Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere — a grocery store, a friend’s home, or even a city sidewalk. While some falls result in minor bruises, others cause serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, or lasting nerve damage. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall incident in New York, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health — and your legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries — like concussions or soft tissue damage — may not show symptoms right away. Prompt treatment not only protects your well-being, but also documents your injury for future legal claims.
2. Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, store manager, or supervisor right away. Ask for a written report of the incident and, if possible, take a photo or keep a copy for your records.
3. Document Everything
Use your phone to take pictures of:
- The exact spot where you fell
- Any hazardous condition (wet floor, loose tile, debris, etc.)
- The surrounding area (lack of warning signs, poor lighting)
If anyone witnessed your fall, ask for their contact information — their statements could support your claim later.
4. Avoid Giving Detailed Statements or Signing Anything
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the accident. Politely decline to give a recorded statement or sign any documents until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
New York premises liability law allows injured individuals to seek compensation if a property owner failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment. At Farley & Kessler, P.C., we’ve helped countless clients recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering after preventable falls.
