Nobody anticipates a devastating fall when they leave their home, yet slip and fall accidents can occur unexpectedly to anyone, in any place, at any moment. Slipping and falling on a sidewalk can lead to serious injuries and complex legal situations. The actions you take immediately following a slip and fall accident are crucial in determining the outcome of any potential claim you might have for compensation.
The nature of the sidewalk, whether it’s municipal or attached to a business, can shape your claim’s approach and its chances of success. If you are hurt on a sidewalk in New York, our Syracuse slip and fall lawyers at Catalano Law can help you understand your legal rights and how to receive a fair settlement.
Identify the Type of Sidewalk
If you slip and fall, the location of the sidewalk—whether it is publicly (city-owned) or privately owned—determines the legal actions you can take in New York.
- City Sidewalks
If you slip and fall on a public sidewalk in New York — like those next to roads, in parks, or outside government buildings — schedule a free consultation with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Government entities have certain protections from injury claims and typically have a short window within which to file a Notice of Claim. A qualified attorney at our law firm can walk you through the process and help you protect your rights.
- Private Sidewalks and Walkways
Business owners are expected to keep their property safe, including their sidewalks and walkways. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, the owner may be responsible for the injury. Act promptly after an accident to document unsafe conditions and gather evidence supporting a potential claim for compensation for your injuries and resulting damages.
Steps to Filing a Claim Against a Private Business Owner
If you’ve slipped and fell on a walkway owned by a business, there are critical steps to take if you’re seeking financial compensation. Here’s what you should do to advance your claim:
- Seek medical attention. Seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat any injuries. Medical records will be vital in documenting the seriousness of your injuries, which can affect the outcome of your claim.
- Document the scene. Take clear, time-stamped photographs or videos of the exact location where you fell, focusing on the conditions that contributed to your accident. Whether it was uneven pavement, ice, rain, or debris, visual evidence is persuasive in personal injury cases.
- Report the incident. Notify the owner of the property or the business connected to the sidewalk about the incident promptly. Complete the required incident report forms and obtain a copy for your records.
- Collect witness information. If anyone saw you fall, get their contact information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Having third-party accounts of the event can provide support for your claim.
- Preserve evidence. Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident in the same condition they were in after the fall. They could be necessary as evidence later.
- Record your experience. Start a journal, either handwritten or through a digital platform or phone note-taking app, to record your recollections of the incident, your injuries, and their impact on your daily life. Documenting this can help illustrate the extent of your suffering and losses.
- Avoid social media. Avoid sharing details of your accident on social media platforms. Insurers might use your posts to dispute the severity of your injuries, such as citing social activities to suggest you are less injured than claimed.
- Do not settle immediately. Exercise caution with initial settlement proposals from insurers, as they may be lower than you’re entitled to. Consult with a lawyer to evaluate your damages thoroughly, taking into account your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering to ensure a fair settlement.
- Consult with an attorney. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the steps to take after a slip and fall and help collect evidence for your case. Our lawyers at Catalano Law can provide the legal advice you need to navigate your claim successfully.
Take Prompt Action After a Slip and Fall
A fall on a sidewalk can turn your life upside down in moments, resulting in painful injuries. These injuries can be severe and affect your life long-term. It’s crucial to seek compensation to help pay for medical care, compensate for lost earnings, and cover additional costs associated with your injury.
Our seasoned attorneys at Catalano Law can represent you, helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll carefully review the details of your slip and fall accident, identify who is at fault, and assist you with your compensation claim.