SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS LAWYERS SERVING NEW YORK
& LONG ISLAND

A sudden slip or loss of footing can cause serious damage in the blink of an eye. If you recently suffered an injury as a result of a trip and fall, you may have a case against a negligent property owner. Start working with a knowledgeable legal team to determine your next steps.

Our lawyers at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith are prepared to answer your questions regarding your case of premises liability. Whether you need to prove fault, pursue compensation, or simply get clarification on the legal process, let us be the ones to guide you forward. Contact us today after a slip or trip and fall accident in New York or Long Island. We will set you up with a free consultation. Our team is proud to represent clients in the surrounding areas as well, including Hempstead, Westbury, Queens, Hicksville, Mineola, and all counties and areas in New York.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

Dangerous or poorly kept premises present large likelihoods for accidents. If a negligent property owner is to blame for your slip or trip and fall injury, our team is ready to help you hold them accountable. We have been representing individuals in their premises liability claims since 2000. Some of the most common causes of our clients’ injuries include:

• Poor snow and ice removal

• Inadequate lighting, both indoors and outdoors

• Damaged sidewalks or walkways

• Cluttered walkways

• Loose floorboards

• Torn carpeting

• Wet floors

• Cords running across walkways

• Lack of handrails in stairways, platforms, or other areas

Don’t wait to start seeking financial compensation for your injuries. Reach out to us today at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith in New York and Long Island. Our in-depth experience and passion for litigation make us the team you want fighting on your behalf.

Determining Fault in Premises Liability Cases

Your fight for compensation likely will not come without its fair share of challenges. The property owner responsible for your injury will likely deny any fault or argue that you share a portion of the blame. Their argument could state that:

• They had marked off the area or displayed proper signage warning you of potential hazards.

• You weren't paying attention to where you were walking (for example, you were distracted by your cell phone).

• You were on a part of the property where you should not have been.

If you are wondering whether you are partially to blame for your slip or trip and fall accident, an attorney may be able to provide you with a sense of clarity.

New York Comparative Negligence Law

In the event that your New York slip and fall case goes to trial, your compensation amount will be determined by what is known as “comparative negligence.” Simply put, this means any damages you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned.

For example, say you recently sustained an ankle injury after you tripped and fell near a construction site. Witnesses in your trial say you stepped over cones designating the dangerous area. The jury then finds you 30% to blame for your injury. Under comparative negligence, your original award of $10,000 would then be reduced to $7,000. For questions about how fault is determined in premises liability claims, be sure to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney.

Why Hire an Attorney?

After a slip or trip and fall, you could be facing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. An attorney can be a valuable resource as you fight for fair compensation.

Don’t let a negligent property owner prevent you from living the life you deserve. Contact our skilled legal team at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith today to schedule a free consultation of your case. We represent clients throughout the area, including residents of Hempstead, Westbury, Queens, Hicksville, Mineola, and all counties and areas of New York.