Slip & Fall Information Center
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Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents
Q: What is a "licensee?"
A: Under common law principles, a licensee is a person who enters the premises with the landowner's express or implied permission for his or her own purposes rather than for the landowner's benefit. An example of a licensee is a social guest. An owner or occupier of land has a duty to warn a licensee of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm if it is known to the owner or occupier and not likely to be discovered by the licensee.
Q. I was invited to a neighbor's house for a party and was injured while I was there. Can I recover for my injuries?
A: Under common law principles, a property owner's duty to an entrant depends on the entrant's legal status as an invitee, licensee or trespasser. A social guest, such as a person invited to a party, is considered a licensee. In this example, the neighbor had a duty to warn you of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm if it is known to the neighbor and not likely to be discovered by you, the guest. Thus, if you were injured on a hidden condition, such as a loose floorboard that the neighbor knew about, but did not warn you about, you may be able to recover for your injuries. The neighbor does not have a duty to inspect for defects nor to fix known defects.
Each year in the United States, one person in 20 receives emergency room treatment because of a fall. If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall, you need the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
A slip and fall accident can involve more than a sense of embarrassment; it can cause serious injuries. At Pazer, Epstein & Jaffe, P.C. in New York City, we understand the issues related to premises liability matters and work with our clients to get the facts. Many questions are asked by clients who are shaken up and physically hurt by a trip and fall mishap. We are happy to answer those questions. Listed below are various resources on slip and fall accidents for your review.
The following content on this page is provided for general informational purposes and is not necessarily specific to New York State Law. Please call if you have questions.
Slip and Fall Accidents - An Overview
A slip and fall accident generally refers to a situation in which a person slips and falls or trips and falls due to a dangerous condition on someone else's property and is injured as a result. These cases fall under the broader category of cases known as "premises liability" cases, which refer to situations when an individual is injured on property or premises owned or maintained by someone else and the owner or possessor of the property is held liable for the injury. Slip and fall accidents can happen in a wide variety of places and involve various dangerous conditions. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, an experienced personal injury attorney at Pazer, Epstein and Jaffe in New York, Huntington, New York, can determine whether you have a case.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accident are extremely common and can happen in a variety of locations, including grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings and shopping malls or outdoors in parking lots or on sidewalks. While slipping and falling in a public place can be embarrassing, it can also be quite painful, resulting in serious injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Snow or Ice
Icy and snowy conditions are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Slick surfaces on sidewalks, outdoor steps and parking lots can be hazardous for pedestrians, especially if the hazardous condition is not obvious, as is the case with black ice.
Liability of Retail Stores and Other Businesses
Retail stores and other businesses typically attract a large number of people who enter onto their premises to browse and shop or conduct other business. A large number of customers and other commercial traffic enter stores, offices and businesses every day, and slip and fall accidents are common in these venues. If you were injured after slipping or tripping and falling in a retail store or other business, the storeowner or business operator may be liable for your injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents Resource Links
American Orthopaedic Association
This site contains information about the American Orthopaedic Association.
Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls
Article on preventing slip and fall injuries from the National Ag Safety Database.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
This website has information and links about preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
Fall Prevention: 6 Ways to Reduce Your Falling Risk
Article by the Mayo Clinic staff discussing fall-prevention measures.
Prevention of Slips, Trips, Falls and Injuries
This article contains information about preventing slips and trips and common injuries. Provided by St. Luke's Health System.
