Trip-and-fall accidents can lead to significant injuries, and victims are often unsure of who could have been responsible. Many of these types of accidents are due to a property owner, or land occupier’s negligence and failure to keep areas reasonably safe. If you’ve suffered injuries in a fall on a sidewalk, in a parking lot, stairwell, or due to another hazardous area, Forest Hills trip-and-fall lawyer Michael J. Redenburg can help you determine your legal options. Injuries from a fall can range from broken bones to traumatic head injuries, any of which at the very least means medical bills and time missed from work. Often victims need financial assistance to cope with the costs of their injuries. Mr. Redenburg is dedicated to making sure the parties responsible for your harm are the ones that pay. If you’ve been injured due to a trip-and-fall incident, call our office at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online to find out more about how we can help.
Trip-And-Fall Accidents in Forest Hills
The population of Forest Hills is over 76,000, with twenty percent of these residents being 65 years or older. Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of significant, life-threatening injuries due to a fall. Trip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere if a person’s foot strikes an object, or from a dangerous condition that is present on a sidewalk, floor, or other surface. In Forest Hills, these accidents may occur while antique shopping on Metropolitan Avenue or browsing stores along Austin Street. A trip-and-fall accident can also occur in neighborhoods, especially those where sidewalk upkeep is lacking. If you or a loved one has suffered significant injuries in a fall and do not know your legal options, a knowledgeable Forest Hills trip-and-fall attorney can help assess who might be at fault.
In New York City, there are numerous walk-up buildings, which can lead to regulations regarding staircase safety. The Property Maintenance Code of New York sets guidelines for commercial and multi-unit buildings, while the Residential Code of New York regulates staircase management for smaller family homes. Building owners and property management companies must adhere to these regulations which include stipulations regarding railings, lighting, as well as keeping stairways free from debris or other tripping hazards. Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to injuries, as well as liability.
Sidewalks are another common site of trip-and-fall accidents, especially in Forest Hills and around New York City. As heavy foot traffic is often present, even the most careful pedestrian may not be able to navigate cracks or holes in the pavement. In NYC, the owner of property adjacent to the sidewalk is often the one responsible for maintaining and keeping that part of the sidewalk free from hazardous conditions. Victims of a sidewalk trip and fall accident may have a claim against the owner of the property that runs next to the section of sidewalk their injury occurred.
Premises liability lawsuits may be brought against negligent property owners. To prevail in these types of cases, it must be shown the owner was aware, or should have been aware, of a dangerous condition and failed to take necessary steps to either fix them or warn of their existence. A seasoned trip-and-fall lawyer in Forest Hills can assist in making sure you have the necessary evidence to show liability. Victims injured in trip-and-fall accidents may be entitled to damages in the form of past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. In New York City, premises liability suits generally must be filed within three years from the date of a victim’s injury.
Legal Representation for Forest Hills Trip-and-Fall Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trip-and-fall accident in Forest Hills, injury lawyer Michael J. Redenburg can help you pursue proper legal action against those responsible. Mr. Redenburg offers compassionate and zealous legal representation for clients throughout New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. If you have questions regarding your legal options following a trip-and-fall incident, call our office at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online today to speak with an attorney and see how we can help get the Wheels of Justice spinning for you!