Nassau County Slip and Fall Lawyer

Experienced Nassau County Premises Liability Lawyer Helping Long Island Residents Recover Meaningful Compensation for Their Fall-Related Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—whether it’s at the grocery store, a restaurant, or even someone’s home. And while some falls end in only minor injuries, these accidents can lead to severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., our Nassau County slip and fall attorney helps victims navigate the challenges they confront when seeking the compensation they need—and deserve—from negligent property owners.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards

Slip and fall accidents typically occur when property owners don’t take the necessary precautions to ensure their visitor’s safety. While property owners are not legally required to protect guests against all harm, they are responsible for preventing some common hazards, including:

• Wet or Slippery Floors: One of the most frequent causes of slip and fall accidents is a wet or slippery surface, often due to spills or recently mopped floors. If the area is not marked with a “wet floor” sign or addressed promptly, it can lead to accidents.
• Uneven Flooring or Potholes: Broken tiles, uneven sidewalks, or large cracks in the pavement can cause people to trip and fall. Property owners are responsible for maintaining these surfaces or at least warning visitors of potential hazards.
• Loose or Missing Handrails: Staircases without secure handrails or with broken steps create a dangerous environment for anyone walking on them. If a handrail gives way or a step is unstable, the risk of falling increases significantly.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots can make it difficult to see obstacles, causing individuals to trip over hazards that would have been avoidable with proper visibility.
• Ice and Snow: In the New York winter, icy sidewalks and parking lots are a common hazard. Property owners have a duty to clear snow and ice in a timely manner to prevent falls.

If you’ve been injured while on another’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under New York’s premises liability laws. However, it is important to consult with an experienced Nassau County slip and fall attorney to maximize your chances of recovery.

Premises Liability Law in New York

Under New York law, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This responsibility extends to homeowners, businesses, landlords, and even municipalities. Premises liability law requires that property owners take reasonable steps to prevent hazards that could cause harm to those who visit the property.

To hold a property owner accountable in a slip and fall case, you must prove the following:

• Duty of Care: The property owner had a duty to maintain the premises safely or warn of any dangers.
• Breach of Duty: The owner failed to meet that duty by neglecting the hazard or failing to properly warn you of the danger.
• Injury: The slip and fall accident caused your injuries.
• Damages: As a result of the injury, you suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In slip and fall cases, New York courts will consider whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard. If you can prove that the dangerous condition was present long enough for the owner to take action, they may be held liable for the accident even if they didn’t have actual knowledge of the hazard.

Who Can Be Liable for a Nassau County Slip and Fall?

Liability for a slip and fall accident doesn’t always rest with one person. Depending on the circumstances, there are several parties could potentially be liable to you, including:

• Property Owners: Whether it’s a homeowner, business owner, or landlord, the individual or entity that owns the property is often responsible for maintaining a safe environment.
• Tenants: In some cases, if a tenant is renting a space and is responsible for maintaining that space, they could be held liable for accidents that occur within the leased area. This is true for both residential and commercial tenants.
• Municipalities: If you slip and fall on government property, such as a public sidewalk or in a city park, the municipality may be responsible for maintaining safe conditions. However, claims against municipalities can be more complex and often have stricter timelines for filing.
• Maintenance Companies: If a property owner hires a maintenance company to handle cleaning or repairs, the company could be held liable if their negligence led to the accident.

Determining liability in slip and fall cases can be complicated, which is why having an experienced Nassau County slip and fall attorney on your side is crucial. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we thoroughly investigate the details of your accident to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Discuss Your Case with a Dedicated Nassau County Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be facing costly medical bills, missed work, and a long recovery. You may even face long-term physical limitations that prevent you from working or living your life the way you intended. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., PC, we are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 34 years of experience handling premises liability cases, car accident cases and other types of personal injury cases, we offer personalized attention and reliable guidance every step of the way. Don’t let a slip and fall accident derail your life. Contact us today for a free consultation, and, together, we can take the first steps toward financial recovery. You can reach us through our online contact form or by calling 516-496-0062. We represent client throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.