If you’ve suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident in a New York City hospital, you might wonder about your legal options. Under New York law, property owners—and hospitals are no exception—owe a duty of care to all lawful visitors to keep the premises reasonably safe. When hospitals fail to uphold this standard, such as by neglecting spills or other hazards, they can be held legally responsible. Underlying this obligation is the principle that if the hospital’s negligence directly caused your accident, you might have a strong basis for a claim. If you were injured in a slip and fall due to dangerous hospital premises conditions, read this blog and contact a Bronx slip and fall lawyer from our firm today.
Which conditions most frequently lead to slip and fall accidents in hospitals?
Hospitals, bustling with activity and constant foot traffic, present various dangers that could result in a slip and fall. The top ten hazards typically include:
- Spilled liquids that are not promptly cleaned up.
- Recently mopped or waxed floors without adequate warning signs.
- Cluttered hallways obstructing clear paths.
- Poor lighting, making it difficult to notice potential obstacles.
- Uneven surfaces, such as poorly maintained flooring or transitional areas.
- Loose or unsecured mats and rugs.
- Electrical cords or medical equipment left in walkways.
- Bathroom accidents where floors remain wet.
- Inadequate stairway maintenance or faulty handrails.
- Weather-related hazards, particularly in entrances and exits.
What steps should you take if you’re injured in a hospital slip and fall?
Immediately after an accident, it’s crucial to report the incident to hospital staff and ensure it’s officially recorded. Seek medical attention right away, not only for your health but also to document your injuries in your medical records; this is vital for any future legal action.
You should also hire an attorney with extensive experience handling slip and fall cases, who can help navigate the complex layers of hospital bureaucracy and insurance negotiations, aiming to secure the compensation you deserve.
Remember, in New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, such as slip and fall accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident, so timely action is crucial.
If you have any further questions or would like to speak with our firm, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
