White Plains Slip, Trip & Fall Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident in New York or Westchester County, contact our White Plains personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages under New York premises liability law. Our team is here to help you pursue justice and hold negligent property owners accountable.
When you walk in public, you naturally expect the shops, restaurants, and other venues you visit to be reasonably safe. That goes for all surfaces you step on, including sidewalks and staircases. Unfortunately, property owners don’t always take the necessary steps to keep their premises free from hazards that put the public at risk.
When the people responsible for inspecting and maintaining property fail to make or keep an area safe from slipping or tripping hazards, severe injuries can occur. The National Floor Safety Institute estimates that slip and fall accidents are responsible for more than one million hospital visits in the United States alone every year.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive Experience with Slip, Trip, and Fall Cases: We’ve successfully handled numerous slip, trip, and fall cases just like yours, and we know exactly what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve under New York premises liability law.
- Serving All of Westchester County: Our White Plains office is perfectly positioned to support clients throughout Westchester County. We’re committed to being there for you, no matter where you’re located.
- Personalized Attention to Your Case: We treat every client like family, providing you with the personalized attention and support you need during this challenging time. You can count on us to be responsive and to fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose to Work with Our White Plains Slip, Trip and Fall Lawyers?
- What Is a Slip, or Trip, and Fall Accident?
- Where Do Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents Happen?
- Why Do Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents Happen?
- What Should You Do after a Slip/Trip and Fall Accident?
- Who Is Liable for a Slip & Fall, or Trip & Fall, Accident in a Public Place?
- What Happens If I Suffered a Slip/Trip and Fall Accident at Someone’s House or Apartment?
- How Long Does a Slip/Trip and Fall Accident Claim Take?
- Why Hire Lever & Ecker, PLLC to Handle Your Slip/Trip & Fall Claim?
- Schedule a Free Consultation with Our White Plains Slip/Trip and Fall Lawyers
- Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in White Plains
Why Choose Lever & Ecker to Represent You After an Injury in Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident in White Plains?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall, or trip and fall, accident in New York City, White Plains, or anywhere else in the state of New York, contact our experienced slip/trip and fall injury lawyers. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, as well as your medical expenses, lost income and other damages, under New York premises liability law.
The White Plains slip/trip, and fall lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, have a long record of taking a stand against negligent property owners and their insurance companies. Our team always strives to give our clients the best chance at securing the financial justice they deserve.
We take slip, trip and fall cases personally and fight for our clients as we would fight for our own families. We are here to stand in your corner and help you navigate the legal process strategically—from beginning to end.
Client Testimonial
Video Transcript
I was with my wife, and we were entering an Italian restaurant when it was raining. As we walked in, there was a mat on the floor that was completely wet. My wife took one step off of it, slipped, fell, and injured her shoulder. The feeling of being involved in an accident is overwhelming, and you need to get help right away. The first thing I did was take my wife to the hospital for medical care. Once she was under the doctor’s care, I made a phone call to Dave. He picked up the call and handled everything from there. Dave was on top of the situation from beginning to end, ensuring every detail was addressed. He provided us with immense support throughout the entire process. We were satisfied with how the case was resolved and felt we could move on. Dave and the entire Lever & Ecker firm took care of every aspect of the case. Anyone needing legal representation for any personal injury situation should contact Lever & Ecker. They are professional and excellent at what they do, from beginning to end.
Representing Slip and Fall Accident Victims Across Westchester County
Conveniently located in White Plains, our office is well-positioned to assist slip and fall accident victims from surrounding cities such as Hartsdale, Scarsdale, Rye Brook, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, Tarrytown, and Dobbs Ferry. We are committed to providing the legal support necessary to help victims recover compensation for their injuries and associated costs.
Do You Have a Slip, Trip or Fall Case? Contact Our Team Today
We have a 99% success rate in the cases we handle.
What Is a Slip, or Trip, and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident is when someone slips on another person’s property, causing them to suffer an injury. When the accident involves a tripping hazard, it is generally referred to as a “trip and fall accident.”
Businesses, homeowners, and property managers generally have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises. Among other things, this includes the duty to:
- Inspect the property
- Address and make safe any dangerous conditions
- Anticipate reasonably foreseeable accidents
- Take reasonable precautions to prevent injuries, and
- Warn visitors and the public about any known safety hazards
If you have been injured because of a slippery or otherwise unsafe hazard on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation under New York State personal injury law. A White Plains slip/trip and fall attorney at Lever & Ecker may be able to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Where Do Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents Happen in Westchester County?
Slip, trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere: at work, at home, in stores, or while walking down the street, but they are especially prevalent in and around places of commerce. In larger cities like New York City and White Plains, slip, trip and fall accidents happen in public places of business every single day. In smaller towns, public falls still happen frequently.
Common sites of slip/trip and fall accidents in New York include:
- Grocery stores
- Retail (shops, stores, etc.)
- Gas stations
- Bodegas
- Office buildings
- Parking decks and garages
- City sidewalks & roadways
- Theaters
- Museums and libraries
- Amusement parks
- Tourist attractions
- Apartment buildings / condos
- Hotels, motels, and lodging
- Public swimming pools
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Restaurants and cafés
- Gyms / spas
No matter where your injury might have happened, we encourage you to contact the White Plains slip/trip and fall lawyers at Lever & Ecker to learn more about your options.
Why Do Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents Happen?
Unfortunately, most slip and fall accidents happen because the property owner did not maintain the safety of the property. Common causes of slip and fall accidents in New York include:
- Food or drink spills
- Recently mopped or waxed floors
- Soapsuds or cleaning solutions without “Wet Floor” warnings
- Rain or mud that pools on the floor from shoes or umbrellas
- Puddles caused by leaks
- Melting ice or snow on floors
- Accumulated ice or snow on sidewalks
- Naturally slippery surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Maximum occupancy violations
Common causes of trip and fall accidents in New York include:
- Broken or cracked walkways or sidewalks
- Sudden changes in slope
- Unexpected steps without adequate “Watch Your Step” warnings
- Potholes
- Worn-down walkways
- Ripped or bunched-up carpets, runners, or rugs
- Loose or broken floorboards, tiles, handrails, balcony rails, or stairs
- Staircases with an uneven elevation between stairs
- Poorly designed ramps
- Objects that fall from shelves or displays or stick out into aisles
- Poor lighting
- Maximum occupancy violations
Stores will often attempt to cram too many products or people into too small of an area. When things get busy, their staff might fail to inspect the floors or respond quickly to hazards, such as spills. They might not even have enough staff to provide adequate safety inspections or maintenance.
These could all be examples of negligence on the part of the property owner. An experienced White Plains slip/trip and fall attorney can help you understand the property owner’s responsibilities in your situation and whether you might be entitled to compensation under state law.
What Should You Do after a Slip/Trip and Fall Accident?
Since slips, trips and falls are so familiar, many people fail to realize how dangerous these accidents can be. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults age 65 and over. If you have suffered a slip and fall as the result of the negligence of another, there are several critical steps you – and, ideally, your attorneys – should take to protect your rights:
- Report the slip/trip and fall accident to management or the property owner. Make sure you tell someone about your fall right away and file an official accident report, if possible.
- Collect evidence from the scene. While still at the property where you experienced your slip or trip and fall, take photographs of the area and write down any details you can recall relative to your accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Waiting to request medical care for your injuries could give the negligent party’s insurer a reason to deny your claim for compensation, on the basis that you weren’t actually injured at their location. Seek medical attention to protect yourself and your legal rights as soon as possible after the accident.
- Contact a slip, trip, and fall attorney. Call the personal injury attorneys at Lever & Ecker to discuss your fall, your damages and your rights. In the event we undertake your representation as your lawyers, our skilled attorneys can relieve you of the many complicated and stressful steps associated with pursuing your legal case.
- Report the accident to the insurance company. Your attorney can work to identify the party responsible for your fall and injuries, such as the business, landlord or municipality. Then, your attorney will file a claim (lawsuit) on your behalf with the wrongdoing defendant’s insurance provider, to pursue the compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries.
- Negotiate for the settlement to which you are entitled. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses (such as medical expenses, lost income, etc.). You can participate in negotiations as much or as little as you would like, but your personal injury attorney will always negotiate on behalf of your best interests.
- Go to trial. If we are unable to reach a fair settlement with the negligent party’s insurance carrier out-of-court, the personal injury attorneys at Lever & Ecker will represent you throughout the trial process.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed because of a dangerous or slippery condition, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the laws of our state.
Who Is Liable for a Slip, Trip, and Fall, Accident in a Public Place?
In our state, slip, trip, and fall accidents are governed by New York premises liability law, which falls within the broader field of personal injury law. In New York, property owners are generally liable for any failure to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for patrons.
Most businesses carry a liability insurance policy to cover injuries that happen within their premises. In most cases, it is the insurance company that ultimately pays the accident victim, through the applicable insurance policy. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always initially agree to offer victims a fair settlement, which is why hiring a slip, trip and fall lawyer, with experience handling insurance companies, is so important.
Depending on the circumstances, you may have a claim against the property owner, the management company, the tenant or all of them. Further, you claim may extend to yet other individuals or entities who may also be responsible for your fall and injuries.
A note about injuries on property owner or managed by a municipality: While it may be possible to pursue a slip/trip and fall action for compensation against a city, county, or state, you should know that numerous special rules may apply in these situations, including, perhaps most importantly, very short time limits in which to bring such actions. It is best to talk with an experienced White Plains slip/trip and fall lawyer about your legal options when considering pursuing a claim against a government entity.
A further note about slip/trip and fall accidents on sidewalks in White Plains or New York City: The issue of sidewalk liability in New York is complex, and the rules vary widely between municipalities (cities, towns, villages, etc.). The New York personal injury attorneys at Lever & Ecker can help you determine the parties that could be held liable for your sidewalk slip/trip and fall accident.
Learn Who Could Be Held Liable for Your Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries
Schedule a free case evaluation with our team today.
What Happens If I Suffered a Slip/Trip and Fall Accident at Someone’s House or Apartment?
If you slipped and fell, or tripped and fell, while on private or residential property, and you believe the homeowner is to blame, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries under their homeowner’s insurance policy. If your slip/trip and fall accident happened in an apartment or rental home, you could have a claim against the landlord or the tenant.
Understandably, people are sometimes reluctant to pursue a claim against someone they know, such as a friend or family member. However, it is essential to remember that in most cases, the compensation for your damages will ultimately come from the insurance company, not from the person you may know. In fact, homeowners are often very supportive of their friends or relatives pursuing recovery under their home insurance policies.
You should not have to bear the burden of your injuries just because the negligent (at-fault) party is someone you know. The White Plains slip/trip and fall lawyers at Lever & Ecker can help you navigate these sensitive situations with grace.
How Long Does a Slip/Trip and Fall Accident Claim Take?
How long your slip/trip and fall claim will take to resolve will partially depend on the severity of your injuries.
As a general rule, it is vital to give yourself a chance to heal before finalizing your case. Settling too quickly, for example, can make it impossible for you to recover additional compensation later if your injuries turn out to be more severe (or more costly) than initially expected. Some slip/trip and fall accidents are resolved in a matter of months, while others can take up to a year or more, depending on a number of factors, including the venue (county) in which your case is pursued, as some courts work far more slowly than others.
At Lever & Ecker, our personal injury attorneys understand that time is a precious commodity. An essential part of recovering from an injury is feeling that you can finally move on from the incident in which you were injured. To that end, we are committed to doing all that we can to handle your case as efficiently as possible without compromising the strength of your claim. Our ultimate goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
If you have been in a slip/trip and fall accident in White Plains or New York City and would like to learn more about how long your claim might take, we encourage you to schedule a no-cost consultation with a White Plains slip and fall accident lawyer in our office.
Why Hire Lever & Ecker, PLLC to Handle Your Slip/Trip & Fall Claim?
The New York City and White Plains personal injury attorneys at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, have over 65 years of combined experience practicing law. That experience spans virtually every area of personal injury law, from car accidents and premises liability (slip/trip and fall) claims to construction accidents, medical malpractice, and beyond. Specifically, we have a great deal of experience in handling slip/trip and fall accident claims in White Plains and New York City. We have also handled a wide range of personal injury claims in other parts of the state.
Our attorneys have successfully represented and obtained favorable outcomes for thousands of clients. While we cannot promise a particular outcome in any given legal matter, we do take each matter and client personally. That means giving you the time and attention you deserve and always fighting tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our White Plains Slip/Trip and Fall Lawyers
If you have been injured while on someone else’s property in New York, no matter what the circumstances may have been, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your situation confidentially with an experienced attorney. Please do not sign a settlement agreement with an insurance company or property owner until you have had a chance to speak with an experienced slip/trip and fall lawyer, as signing such an agreement could terminate or otherwise permanently impact your legal rights. You may be entitled to more compensation than you realize.
Lever & Ecker is a New York personal injury law firm located in White Plains that serves clients throughout the state, including New York City’s five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island), as well as Westchester County, Rockland County, Long Island, and the entire Empire State. We are proud to offer bilingual legal representation for our Spanish-speaking clients. We will not charge a fee for our services unless we successfully recover compensation for your losses. Your initial consultation is entirely free and without obligation.
To schedule a free, confidential consultation for your slip/trip and fall accident, give us a call at (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632, or complete our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in White Plains
How much is a slip and fall accident case worth?
The amount of money your case is worth will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. This includes the extent of your injuries, such as whether they are permanent or surgery was required, any lost income as a result of your injuries, and out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred from your injuries. A personal injury lawyer will be better able to estimate the value of your slip and fall case.
Who is responsible for paying for my medical bills?
Property owners (and sometimes companies they hire) are generally responsible to maintain a premises in a safe condition. If you are the victim of a slip and fall incident, you may need to use your health insurance to pay for your medical bills, but you may be entitled to reimbursement and compensation regarding those bills, as well as future medical costs, if it can be shown that the property owner was responsible for your accident and injuries. If you do not have health insurance, do not let that stop you from seeking medical treatment. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss potential alternative options or speak to your medical provider.
What steps should I take if I was injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else's property?
- Seek medical attention. Your health and well-being should be your top priority after suffering from a slip and fall.
- Document as much as you can. Take photos of the scene and the exact cause of your fall, write down every detail you remember, and collect contact information from anyone involved, including witnesses.
- Report the accident to a manager, landlord, or owner. Make sure to get a written report of the accident and to request a copy of the report for your own documents.
- Refrain from providing any statements. Do not post anything on social media about your accident and decline to give statements to insurance companies until after you have consulted an attorney.
What if my slip and fall accident happens on public property or a sidewalk? Can I still sue?
If you slip and fall on public or government owned property, the local municipality, city or town could be held liable, depending on the nature of the defect that caused the injury and the laws and rules of the particular municipality.
It is vital to be mindful of the strict deadlines regarding claims against municipalities, including, typically (but not always), 90 days to serve (pursuant to applicable law) a Notice of Claim, and one year and 90 days (New York’s personal injury statute of limitations) to commence the lawsuit. If either of those deadlines is missed, the claim may be forever barred. Therefore, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your slip and fall accident to ensure your rights and the accompanying applicable deadlines are protected.
What mistakes should I avoid after a slip and fall accident?
After a slip and fall accident, getting medical attention is critical, not only for your health but also to create documentation of your injuries and complaints that could be valuable when pursuing a claim. Also, avoid discussing the accident with anyone (including your insurance carrier), pointing any blame, or posting about the incident on social media.
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