Trip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Aggressive representation for victims of dangerous sidewalks, uneven surfaces, and tripping hazards. Over 40 years of experience.
Understanding Trip and Fall Accidents
When property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, innocent people get hurt
What Causes Trip and Fall Accidents?
Trip and fall accidents occur when a person's foot catches on an object or surface irregularity, causing them to lose balance and fall forward. Unlike slip and fall accidents (which involve slippery surfaces), trip and fall accidents are caused by physical obstacles or defects in walkways.
Common Tripping Hazards:
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Potholes and pavement defects
- Broken or missing floor tiles
- Torn or wrinkled carpeting
- Exposed cables and wires
- Debris or clutter in walkways
- Unmarked changes in floor elevation
- Poor lighting obscuring hazards
- Construction materials left in pathways
- Tree roots lifting sidewalk sections
Common Injuries from Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents often result in serious injuries because victims typically fall forward, unable to catch themselves or protect vital areas.
Head Injuries & Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and severe concussions from hitting head on ground
Facial Injuries
Broken nose, jaw fractures, dental damage, lacerations, and eye injuries
Broken Bones & Fractures
Wrist fractures (from catching fall), arm breaks, hip fractures, and leg injuries
Shoulder Injuries
Rotator cuff tears, dislocated shoulders, and other soft tissue damage
Knee Injuries
Torn ligaments (ACL/MCL), meniscus tears, kneecap fractures
Spinal Injuries
Back injuries, herniated discs, and in severe cases, paralysis
Where Do Trip and Fall Accidents Occur?
Dangerous conditions exist in many public and private locations
Public Sidewalks
Cracked concrete, tree root damage, uneven sections, construction debris
Parking Lots & Garages
Potholes, speed bumps, uneven pavement, poor lighting, debris
Retail Stores & Malls
Torn carpeting, merchandise in aisles, unmarked stairs, display hazards
Restaurants & Bars
Cluttered walkways, exposed cables, uneven flooring, inadequate lighting
Hotels & Resorts
Loose carpeting, uneven thresholds, pool area hazards, luggage obstacles
Office Buildings
Damaged floor tiles, exposed wires, boxes in hallways, poor maintenance
Apartment Complexes
Broken stairs, damaged walkways, poor lighting, maintenance issues
Construction Sites
Building materials, tools, debris, unmarked hazards near public areas
Schools & Universities
Damaged floors, cluttered hallways, playground hazards, athletic facility issues
Who is Liable for Trip and Fall Accidents?
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises
Premises Liability Law
Under New York premises liability law, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to:
- Maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition
- Regularly inspect for hazards and dangerous conditions
- Repair known defects or warn visitors about them
- Provide adequate lighting in all walkways
- Remove debris and obstacles from pathways
- Mark sudden changes in elevation or floor surface
Potentially Liable Parties
Property Owners
Responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property
Business Operators
Liable for hazards in commercial spaces they control
Property Management Companies
May be liable if responsible for maintenance and repairs
Municipalities
Can be held liable for dangerous public sidewalk conditions
Contractors
May be liable if their work created the tripping hazard
Landlords
Responsible for common areas in rental properties
Building a Strong Trip and Fall Case
Critical elements needed to prove negligence and recover compensation
Dangerous Condition Existed
Prove a tripping hazard was present on the property
Owner Had Notice
Show the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard
Failure to Fix or Warn
Demonstrate the owner failed to repair the hazard or provide adequate warning
Hazard Caused Your Injury
Establish direct causation between the hazard and your injuries
Important Evidence in Trip and Fall Cases:
- Photos/videos of the hazard that caused your fall
- Witness statements from people who saw you fall
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Incident reports filed with property owner
- Property inspection/maintenance records
- Weather reports (if relevant)
- Expert testimony on property standards
- Previous complaints about the same hazard
Compensation for Trip and Fall Injuries
Victims may recover damages for all losses caused by the accident
Medical Expenses
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays and surgery
- Doctor visits and specialists
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care needs
Lost Income
- Lost wages during recovery
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost business opportunities
- Reduced future earnings
- Lost benefits and bonuses
- Inability to return to work
Pain & Suffering
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Why Choose Licatesi Law Group?
40+ Years Experience
Decades of successfully representing trip and fall victims
Proven Results
Over $100 million recovered for injured clients
No Fee Unless We Win
Contingency fee basis - you pay nothing upfront
Free Consultation
Complete case evaluation at no cost or obligation
Fast Response
Available 24/7 for urgent cases and questions
Personalized Attention
Direct attorney involvement from start to finish
Trip and Fall Case Results
Injured in a Trip and Fall? We Can Help.
Don't let property owners escape responsibility for dangerous conditions. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Hold Property Owners Accountable?
Contact Licatesi Law Group today for a free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
Available 24/7 • No Fee Unless We Win • Serving New York & New Jersey
