Staten Island Slip and Fall Lawyer

Contact The Platta Law Firm today to speak with a professional attorney about your Staten Island slip and fall case. Your initial consultation is free, so call us today at 212-514-5100. We’re available 24/7 every day of the year.

Why You Need an Experienced Staten Island
Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of injury on Staten Island. Costly medical bills, along with pain and suffering, can make life difficult. If you’re unable to work, a sudden loss of income can put you in a tough financial situation.

Seeking monetary compensation after your slip and fall accident can ease your financial burden and provide much-needed reassurance. At The Platta Law Firm, our lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases of all types. We are fierce advocates who will demand that you get the cash award you deserve.

If you or a family member have experienced a slip and fall accident, you’ll want one of our highly skilled attorneys in your corner. They’ll give you the best chances for a successful legal outcome due to their:

Expertise in Local Laws and Regulations

Staten Island, like all boroughs in New York, has its own unique set of laws and regulations related to personal injury cases. A Staten Island slip and fall lawyer will be well-versed in these complicated local laws. Our lawyers fully understand the legal rights of the injured party, the statutes of limitations, and any potential exceptions or clauses that could impact a claim. Having an attorney who knows the local landscape is vital for ensuring that your rights are fully protected.

Accurate Valuation of Claims

Slip and fall accidents can lead to various injuries, ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures, to long-term disabilities. A dedicated Staten Island slip and fall lawyer has the experience to accurately assess the full extent of damages, both immediate and long-term.

Damages can include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other relevant considerations. Without the insight of a knowledgeable attorney, you might end up settling for less than you deserve, leaving you with unexpected expenses in the future.

Evidence Gathering for Building a Strong Case

Successfully proving negligence in a slip and fall case requires collecting and presenting critical evidence. This can include photographs of the accident scene, witness testimonies, maintenance records, and more.

Our Staten Island slip and fall lawyers will know precisely what to look for and how to gather the necessary proof to build a compelling case. Their expertise is invaluable in piecing together the events leading up to the accident, pinpointing responsibility, and arguing for rightful compensation.

Negotiation and Litigation Skills

Insurance companies often aim to settle cases quickly and for the least amount possible. They have their own team of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you can be at a significant disadvantage during negotiations.

The Platta Law Firm has the skills and experience to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and ensure that our clients get a fair settlement. If negotiations stall, our seasoned attorneys will be prepared to take the case to court and advocate passionately on your behalf.

We Handle All Types of Staten Island
Slip and Fall Accidents

There are countless ways to get injured from a slip and fall accident. The location where your accident occurred can affect your claim for damages. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing slip and fall victims who were injured in a variety of different locations, including:

• Private residences
• Corporate facilities
• Government buildings
• Grocery and convenience stores
• Hospitals and nursing facilities
• Office buildings
• Parking garages
• Playgrounds and parks
• Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
• Retail stores and shopping malls
• Sidewalks
• Stadiums
• Subway platforms

The site of your slip and fall accident will determine how your case is handled and how much compensation you might receive. We recognize how falls at different locations will need to be investigated and what type of evidence is most advantageous to your case. Our knowledge and expertise can translate to thousands more dollars in your pocket.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents on
Staten Island

Slip and fall accidents are an all-too-common event and can happen for many reasons. From cracked city sidewalks to slippery supermarket floors, hazards like these pose significant risks to the public. There are countless factors that contribute to a slip and fall incident on Staten Island, and here are some of the main culprits:

• Buckled or cracked pavement
• Broken staircases
• Damaged floorboards
• Debris and clutter on walkways
• Loose cables and wires
• Missing or broken railings
• Slippery surfaces
• Unshoveled snow on pathways
• Buildup of ice on sidewalks
• Unsecured rugs and mats

No matter what the cause of your accident, if you’ve been injured on someone else’s property you may be able to hold them accountable for damages.

Slip and Falls at the Workplace

Slip and fall accidents often happen in workplace settings. Statistics provided by the National Floor Safety Institute show that falls are the leading cause of lost time at work.

More employees miss work as a result of a slip and fall-related injury than for any other type of accident or illness. Slips, trips and falls on the job can also be deadly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips were the second-most common fatal event at the workplace. These accidents were responsible for 16% of all work fatalities in 2021. In New York City, falls, slips, and trips accounted for 20 fatalities. That figure translates to 28% of all fatal workplace injuries in the city.

Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident that Happens at Work?

If you’re the victim of a work-related slip and fall accident, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In New York State, the vast majority of employers are required to offer this coverage to their workers. Workers’ compensation benefits can often pay for lost wages and medical costs.

Workers’ compensation claims require that you follow a specific procedure and complete detailed paperwork. Because the insurance company will try to lessen the value of your claim, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who fully understands the workers’ compensation system.

Is There a Difference Between “Slip and Fall” and “Trip and Fall” Accidents?

While they may sound similar, “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” are two different types of accidents. Slip and fall mishaps take place when a slippery surface makes your feet slide out from under you, causing you to fall on your back, buttocks, and/or head. The most common injuries suffered in this type of accident include:

• Back injury
• Concussion
• Head injury
• Neck injury
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury
• Spinal fracture
• Traumatic brain injury
• Wrongful death

Trip and fall accidents happen when an object blocks your forward movement. During this type of accident, the victim is usually thrown off-balance and falls forward onto their hands, knees, chest, and/or face. The most common injuries suffered in this type of accident include:

• Broken bones (hands, fingers, wrists, feet, and arms)
• Cracked/lost teeth
• Eye damage
• Joint damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Sprains and strains
• Wrongful death

Where and how you fall can significantly affect the development and outcome of your case. Our Staten Island slip and fall lawyers will thoroughly review the specifics of your accident and determine the best course of legal action.

How to Determine if a Property Owner was Negligent in Your Accident

It is the responsibility of property owners to keep their premises safe for all those visiting or working at the site. Failure on their part to fix or maintain any hazards may make them liable for injuries resulting from a slip and fall.

Accountability often revolves around whether the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition, and if they took appropriate measures to make the necessary repairs and/or warn visitors. If a hazard existed for a period of time without being addressed, it may indicate negligence. To support a successful outcome to your Staten Island slip and fall lawsuit, your attorney will work to determine these factors:

• Your fall was the result of a dangerous condition on the premises
• You were legally on the premises when the accident occurred
• The hazardous condition was not easily identified
• The owner was aware or should have been aware about the hazard
• The owner did not repair the potentially dangerous condition
• The owner failed to warn you about the risk
• The hazard resulted in your slip, trip and/or fall
• You were injured as a result of the accident

In addition to private property owners, landlords and government agencies may also be responsible if you get hurt on their premises.

What is the Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in New York?

There will be a limited amount of time to pursue compensation after a slip and fall accident on Staten Island. In most cases, if you suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident in this borough, you’ll have three years to file a legal claim for damages.

If you or a family member suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate. Failure to act quickly may cause you to forfeit any chance for a monetary award.

Once time runs out, so does your ability to hold a negligent property owner responsible for the damages. Call The Platta Law Firm as soon as possible to see how much your slip and fall case may be worth.

Local Resources on Staten Island

While the majority of slip and fall accidents occur on private and commercial premises, they are not limited to any specific place. Here are some popular Staten Island landmarks and attractions where these types of incidents take place.

• Staten Island Ferry
• Richmond County Bank Ballpark
• Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
• Staten Island Museum
• Freshkills Park

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you’ll want to go to one of Staten Island’s hospitals as soon as possible. Some near you to consider:

• Staten Island University Hospital
• Richmond University Medical Center
• NYC Health + Hospitals/SeaView
• Emergency Department at NYU Langone Health – Cobble Hill

Contact our Staten Island Slip and Fall Lawyers
for Help

If you or a family member recently slipped, tripped, or fell on someone else’s Staten Island property, contact The Platta Law Firm for help. You may have the right to take legal action and demand accountability from the negligent owner. One call to a Staten Island slip and fall lawyer at our firm is all it takes. Our team will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call 212-514-5100 now and schedule your free consultation.

Staten Island Neighborhoods We Serve

Annadale, Arden Heights, Arlington, Arrochar, Bay Terrace, Bloomfield, Brighton Heights, Bulls Head, Castleton Corners, Charleston, Chelsea, Clifton, Concord, Dongan Hills, Egbertville, Elm Park, Eltingville, Emerson Hill, Graniteville, Grant City, Grasmere, Great Kills, Greenridge, Grymes Hill, Hamilton Park, Heartland Village, Huguenot, Lighthouse Hill, Livingston, Manor Heights, Mariners Harbor, Meiers Corners, Midland Beach, New Brighton, New Dorp, New Springville, Oakwood, Old Place, Old Town, Pleasant Plains, Port Ivory, Port Richmond, Prince’s Bay, Randall Manor, Richmond Valley, Richmondtown, Rosebank, Rossville, Saint George, Sandy Ground, Shore Acres, Silver Lake, South Beach, Stapleton, Stapleton Heights, Sunnyside, Todt Hill, Tompkinsville, Tottenville, Tottenville Beach, Travis, West New Brighton, Westerleigh, Willowbrook, Woodrow.