A premise liability lawyer practices in the area of law that deals with specific personal injuries, such as slip and fall accidents. Property owners and others are required to ensure their facilities and exteriors are well-maintained to prevent potential personal injuries to others.
When properties are not well-maintained, they can lead to accidents that cause personal injuries, like slips and falls. From uneven sidewalks, slippery floors, and icy walkways to broken stairs and ripped carpeting, there are all sorts of potential slip and fall hazards. While anyone could be injured from a Premise Liability accident, older adults have a much higher risk.
Premise Liability: Slip and Fall Statistics
Older adults who are injured from a slip and fall accident are more likely to be hospitalized. In some cases, due to the extent of injuries, they will die. According to the New York State Department of Health, every day in 2014 resulted in 304 emergency room visits, 143 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths from slip and fall accidents in adults aged 65 and older.1
In New York City, there are approximately 9,900 slip and fall accidents involving older adults each year. Most of these occur in the home. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 12% of slips and falls occur in residential institutions, 7% occur on a public street, highway, and 28% occur in other locations, such as retail stores, subway terminals, and so on.2
In addition, out of all reasons for hospitalization in older adults, slips and falls are the top reasons in NYC. The financial costs for hospitalizations from slips and falls annually amounts to around $722 million, with $53 million just for emergency room visits.2
Why You Should Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer
If the property owner was aware there were potential hazards that might lead to injuries, they can be held accountable to pay for your injuries from a slip and fall accident. However, what typically occurs after an accident is the property owner’s insurance company will contact you directly to make a settlement offer.
Their objective is to get you to settle for the least amount possible. Often, they will make the settlement sound good enough to get you to sign a waiver that prevents you from suing the property owner and claiming any future medical claims related to your injuries.
Unfortunately, slip and fall injuries, especially in older adults, can take much longer to heal, which could require future medical care and treatment beyond what the insurance company is offering. In addition, you could be entitled to a much larger settlement. To protect your interests, it is best to consult with an accident lawyer in NYC to ensure what is being offered is truly representative of the compensation you deserve.
For sound legal advice regarding your slip and fall accident and recovering damages for your injuries, please feel free to contact The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. at (212) 970-6500 for a free consultation today!
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