A slip-and-fall can happen just about anywhere, leading to significant injuries. If you have fallen victim to a slip and fall, you may wonder how you are going to afford your medical bills. Sadly, the recovery process can be overshadowed by debt, leaving you feeling helpless.
At Campbell & Associates, we understand the struggles you are facing. Our Buffalo slip-and-fall lawyers want to do everything we can to obtain the compensation you deserve. Our legal team is adamant in securing the financial resources you need to succeed.
What Places Are You at Risk of a Slip-and-Fall?
The most common places for a slip-and-fall in Buffalo to occur include:
- Grocery stores
- Shopping malls
- Parking garages
- Parking lots
- Apartment buildings
- Amusement parks
- Sidewalks
- Parks
- Hotels
- Restaurants or bars
Slip-and-Fall Causes
A slip-and-fall may be caused by:
- A wet or slick floor
- Buckling carpet
- Loose floorboards
- Loose mats or rugs
- A spilled drink or liquid
- Uneven flooring
- A cracked or broken step
- Potholes
Potential Damages in a Slip-and-Fall
Slip-and-falls can range from mild bruising to serious injuries. This may result in damages or losses caused by the accident. Damages may be economic (financial) or non-economic (non-financial).
Economic damages include any losses that take money out of your bank account, which may include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries and/or treatments
- Home modifications
- Mobility aids (i.e., crutches, wheelchairs, or walkers)
- Prosthetics
- Loss of household services
In contrast, non-economic damages are intangible losses that impact your quality of life. In a Buffalo slip-and-fall accident, these may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Disfigurement and/or scarring
- Permanent disability
- Humiliation
- Loss of consortium (derivative claim brought by a spouse or partner)
Legal Recovery for a Slip-and-Fall
A successful slip-and-fall claim depends on proving the following:
- The property owner or landlord failed to warn you or fix a potential hazard.
- The property owner failed to remedy the issue or warn you of the hazard.
- The dangerous condition directly contributed to your fall.
- As a result of the fall, you suffered compensable losses, such as lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Our Buffalo slip-and-fall attorneys have seen a wide range of cases, which allows us to determine the likelihood of winning your case. While there may be factors that reduce the property owner’s liability, that does not mean that you will be unable to obtain compensation.
Unfortunately, failing to bring your claim in time could prohibit you from recovery. In Buffalo, New York, you must bring a slip-and-fall claim to court within three years of the incident. If you miss the statute of limitations, you will most likely be barred from recovery. However, there are exceptions that may allow you to recover beyond the three-year time limit. To discuss your legal options, contact our premises liability lawyers.
Consult with Our Buffalo Slip-and-Fall Attorneys Today
A slip-and-fall can prevent you from working, taking care of your children, or performing routine tasks. Slip-and-fall victims often find it difficult to pay for their medical bills, with insurance not offering adequate compensation. In these situations, it may be necessary to file a legal claim.
For over 30 years, Campbell & Associates has provided top-tier representation to injured individuals. If you have been harmed in a slip-and-fall, our team of legal professionals would like to hear from you. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Buffalo slip-and-fall lawyers, contact our office online or by calling (716) 992-2222.
