Let Us Help You Seek Compensation After An Albany Slip-And-Fall Accident
People across New York may suffer injuries by falling on stairs in poor conditions, cracked sidewalks, icy parking lot surfaces and uneven surfaces in retail settings. Getting those injuries paid for is the challenge in a premises liability claim or lawsuit.
At Smalline and Harri, our Albany personal injury attorneys look for evidence that property owners or managers were negligent. Due to the legal concept known as strict liability, we may not have to prove deliberate or careless neglect: it may be enough to determine who owns the property where one of our clients has been injured. As a team focused solely on personal injury law, we have ample experience recovering strong compensation packages for clients injured on dangerous property.
Examples Of Slip-And-Fall And Trip-And-Fall Injuries
Slip-and-falls or trip-and-falls can occur for a variety of reasons. Our slip-and-fall attorneys have handled cases involving numerous factors, including:
- Stairs poorly maintained or not built to code
- Grocery stores with slippery surfaces
- Hotels with low balconies or slippery bathroom floors
- Negligent maintenance in office buildings
- Uneven surface at the Schenectady Rivers Casino & Resort and other recreational sites around the Albany area
- Construction sites with debris-strewn environments
- Falls from high places, such as ladders
- Floor surfaces with no walls yet installed
In every case, our goal is to get compensation for our client’s medical bills, lost wage replacement, and pain and suffering. Time and again, our personal injury lawyers bring successful premises liability claims in support of our courageous, recovering clients. This has earned us a reputation for success from our peers and our past clients.
Icy And Snowy Conditions: A Leading Cause Of Winter Slips And Falls In Albany:
The need for an Albany slip-and-fall lawyer can increase in the winter, when there are some specific hazards, including:
- Black ice
- Packed snow
- Slush
- Refreezing puddles
- Hidden hazards
Additionally, there is an increased risk during winter for pedestrians, shoppers and residents because the freezing and thawing can cause cracks in pavement, sidewalks and other surfaces.
Property Owner’s Responsibilities In Winter: What New Yorkers Should Know
Residential, commercial and municipal property owners have a duty of care to anyone who visits their property, so they need to make sure that it is safe and clear of hazards. Specific rules must be followed, such as clearing snow in 24 hours.
If someone exceeds this deadline, fails to put salt on patches of ice or intentionally plows snow into a pedestrian’s path, they could be accused of negligence, leading to a slip-and-fall claim in Albany, New York.
Black-Ice Accidents: The Silent Threat Of Winter Slips And Falls
Black ice is invisible because it is so clear that it blends in with the surface below. This is very dangerous because pedestrians are not prepared for the change in traction.
Property owners need to take time to look for black ice, perhaps by feeling for it when they are shoveling or by looking for the way it shines under light. Once they have identified it, the best way to remove it is by salting the area consistently. When suing a property owner, an Albany slip-and-fall attorney has to demonstrate negligence, and consistent care for the property is one way to push back against that claim.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents On City Sidewalks During Winter: Who Is Responsible?
Injured parties may deserve compensation after a slip-and-fall in Albany, as property owners and municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe sidewalks. In Albany, they have 24 hours to clear snow and ice after the storm ends, per City Code 323-21/22.
Winter Slip-And-Fall Prevention Tips For Residents And Business Owners
A premises liability lawyer in Albany will see many cases where negligent property owners haven’t done enough to promote safety. To avoid lawsuits from a slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Albany, owners should salt or sand ice spots consistently, shovel snow promptly so it doesn’t build up into packed mounds or ice dams and keep a close eye on storms and weather predictions.
Request A Free Consultation With A Slip-And-Fall Lawyer
We are ready to begin a detailed investigation into your accidental injury on private or public property. To schedule a completely free consultation about a potential premises liability case, call 518-704-4604 or send an email inquiry.