Buffalo Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Buffalo, you’re not alone. Every year, many individuals suffer injuries due to property owner negligence, resulting in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain. If you were injured due to a fall, a slip and fall injury lawyer in Buffalo can help you recover compensation.

At Morelli Law Firm, we are committed to helping individuals like you who have been injured due to the negligence of others. To learn more, schedule a free consultation today and discover what a Buffalo personal injury lawyer can do for you.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can catch you off guard, literally. One minute you’re walking down a hallway or shopping aisle, the next you’re on the ground, hurting and disoriented. As a Buffalo resident, it’s vital to understand that slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time.

Business owners and property managers have a responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. This includes regularly inspecting floors for hazards, cleaning up spills immediately, and installing handrails or non-slip mats in areas prone to moisture. 

You, as a visitor, can also take steps to protect yourself. Be mindful of your surroundings, avoid distractions while walking, and wear shoes with good traction.

Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Accident

When you’re building a case for a slip and fall injury, you need to prove that the property owner’s negligence led to your accident. You’ll want to establish that there were hazardous conditions on the premises, such as uneven flooring or inadequate lighting, that the owner knew or should have known about. 

Witness statements and surveillance footage can be vital in supporting your claim and helping you hold the responsible party accountable.

Establishing Negligent Conditions

Property owners often create or fail to address hazardous conditions on their premises, putting visitors at risk of serious injury. You may have fallen victim to a property owner’s negligence if you’ve slipped on a wet floor, tripped over a broken step, or fallen down a staircase with broken handrails. These property hazards can be prevented with proper maintenance and repairs.

Floor defects, such as uneven surfaces, broken tiles, or loose carpets, are common causes of slip and fall accidents. Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. If they fail to address these hazards, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. 

As you go through the legal process, it is vital to gather evidence of the hazardous conditions and demonstrate how the property owner’s negligence contributed to your accident. By establishing negligent conditions, you can build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.

Witness Statements Matter

Witness statements can be a crucial element in proving liability in a slip and fall case, as they provide valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding your accident. These statements can help establish what happened, who was involved, and what factors contributed to the incident. 

As you prepare your case, it is imperative to gather witness statements that support your claim.

Surveillance Footage Review

As you build a strong case for your slip and fall injury, gathering witness statements is just the beginning. You’ll also need to secure and review any available surveillance footage that may have captured the incident. This footage can be a vital piece of evidence in proving liability, as it can provide an objective account of what happened.

Your lawyer will work to identify and obtain any relevant footage, whether it’s from security cameras, traffic cameras, or other sources. Once obtained, the footage will undergo a thorough video analysis to identify pivotal details, such as the location, time, and circumstances of the incident. 

It’s vital to act quickly in preserving this footage, as it can be deleted or destroyed if not properly requested and stored. Your lawyer will work to ensure that the footage is preserved and protected, so it can be used as evidence in your case. 

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in New York

When you’re considering a slip and fall claim in New York, it’s vital to understand the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing your lawsuit. Typically, you have three years from the date of the incident to file, but there are exceptions to this rule that can either shorten or extend the timeframe. 

You need to be aware of these exceptions and time limits to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries.

Filing Deadline Exceptions

In New York, you typically have three years from the date of your slip and fall accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. However, there are exceptions to this rule that can result in either a longer or shorter filing period.

These exceptions include:

• Government claims: If you’re suing a government agency, you may have a shorter deadline to file a notice of claim, which can be as little as 90 days.
• Tolling agreements: You and the defendant can agree to toll, or pause, the statute of limitations, giving you more time to file your lawsuit.
• Discovery rule: The clock may not start ticking until you discover, or should have discovered, the injury or its cause.
• Minor or incapacitated plaintiffs: If you were a minor or incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until you turn 18 or regain capacity.

It’s crucial to understand these exceptions, as they can substantially impact your ability to seek justice and compensatory damages for your injuries. Consult with an experienced Buffalo slip and fall injury lawyer to verify you’re meeting the necessary deadlines and protecting your rights.

Working With a Buffalo Slip and Fall Injury Attorney

Several factors contribute to the success of a slip and fall injury claim in Buffalo, but one essential element is working with an experienced slip and fall injury attorney serving Buffalo. You need a lawyer who understands the intricacies of personal injury law and has a proven track record of securing fair compensation for clients.

When you work with an experienced attorney, you can expect:

• A thorough case evaluation to determine the strength of your claim and identify potential pitfalls
• Guidance on the legal process, including filing paperwork and meeting deadlines
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to secure fair compensation
• Representation in court if a settlement can’t be reached

Your attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to communicating with witnesses. This allows you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer works to secure the compensation you deserve. At the Morelli Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless you win your case. 

This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without incurring upfront costs. By working with our team, you can level the playing field and increase your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries.

Reach Out to an Experienced Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Serving Buffalo Today

Now that you’ve learned about the circumstances of slip and fall accidents, it’s essential to take action if you’ve been injured. Don’t hesitate to contact the Morelli Law Firm, where our dedicated Buffalo slip and fall injury attorneys can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve. 

With our guidance, you’ll have a stronger chance of securing the justice and financial support you need to move forward with your life. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Give us a call or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.