We’ve discussed slip and fall accidents many times in our blog. It’s an important topic whether you’re in Greenwich Village, or anywhere in the state of New York. Falls can happen anytime, anywhere, and can leave you with anything from scratches and bruises to broken bones, head and neck injuries, spinal damage and more. Many people think of an elderly person falling, but falls that cause injuries can happen to anyone of any age.
More than just a little humiliating, falls can lead to serious injuries that can take months to heal. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you can begin treatment, the sooner you can begin the healing process.
Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council lists falls as the third leading cause of death in the US in 2017, and the #1 cause of nonfatal injuries that result in emergency room visits. Falls, along with poisoning and motor vehicle accidents, are responsible for 82% of preventable deaths in the US. This is particularly true for the elderly. For people over 65, about a third of them have a fall every year. On the job, falls are the top reason for injuries for workers over 55.
However, slip and fall accidents aren’t limited to people over 55—anyone can have an accident that results in serious, debilitating injuries.
The economic impact of slip and fall injuries totals an estimated $34 billion every year. The expenses that result from a slip and fall can be onerous, and one of the leading causes of bankruptcy is medical expenses. The financial impact of a slip and fall injury can be devastating to you and to your family.
Negligence
The causes of slip and falls accidents are many, but the primary factor is negligence. Whether your injury is the result of a broken stair, snow and ice from a winter storm, water or other slick substance on a floor, negligence on the part of an owner, manager or employee allowed the condition to continue.
Statute Of Limitations
New York has a three-year statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit for a slip and fall accident. The sooner you start your claim, the more time your attorney will have to build your case, and you’ll also have more leverage with any insurance company involved.
Note: if your case is against a municipal agency or public entity (i.e., subway, public library, etc.) that timeframe shrinks to just 90 days to file a report and make your claim. It’s even more vital to contact a slip and fall injury attorney, and get started on your claim immediately.
Insurance Companies
The short answer: do not speak to an insurance adjuster AT ALL. Refer them to your slip and fall attorney, and say nothing else.
These individuals do not have your best interest at heart. They have one job: deny your claim, or settle it for far less than you deserve. They represent the opposing party in your claim and tasked with saving the company money and protecting their party. If you speak with the adjuster, there is a good chance that you’ll say something that can damage or even sink your case before you get started.
Work with a slip and fall attorney who can help you negotiate with an insurance company to ensure your settlement is fair and will meet your needs.
Greenwich Village’s Family-Owned Slip & Fall Law Accident Firm
Slip and fall accidents are unique in personal injury. So it’s important to find an attorney who knows and understands this type of injury to ensure the best representation, and to obtain a fair settlement for your injuries.
Has someone’s negligence resulted in a slip & fall accident that injured you? Call us at (212) 777-9400 (or use our online contact form.) Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier is a family-owned personal injury law firm, with more than 26 years of experience helping injured people. Our contingency fee arrangement means we aren’t paid until you are, whether we settle your case in or out of court.
