgrounds.
The prevalence and severity of fall-related injuries in the United States demand continued attention and proactive prevention efforts. By understanding the risks and implementing appropriate safety measures, organizations and individuals can work together to reduce the occurrence of these potentially devastating incidents.
What is Fall Prevention Month?
Fall Prevention Month, observed in January, is an initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of slip and fall accidents and promote strategies to prevent them. By highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures, Fall Prevention Month encourages individuals and businesses to reduce hazards in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
This campaign also serves as a reminder for property owners, employers, and individuals to prioritize safety. During Fall Prevention Month, organizations often share resources, tips, and best practices for identifying and addressing risks, such as:
- Regularly inspecting properties for potential hazards.
- Repairing damaged flooring or pavement.
- Using proper signage to warn of wet or slippery areas.
- Providing training for employees on workplace safety protocols.
At The Perecman Firm, we believe Fall Prevention Month is an opportunity to remind everyone that accidents caused by negligence are preventable. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, you can hold negligent parties accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Falls
What are the common causes of slip and fall accidents?
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen due to a variety of hazardous conditions, including wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and icy sidewalks. Property owners have a duty to address these hazards promptly.
Who is responsible for a slip and fall accident?
In most cases, the property owner or manager is responsible if they fail to maintain safe conditions or address known hazards. Employers may also share liability if the accident occurred at a workplace.
Can I file a claim if I am partially at fault?
Under New York’s comparative negligence laws, you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Slip and Fall Accidents on Construction Sites
Construction sites are some of the most hazardous places to work, and slip-and-fall accidents are all too common. A slip-and-fall can leave a construction worker with life-altering injuries, whether due to wet surfaces, uneven flooring, misplaced tools, or poorly marked hazards.
For construction workers, these accidents can be particularly devastating. Injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage can mean time away from work and mounting medical bills.
In New York, labor laws like the Scaffold Law and Labor Law 200, 240, and 241 provide critical protections for workers injured in falls. These laws hold property owners and contractors accountable for maintaining safe work environments.
If you’re a construction worker injured in a slip and fall, contacting a construction accident lawyer should be your first step after receiving medical treatment. At The Perecman Firm, we deal with insurance companies, contractors, and third parties so you can focus on your recovery. We work to ensure you receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of your injury.
Workplace Slip and Falls Beyond Construction
Slips and falls aren’t limited to construction sites. Many industries see these types of accidents, from office settings to warehouses. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills or leaks.
- Poorly lit areas like stairwells or hallways.
- Cluttered walkways that create tripping hazards.
- Improperly maintained flooring or carpeting.
You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits if you’re injured in a workplace slip and fall. These benefits can cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.
However, workers’ compensation doesn’t always account for the full scope of your losses. Sometimes, a third-party claim may be an option if a party other than your employer was responsible for the unsafe condition. A personal injury lawyer can help identify all potential sources of compensation.
Slips and Falls in Public and Commercial Spaces
Slip-and-fall accidents often occur in public spaces, such as stores, parking garages, sidewalks, and apartment buildings. Business and property owners in New York are required to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. If they fail to address hazards such as icy walkways, spilled liquids, or broken handrails, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.
Consider these scenarios:
- A shopper slips on a wet floor in a grocery store because no warning sign was posted.
- A pedestrian falls in a poorly lit parking garage with cracked pavement.
- A tenant trips on a loose carpet in their apartment building’s hallway.
Victims may file a personal injury claim against the property owner or manager in these cases. A personal injury attorney can investigate the incident, gather evidence like surveillance footage or maintenance records, and work to prove the property owner’s negligence.
How The Perecman Firm Can Help
When you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you’re likely dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. The last thing you need is the added stress of handling a legal claim on your own. That’s where we come in.
At The Perecman Firm, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:
- Handling the Investigation: We’ll investigate the circumstances of your accident, collecting evidence like photos, witness statements, and maintenance records to build a strong case.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. We’ll handle all communication with insurers to ensure your rights are protected.
- Calculating Damages: Slip and fall injuries can result in significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ll work to secure the maximum compensation possible.
- Litigating When Necessary: While many cases settle out of court, we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to achieve justice.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve already received medical treatment for your injuries, you may wonder what to do next. Here’s what we recommend:
- Document Your Injuries: Keep records of your medical treatment, including doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and any diagnoses. Photos of your injuries can also be helpful.
- Report the Incident: If you haven’t already, notify the property owner, manager, or employer about the accident in writing. This creates a record of the incident.
- Contact a Lawyer: Slip-and-fall cases can be complex, and proving liability often requires professional legal knowledge. An attorney can assess your case, identify responsible parties, and start building your claim.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurers: Insurance adjusters may contact you to discuss the accident. It’s best to let your lawyer handle these communications to avoid saying anything that could harm your case.
Preventing Slip and Falls
While some accidents are unavoidable, property owners and employers are legally responsible for maintaining safe environments. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. Property owners can reduce risks by:
- Promptly cleaning up spills or leaks.
- Using adequate lighting in stairwells and walkways.
- Marking wet or slippery areas with clear warning signs.
- Conducting regular maintenance to address hazards like uneven flooring or broken handrails.
Safety protocols are even more critical on construction sites. Employers must provide proper training, ensure workers have appropriate footwear, and keep worksites free of debris and obstructions. When property owners or managers neglect these duties, they put everyone on their premises at risk and open themselves to legal action if someone is hurt.
Property owners and employers could face significant liability by failing to address known hazards or take reasonable steps to prevent accidents. Injured parties have the right to hold them accountable, and we’re here to help make sure justice is served.
Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact The Perecman Firm
At The Perecman Firm, we’ve spent decades advocating for injured workers and accident victims throughout New York City, Queens, and Long Island. Our experienced personal injury lawyers fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation our clients need to move forward. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who will stand by your side every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact The Perecman Firm today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.
Call our New York City office at 212-977-7033, our Queens, NY, office at 718-587-0108, or our Long Island office at 516-268-0130. You can also contact us online.