Did you recently sustain injuries after visiting somebody else’s property? A premises liability lawyer in Suffolk County is the one to call when you need legal help addressing your newfound circumstances and pursuing justice in the aftermath of the incident that caused you to get hurt.
You can rely on your personal injury lawyer in Suffolk County to break down what happened, review the conditions that resulted in your injuries, and explain how New York’s premises liability laws apply to your situation.
Come in as a client, leave as a friend. That’s the way Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers approach every case we handle. With 50 years of combined experience, we have recovered $100 million in compensation for our clients. We’re here to help.
How Notice Shapes the Strength of a Premises Liability Case
An influential component of any premises liability claim is “notice.” More specifically, this refers to whether the property owner knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition before the accident occurred. New York recognizes two types of notice:
- Actual
- Constructive
Actual notice exists when the owner or employees were directly aware of the hazard. This might include written complaints, maintenance reports, customer remarks, internal emails, or previous incidents in the same location.
When proof shows the owner knew about the danger and left it unaddressed, liability becomes far more straightforward. Constructive notice applies when the hazard existed long enough that the owner should have discovered and corrected it.
Spilled liquids drying at the edges, debris gathering dust, or long-standing structural damage all signal that the issue wasn’t new. Many victims consult premises liability attorneys in Suffolk County because constructive notice is often a deciding factor in accidents involving any of these:
- Worn flooring
- Broken steps
- Unstable structures
- Longstanding leaks
The duration of a hazard is often a primary question as well. Video footage, witness statements, and maintenance logs provide insight into whether the property was being monitored regularly or if the hazard had been neglected for extended periods.
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Differences Between Slip and Fall Cases and Other Premises Liability Claims
Slip and fall accidents are a very common type of premises liability case in the area, but local residents encounter a wide range of additional hazards that all fall within the scope of New York’s premises liability law:
- Falling objects in retail stores
- Elevator malfunctions
- Inadequate security leading to assaults
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
- Structural collapses
These scenarios introduce a lot of questions about negligence, control of the property, and whether or not the danger was predictable.
Many people search for a premises liability lawyer near me in Suffolk County when the specifics of their case fall outside the typical slip and fall framework and involve more technical or structural issues.
Comparative Negligence and How It Impacts Compensation in New York
New York adheres to pure comparative negligence, which affects how much compensation a victim can receive. If a property owner demonstrates that the injured person contributed to the accident, the final award can be reduced by the percentage of assigned fault.
Insurers often use this law to argue that the victim was distracted, rushing, or wearing unsuitable footwear at the time. Comparative negligence doesn’t prevent recovery. Rather, it adjusts the compensation that is available based on contribution.
Many victims turn to premises liability lawyers in Suffolk County because comparative negligence often becomes a major point of contention. Property owners and insurers frequently attempt to shift blame toward the victim to reduce payouts, but an attorney can protect you.
Common Injuries Seen in Suffolk County Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases produce a wide range of injuries, some of which yield long-term difficulties. Falls frequently lead to broken wrists, sprained ankles, fractured hips, torn ligaments, or damaged shoulders. Sideways falls often result in hip or arm injuries.
Meanwhile, backward falls are known to cause head trauma or spinal damage. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are especially concerning because symptoms often develop gradually. A person who hits their head might feel fine initially and then experience the following shortly thereafter:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Concentration issues
Many victims seek guidance from a premises liability attorney in Suffolk County after realizing the full extent of their injuries days or weeks after the accident.
Back and neck injuries show up frequently in these cases, including herniated discs, muscle tears, and spinal compression. These injuries often interfere with mobility, work duties, and daily routines.
New York law allows victims to seek compensation for aggravated pre-existing conditions, recognizing that an accident can worsen an injury even if it existed beforehand.
Call Our Suffolk County Premises Liability Law Firm For More Help Today
Property-related injuries are often followed by expensive medical bills, unanswered legal questions, and pressure from insurance companies. Trying to manage all of that alone can feel impossible, but that’s where Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers comes into the picture.
You never have to handle anything by yourself when you reach out to our Suffolk County premises liability law firm. We understand the connection between unsafe or poorly maintained properties and preventable injuries resulting from negligence. We’re here to protect your rights.
From the moment you reach out, our Suffolk County premises liability attorneys will treat your case with the care and urgency you deserve. We want to make sure you get the support you need. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start working on your case. Contact us today.
