Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Buffalo

Slip and fall accidents represent a significant source of personal injury cases in Western New York, often resulting in severe injuries that lead to extensive medical expenses, lost income, and potential long-term disability. These incidents, frequently caused by unsafe property conditions or negligent maintenance, account for approximately 1 million emergency room visits annually in the region. In Buffalo and surrounding Erie County, slip and fall settlements typically range from $45,000 to $200,000, though cases involving permanent disabilities or extensive medical treatment frequently result in higher compensation.

Buffalo's distinct climate and urban characteristics create unique challenges regarding slip and fall accidents. With an average annual snowfall exceeding 95 inches, making it one of America's snowiest major cities, Buffalo residents face increased risks during the extended winter season. The city's combination of historic architecture, industrial spaces, and modern commercial buildings, coupled with extreme weather conditions and lake-effect snow, creates numerous hazardous conditions for pedestrians throughout the year. The aging infrastructure in many of Buffalo's older neighborhoods further compounds these risks.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident falls under premises liability law and occurs when someone sustains injuries from slipping, tripping, or falling on another's property due to dangerous conditions. These incidents can result in serious injuries including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe soft tissue injuries. According to the Erie County Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among residents aged 65 and older, with over 85,000 emergency room visits annually in Western New York.

The severity of these accidents cannot be understated - they account for approximately 25% of all personal injury claims in the Buffalo metropolitan area. Many victims face prolonged recovery periods, substantial medical bills, and significant lifestyle adjustments. If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone's negligence, don't hesitate to reach out. We encourage you to review our successful case results and contact the Porter Law Group for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Benefits of Hiring a Buffalo Slip and Fall Lawyer

When you're injured in a slip and fall accident, having experienced legal representation can make the difference between a denied claim and full compensation. The Porter Law Group understands how to prove liability under New York premises liability law and counter the defenses property owners routinely use to avoid responsibility. When you work with us for your slip and fall case, you can be assured of:

• Thorough investigation of the hazard: We secure surveillance video, incident reports, prior complaints, and inspection or maintenance records to establish actual or constructive notice that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
• Proving notice under New York premises liability law: We use evidence that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition through prior complaints, inspection logs, or a condition existing long enough that reasonable inspections would have found it.
• Countering common defenses: Property owners often claim hazards were "open and obvious," that they lacked notice, or that you share comparative fault. We combat these defenses by showing poor lighting, design, or maintenance issues and emphasizing the owner's primary responsibility for safe premises.
• Comprehensive damages documentation: We document all categories of damages, including medical treatment, lost earnings, loss of household services, and pain and suffering, supported by medical records and, when needed, expert opinions on fall-related injuries.
• Skilled negotiation with insurance carriers: Insurance companies routinely argue comparative fault or minimize injury claims. We use New York's pure comparative negligence rule (CPLR §1411) to press for fair apportionment of fault instead of a complete bar to recovery.
• Litigation readiness: We prepare to file within the three-year statute of limitations for most premises cases, or meet strict notice-of-claim and shortened limitation periods when the defendant is a municipality.
• Coordinated evidence presentation: We ensure that photographs, video, footwear, and medical documentation all align to tell a consistent story of how the fall occurred and why the property owner is legally responsible.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Buffalo

Winter Weather Hazards

Buffalo's notorious winter weather creates particularly dangerous conditions. Property owners must clear snow and ice within a reasonable timeframe after weather events. According to local data, winter-related slip and falls account for nearly 45% of premises liability claims between November and March.

Buffalo Winter Hazards and What We Look For

Buffalo's long winters mean snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles frequently create slick sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways, and these risks are compounded when commercial properties have poor lighting or inconsistent snow and ice removal practices. In evaluating a case, lawyers look for concrete proof of poor maintenance practices, including snow and ice removal logs, surveillance camera footage, cleaning or inspection schedules, prior complaints, and maintenance records that show how long a dangerous condition existed and whether the property owner followed reasonable procedures for clearing ice, salting, or fixing lighting.

Deteriorating Infrastructure

The city's aging buildings and walkways present significant hazards. Cracked sidewalks, uneven pavement, and deteriorating steps, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Allentown and the Elmwood Village, contribute to numerous accidents annually. Municipal records indicate infrastructure-related falls represent approximately 30% of reported incidents.

Commercial Property Conditions

High-traffic areas like the Walden Galleria, downtown businesses, and retail establishments frequently experience slip and fall incidents due to wet floors, poor maintenance, or inadequate warning signs. Local business insurance data shows that retail locations account for 35% of premises liability claims.

Industrial Site Hazards

Buffalo's industrial heritage means many active manufacturing and warehouse facilities where slip and fall risks are elevated due to equipment, materials, and working conditions. OSHA reports indicate that slip and falls represent 20% of workplace injuries in the region.

Poor Lighting and Maintenance

Inadequate illumination in parking lots, building entrances, and common areas poses significant risks, especially during Buffalo's long winter nights. Deferred maintenance issues such as loose handrails and damaged flooring create unnecessary hazards throughout the city.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Buffalo

Taking the right steps immediately after your accident can protect your health and preserve critical evidence for your claim. Follow this checklist to safeguard your rights under New York law:

1. Photograph and record video of the scene as soon as possible, capturing the hazard (ice, liquid, debris, uneven surface), surrounding area, lighting conditions, and any warning signs or lack of warnings.
2. Report the incident in writing to the property owner, store manager, or relevant authority, and request a copy of any incident report or your written complaint for your records.
3. Get names and contact information for witnesses, including employees and bystanders who saw your fall or the dangerous condition beforehand or can speak to how long it existed.
4. Preserve your shoes and clothing without washing or altering them so they can later be examined for substances, wear patterns, or other forensic evidence that helps reconstruct how the fall occurred.
5. Seek prompt medical evaluation, even if symptoms seem minor, and follow through with recommended treatment so there is a clear, contemporaneous record connecting the fall to your injuries.
6. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases for insurers before you speak with counsel, because insurance adjusters often use statements about distraction, footwear, or prior conditions to support comparative negligence defenses.

Documentation is key for slip and fall cases. You cannot just show that you have been injured in order to receive compensation. There are multiple requirements and conditions that have to be met. The Porter Law Group offers free case evaluations to help you understand your legal options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so unless we win your case, you won't have to pay any fees.

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Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Yes, you can pursue legal action for a slip and fall accident in Buffalo if specific conditions are met. Under New York State law, you must demonstrate that the property owner either knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it appropriately. The statute of limitations for slip and fall cases in New York is three years from the date of the accident.

However, if your accident occurred on property owned by the City of Buffalo or any government entity, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. This abbreviated timeline makes it essential to contact an attorney promptly. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your case's merit.

Common Defenses Property Owners Use

Under New York premises liability law and pure comparative negligence (CPLR §1411), owners and insurers regularly raise several recurring defenses in slip and fall cases:

• Lack of notice: Arguing they did not know and could not reasonably have known about the dangerous condition in time to correct it.
• Open and obvious hazard: Claiming the condition was so visible that a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it, so the owner owed no duty to warn.
• Comparative negligence: Alleging you were distracted, wore improper footwear, ignored warnings, or entered an area where you were not permitted, to reduce your recovery rather than bar it completely.
• Storm in progress (snow and ice cases): Contending that an ongoing winter storm meant they had no duty to remove snow or ice until a reasonable time after the storm ended.

To learn more about how these defenses work and how we respond to them, visit our Buffalo premises liability resource page.

Who is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Multiple parties may bear responsibility for slip and fall accidents in Buffalo:

• Property owners
• Property management companies
• Commercial tenants
• The City of Buffalo
• NFTA (for transit-related accidents)
• Maintenance contractors
• Snow removal services
• Building security companies
• Construction companies
• Commercial cleaning services

Slip and Fall Accident Compensation

Buffalo slip and fall victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation costs
• Home modification expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Transportation costs for medical care
• Personal care assistance expenses
• Medical equipment costs

Talk to a Buffalo Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

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Why Choose the Porter Law Group?

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.

You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results.

When you or a loved one's life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in Buffalo, don't hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.

Contact Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Buffalo

If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident in Buffalo, reach out to the Porter Law Group at 833-PORTER9 for a complimentary consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your case.

We understand the devastating impact these accidents have on Buffalo families. Our deep knowledge of New York premises liability law, combined with our extensive experience in Western New York's unique environment, enables us to effectively advocate for your interests.

Time is critical in Buffalo slip and fall cases - especially considering our challenging weather conditions and complex municipal regulations. Email us today at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let the Porter Law Group fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery in Western New York.