New York Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
Common Questions About Slip And Fall Accidents At Work In Greenwich Village NYC
A slip and fall accident is usually embarrassing, but can also be physically painful. Broken bones, soft tissue damage, spinal damage and brain damage are among the most frequent injuries after a slip and fall type of accident. But when that accident happens at work, everything changes.
Who Is Responsible?
Premises Liability is the area of law that covers injuries on another’s property. This applies whether you’re at work, at a retail establishment, a restaurant, or even at a friend’s place.
Employers have a duty of care to ensure that the workplace is safe for everyone—employees, visitors, vendors, customers or clients, etc. This means that owners, managers and employees are required to keep the premises safe for everyone at all times.
Some of the causes of a slip and fall include:
- Wet surfaces (i.e., snow and ice, rain, etc.)
- Pavement defects
- Carpet damage, such as wear and tear
- Insufficient lighting
- Inadequate safety equipment, such as broken handrails
- Spilled food, drinks or other slippery substances
- Loose electrical cords and wires
- Other dangerous conditions
When someone is notified about a hazardous condition and fail to take some form of corrective action, and you are injured, they have committed a form of negligence.
If your employer fails to keep the premises safe, your injuries will generally come under Workers Compensation. However, if you injuries are caused by a third party, such as a construction company doing work at your place of business, a lawsuit against the third party is a possibility. A personal injury attorney can discuss this with you and help you decide how to proceed.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions to attorneys about nearly any kind of personal injury claim. The answer is always the same: it depends on the case. Every case is different, even the ones that “look exactly the same.”
The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries, how much other damage you may have sustained, the value of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Some cases are more expensive than others, because some injuries are more severe. The outcome will depend on things like whether or not you are able to eventually go back to work, or if you were disabled to the point that you can’t go back to work.
What Does The Insurance Adjuster Want?
An insurance adjuster is looking for two things: information on how your accident happened, and information to discredit you and deny your claim. Although they seem friendly and benign, they have a job to do, and an ulterior motive. On the surface, they are looking for information on:
- The type of injuries you have, and the severity
- If your injuries are pre-existing (you had them before the accident)
- Your activities right before your accident
- The warnings you may have not paid attention to
- If you had a legitimate reason for being at the accident site (such as the employees only area)
Since the insurance adjuster is trying to tie your facts together to prove that you were at fault, it’s best not to speak with the adjuster. Let them know you are being represented by legal counsel, and let the attorney handle it for you.
Do I Have To Sue My Employer For Compensation?
No, you don’t. In fact, your injuries at work are probably covered by Worker’s Compensation, which will cover your medical expenses, and a portion of your wages.
However, if your claim is denied, you may have no other options. We can work with you to file an appeal to a denied claim, and represent you in front of the insurance company.
But a claim against a third party, as mentioned above, may be possible if they were the cause of your injuries.
Need Help in Greenwich Village After A Slip & Fall At Work? Call Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier
The last thing you need after you’ve been injured on the job is to be told “no” while you’re not working and your medical bills pile up. Don’t try to navigate your slip and fall case alone—call Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier today.
We are experienced personal injury attorneys with a long history of successfully defending our clients in court. We’re ready to battle in the courtroom to help you get what you deserve. If you’ve been injured on the job and have been unfairly compensated (or not compensated at all) call us today for an appointment. We’ll meet with you and let us know what options you have. We don’t get paid unless we win, so your consultation is risk-free. Call Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier at (212) 777-9400.
