BUFFALO SLIP AND FALL LAWYERS

Every slip and fall case is different, but most personal injury claims in Buffalo are evaluated using a few common factors. When determining whether you may have a valid claim, we typically look at the following:

• Damages were suffered: Slip and fall claims are brought to recover damages such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. To pursue a claim, the injury must involve meaningful losses, though what qualifies can vary under New York law.
• Another party was at fault: To seek compensation from a property owner’s insurance company, their negligence must have caused or contributed to your injuries. This may involve unsafe conditions that were ignored or not properly addressed.
• Insurance coverage is available: Most slip and fall claims are pursued through insurance rather than directly against the property owner. The responsible party must have sufficient insurance coverage to address medical costs and other losses related to the injury.

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If you’re hurt in a slip and fall accident in Buffalo, your first concern should be your health. Getting medical care as soon as possible is important, even if your injuries appear minor. Some injuries take time to surface, and early medical documentation helps establish your condition.

If the accident happened at a business or other commercial property, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request that an incident report be completed. If you’re able, document the scene by taking photos or videos, particularly of the condition that caused the fall. If there were witnesses, collect their names and contact information, as their accounts may be helpful later.

During your recovery, keep track of your medical treatment, any time missed from work, and the ways the injury has affected your daily activities. These details can play an important role if you pursue a claim.

It can also be helpful to speak with a personal injury attorney in Buffalo. An experienced lawyer can explain your legal options, guide you through the process, and help protect your rights.

The statute of limitations is a legally defined time limit for how long someone has to file a lawsuit. This varies depending on your type of case and your state.

If you’ve experienced a slip and fall in Buffalo, it’s important to file your claim within the required period following the accident. Missing this deadline may affect your ability to seek compensation.

However, it’s best to consult with an attorney in Buffalo as soon as possible after the incident, as gathering evidence and building a case can take time. Your attorney can also assist you with filing everything correctly and on time.

The time it takes to resolve a slip and fall case can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the claim, the seriousness of the injuries, and whether the property owner’s insurance company is willing to negotiate a fair settlement.

Some slip and fall cases may be resolved in a matter of months, while others can take a year or longer if the case proceeds to litigation. At Morgan & Morgan, we work to move cases forward as efficiently as possible while still pursuing the full compensation our Buffalo clients deserve.

Our army of over 1,000 trial-ready attorneys is prepared to fight to the very end for the compensation our clients in Buffalo need and deserve to move forward with their lives. When you work with Morgan & Morgan, your attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case every step of the way.

Slip and fall cases can be complex, especially when property owners or insurance companies dispute responsibility. At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys have experience representing injured clients in Buffalo and similar cases, and we understand what it takes to pursue accountability and compensation.

As America’s Largest Injury Law Firm, with more than 1,000 attorneys nationwide, we have the resources and legal knowledge to take on powerful insurance companies and negligent property owners. Our size allows us to investigate claims thoroughly, build strong cases, and push back when responsibility is denied.

We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs to you. You only pay if compensation is recovered. This approach reflects our belief that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.

If a property owner’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the consequences alone. Morgan & Morgan is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured people in Buffalo understand their options and move forward. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your next steps.

Morgan & Morgan’s slip & fall lawyers in Buffalo, New York, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right; the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

The amount of compensation you can recover from a slip and fall lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and the impact on your life. Generally, compensation may cover medical bills related to your injuries, lost wages from missed work while recovering, financial relief for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the accident (pain and suffering), diminished quality of life, permanent disability, or even future loss of earning capacity.

Since every case is unique, the amount of compensation will vary. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan in Buffalo, New York, can assess your case and give you a clearer picture of what you may be entitled to. You can learn more with a free case evaluation.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan in Buffalo, New York, are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation. Hiring one of our slip & fall lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Your case in Buffalo, New York, will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for any upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way. These meetings can be handled in person, virtually, and by phone, depending on your case’s requirements and your ability to do so.

If you’re injured in a slip and fall at an apartment building in Buffalo, it’s not always immediately clear whether your landlord may be legally responsible. Whether you can pursue a claim depends on New York law and the specific circumstances of the incident.

In general, landlords are responsible for keeping common areas, such as hallways, stairwells, parking lots, and entryways, in reasonably safe condition. If a dangerous condition exists in one of these areas and the landlord knew, or should have known, about it but failed to correct the problem, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.

Liability is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Courts may consider factors such as how long the hazardous condition existed, how dangerous it was, and whether the landlord had a reasonable opportunity to address it. In certain situations, a landlord may also be held liable for slip and fall injuries that occur inside a tenant’s apartment.

When a new tenant moves into an apartment in Buffalo, the landlord is generally required to disclose known defects that would not be discovered during a reasonable inspection. Failing to disclose these conditions could result in liability if an injury occurs. Additionally, landlords may be responsible for injuries inside an apartment when the accident involves a violation of a building code or local ordinance.

Because landlord liability depends heavily on the facts of each case and applicable local laws, understanding your rights often requires a closer review of the situation.

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit in Buffalo, New York, even if you didn’t report the slip and fall accident right away. However, reporting the incident as soon as possible strengthens your case, as it creates an official record of what happened. If you didn’t report it immediately, you’ll need to provide other compelling evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements from people who saw the accident, medical records that tie your injury directly to the fall, or photographs or videos showing the hazardous condition.

A Morgan & Morgan attorney in Buffalo can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case, even if there was a delay in reporting the incident.

Airbnb has become a popular alternative to hotels for visitors and residents in Buffalo, offering short-term stays in private homes and other properties. While these rentals can be convenient and affordable, questions often arise when a guest is injured on the property, particularly when it comes to responsibility and insurance coverage.

Airbnb provides its hosts with Host Protection Insurance, which typically serves as the primary insurance coverage during a guest’s stay. This policy generally includes up to $1 million in coverage per incident. If a guest is injured in a slip and fall at an Airbnb property, compensation for medical bills and other related losses is often pursued through this insurance.

According to Airbnb’s materials, this coverage applies on a per-occurrence basis for accidents involving bodily injury or property damage that occur during a guest’s stay. Determining how coverage applies, however, can depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the condition of the property at the time of the fall.

If you were injured in a slip and fall on government property in Buffalo, New York, you can file a lawsuit, but there are extra steps to follow. First, you need to submit a notice of your claim to the government. If they deny your claim or don’t respond, you may then file a lawsuit. Because the process is more complex than regular slip and fall cases, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney who has experience with these types of claims.

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere in Buffalo, from grocery stores and shopping centers to sidewalks, apartment buildings, and workplaces. These accidents are often caused by preventable hazards. Understanding the most common situations can help determine when compensation may be available.

• Wet or slippery surfaces: One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is wet flooring. Spills, leaks, cleaning activities, or tracked-in rainwater can create dangerous conditions. Property owners are responsible for addressing these hazards promptly or providing clear warnings when floors are wet.
• Uneven flooring or sidewalks: Cracked pavement, broken tiles, loose floorboards, torn carpeting, and raised sidewalks can all lead to serious falls. These conditions often develop over time, and property owners are generally expected to repair or clearly mark uneven surfaces.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see hazards such as wet spots, steps, or changes in elevation. This is especially dangerous in stairwells, parking lots, hallways, and building entrances. Maintaining proper lighting is typically part of a property owner’s responsibility.
• Clutter and obstacles: Items left in walkways, such as debris, cords, merchandise, or equipment, create tripping hazards, particularly in high-traffic areas. Property owners and employees are expected to keep walking paths clear and safe.
• Defective or broken staircases: Loose steps, uneven stair heights, or broken handrails frequently contribute to fall-related injuries. Staircases must be properly maintained and comply with safety standards, as falls on stairs often result in severe injuries like head trauma or spinal damage.
• Weather-related conditions: Rain and storms can create slippery entryways, wet floors, and slick sidewalks. While property owners can’t control the weather, they are generally expected to take reasonable steps to reduce risk, such as using floor mats, clearing walkways, and addressing known hazards.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall or another accident on someone else’s property in Buffalo, New York, you have the right to hold the property owner accountable for their negligence. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.

Premises liability law holds property owners in Buffalo, New York, responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. This applies to various settings, such as homes, businesses, apartment buildings, and public spaces in the city. The key to a successful premises liability claim is proving that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury.

You must demonstrate that:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care: This duty varies depending on your status as a visitor. For example, customers are owed the highest duty of care in retail spaces, while trespassers are generally afforded less protection.
• They breached that duty: The property owner failed to fix or warn you about hazardous conditions, such as a wet floor or broken handrail.
• The breach caused your injury: There must be a clear connection between the unsafe condition and your injury.
• You suffered damages: You must show that your injury led to damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

To do this, gather evidence, such as photographs or videos of the hazard, witness statements, incident reports, and medical records from your injuries and treatment. Report the accident to the property owner to create a record of the incident. Finally, contact a slip and fall lawyer at Morgan & Morgan in Buffalo.

Premises liability claims can be complex, and having an experienced attorney in Buffalo, New York, by your side will increase your chances of a successful outcome. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 35 years of experience handling premises liability cases, and we know what it takes to hold negligent property owners accountable. Our attorneys work diligently to gather evidence and build a compelling case that proves the property owner’s responsibility for your injury.

If negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company in Buffalo, New York, don’t result in a fair settlement, your attorney may advise filing a premises liability lawsuit. This formal legal action seeks to hold the property owner legally and financially responsible for your injury. Compensation can cover various damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering.

A slip and fall injury may not seem serious at first, but the consequences can be lasting and severe. These accidents often lead to physical, emotional, and financial challenges that extend well beyond the initial injury. For many people in Buffalo, the effects can impact nearly every aspect of daily life.

Physical Impact

The most immediate effects of a slip and fall are physical injuries, which can range from mild to life-altering. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, wrists, ankles, or hips are especially common, particularly among older adults.
• Head injuries: Falls can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures, sometimes leading to lasting cognitive or physical limitations.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine may result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or paralysis in severe cases.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears can cause persistent pain and often require lengthy rehabilitation.

Many of these injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or extended hospital stays, disrupting daily routines and limiting independence.

Emotional Impact

Slip and fall injuries can also take a significant emotional toll. Victims in Buffalo may experience:

• Anxiety and fear: It’s common to feel uneasy walking in public spaces, or even at home, out of fear of falling again.
• Depression: Loss of mobility, independence, or the ability to work can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or hopelessness.
• Social isolation: Injuries that limit movement or activity can make it difficult to participate in social events, leading to loneliness and emotional distress.

These emotional effects are a real part of recovery, and mental anguish is an important consideration in slip and fall cases.

Financial Impact

The financial consequences of a slip and fall injury can be overwhelming. Medical care and recovery-related expenses often add up quickly, especially without adequate compensation. Common financial challenges include:

• Medical bills: Emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment can create substantial costs.
• Lost wages: Time away from work may result in weeks or months of lost income. In some cases, injuries limit a person’s ability to return to their previous job or reduce their future earning capacity.
• Rehabilitation and long-term care: Physical therapy, home modifications, and assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs can add further financial strain.

A successful slip and fall claim can help cover these expenses, easing financial pressure during recovery.

Impact on Quality of Life

Serious slip and fall injuries can permanently affect the quality of a person’s life. Many victims face ongoing challenges, including:

• Loss of mobility: Fractures or spinal injuries can make it difficult to move freely or perform everyday tasks.
• Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort may interfere with sleep, work, and recreational activities.
• Loss of independence: Some individuals require help with daily care or mobility, relying on others or needing assisted living arrangements.

In some cases, these changes are permanent, leaving victims with a reduced ability to enjoy hobbies, maintain relationships, and fully participate in everyday life.

To successfully prove that a property owner’s negligence caused your slip and fall accident in Buffalo, New York, you’ll need to gather solid evidence, including:

• Photographs or videos of the hazardous condition: Capture images of the wet floor, broken steps, uneven surfaces, or any other dangerous condition that caused your fall in Buffalo, New York.
• Witness statements: Collect statements from anyone who saw the accident or can confirm the hazardous condition.
• Incident reports: If the accident happened at a business or other commercial property in Buffalo, New York, ask for an incident report and make sure to obtain a copy.
• Medical records: Ensure your medical records document your injuries and the treatment you’ve received, as well as how the injury affects your daily life.
• Maintenance logs or inspection reports: These can show whether the property in Buffalo, New York, was regularly checked for hazards or if safety standards were neglected.

All of this evidence can help prove that the property owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents.

If a property owner in Buffalo, New York, claims they were unaware of the hazardous condition that caused your slip and fall, you can still hold them liable if you can prove negligence. Property owners are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions, and this includes regularly inspecting their premises for potential hazards.

To strengthen your case in Buffalo, New York, gather evidence such as:

• Photos or videos of the hazardous condition.
• Witness statements from others who saw the condition.
• Maintenance logs showing whether the property was regularly inspected and maintained.

If the hazardous condition had existed for a long time or was obvious, the owner’s claim of unawareness might not absolve them of responsibility.