Philadelphia and New York Slip and Fall Lawyers

A slip and fall can happen at any time and in any place, from a slick supermarket aisle to an icy sidewalk outside a business. While some slips are minor, others can cause serious, life-altering injuries. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in Philadelphia or New York, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Campos Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of these accidents get the justice and financial recovery they deserve.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident falls under the legal category of premises liability. This area of law holds property owners and managers responsible for injuries that occur on their premises due to a dangerous or hazardous condition. Whether the property is commercial or private, the owner has a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, they can be held liable.

In Philadelphia and New York, a successful slip and fall case requires proving a few key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The property owner owed you a legal duty to keep the premises safe. This duty varies depending on your status as a visitor (e.g., invitee, licensee, or trespasser).
2. Breach of Duty: The property owner breached this duty by failing to address a hazardous condition. This could be a wet floor without a warning sign, an uneven walkway, or poor lighting.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered actual injuries and losses (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).

Our attorneys at The Campos Firm have a deep understanding of premises liability law in both Pennsylvania and New York. We know how to investigate your accident, collect the necessary evidence, and build a strong case that proves the property owner’s negligence.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can be caused by a wide range of preventable hazards. Some of the most common causes we see in Philadelphia and New York include:

• Wet or slippery floors from spills, cleaning, or bad weather without proper warning signs.
• Icy or snowy walkways that have not been properly shoveled or salted.
• Uneven flooring, loose floorboards, or broken tiles.
• Torn or bunched-up carpets.
• Clutter or debris left in walkways.
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking lots.
• Broken or missing handrails on stairs.
• Hidden electrical cords or other tripping hazards.
• Potholes or cracks in parking lots and sidewalks.

It is a property owner’s responsibility to regularly inspect their premises and address these hazards promptly. If they were aware of the dangerous condition—or should have been aware—and did nothing to fix it or warn visitors, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Our legal team will work to uncover the evidence needed to prove that the property owner was negligent. This can include security camera footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

The moments right after a slip and fall accident are critical for your health and for the strength of any future legal claim. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the number one priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor. Some serious injuries, like a traumatic brain injury or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. A medical record will also serve as vital evidence linking your injuries to the accident.
2. Report the Accident: Inform the property owner or manager about the accident. Ask them to create an official accident report. Do not admit fault or say you’re “fine.”
3. Document Everything: If possible, take photos and videos of the scene. Capture the hazard that caused you to fall, your injuries, and the general area. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
4. Preserve Evidence: Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing. Do not wash them or throw them away, as they may contain important evidence.
5. Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies: The property owner’s insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. Do not accept it or give a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer. Their goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible.
6. Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer: The sooner you contact an attorney at The Campos Firm, the better. We can guide you through the process, handle all communications with the insurance company, and begin our investigation.

Types of Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which are very serious and require extensive medical care. Our attorneys have helped clients recover compensation for:

• Broken bones and fractures (wrists, ankles, hips, etc.).
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from hitting your head on a hard surface.
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to chronic pain or even paralysis.
• Sprains and strains to ligaments and muscles.
• Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs.
• Dislocations of joints.
• Cuts and bruises.

The costs associated with these injuries can be substantial. You may face medical bills for hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications. You may also miss time from work, resulting in lost wages. A severe injury could even lead to long-term disability, preventing you from returning to your job.

Why You Need a Philadelphia or New York Slip and Fall Lawyer

Navigating a premises liability claim on your own can be challenging. Property owners and their insurance companies often have powerful legal teams working to deny or minimize your claim. They may try to argue that you were at fault for your accident, or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

An experienced slip and fall lawyer from The Campos Firm will be your advocate. We will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your accident and identify the responsible parties.
• Gather and analyze crucial evidence, including accident reports, maintenance logs, and security footage.
• Interview witnesses and consult with medical and financial experts to accurately assess your damages.
• Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company.
• Fight for a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of upfront legal fees.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia or New York, don’t wait. The statute of limitations limits the time you have to file a claim. Contact The Campos Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We will review the details of your accident and help you understand your legal options.