Slip and falls can occur anywhere and often lead to serious injuries and medical treatment. Whether you are hurt in a grocery store, at work, on a public sidewalk, or at a friend’s house, understanding who pays for your medical bills after your slip and fall is crucial in protecting your rights and ensuring you are fairly compensated. The financial burden of medical bills after an accident can be overwhelming, so it is important that you examine all of your legal rights and options. Reach out to an experienced Rockland County slip and fall lawyer to discuss your case today.
Understanding Premises Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents
Premises liability is a legal concept important in many accidents, including slip and falls. Through this law, property owners are legally obligated to provide visitors and guests with a reasonably safe environment free from hazards. If the slip and fall happens on someone else’s property due to the owner’s negligence, the property owner’s insurance can cover the cost of medical bills.
If the property owner does not have insurance or their policy does not cover the entirety of your costs, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual in pursuit of damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wet floors
- Icy walkways/parking lots
- Broken steps
- Missing handrails
- Cords or debris on the ground
- Broken or uneven flooring
Who Is Responsible for Your Medical Bills After a Slip and Fall?
If you are involved in a slip and fall accident and sustain injuries, the individual responsible for paying your medical bills will vary depending on how the accident happened and who the responsible party was.
Health Insurance
In general, your own health insurance will cover your medical expenses like hospital stays, treatments, surgeries, medication, etc. Depending on your policy, you may be required to pay some money toward your deductible or for copays, but your insurance will typically cover most of your treatments.
Property Owner Liability Insurance
This will only apply if the property owner neglected to maintain their property or fix a known issue like a leak, loose floorboards, etc. Homeowners and business owners generally have liability insurance that can cover an injured party’s medical costs.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If the slip and fall occurs while you are at work, workers’ compensation may cover your medical bills. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that certain employers are required to carry. If an employee is injured on the job or due to the tasks required of their role, workers’ comp can cover the worker’s medical expenses and lost wages.
Personal Injury Claim
In the event that the negligent party’s insurance policy is not enough to cover the cost of the damages you’ve suffered, you are eligible to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your losses.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident
After a slip and fall in New York, taking the necessary steps to protect yourself is vital to recovering compensation for your damages. This includes:
- Seeking medical treatment for injuries
- Reporting the accident to the property owner
- Documenting the scene (taking photographs, getting witness information)
- Contacting an experienced Rockland County personal injury attorney as soon as possible
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in New York?
After a slip and fall injury in New York, it’s imperative that you have three years from the date on which the accident occurred to file a claim against the negligent party, known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file before this timeframe expires, you will be unable to seek compensation from the negligent party in Rockland County.
If you file through workers’ compensation, however, you must submit a written notice to your employer within 30 days from the date on which the injury occurred.
It’s also important to understand that this statute may be extended under certain circumstances, like in the event the injured party is a minor. As such, if you are under 18 when the slip and fall occurs, you will have three years from the date of your 18th birthday to file a claim.
The individual or entity who is required to pay for medical bills after a slip and fall depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Understanding all of your legal options after an injury is crucial in ensuring you can be properly cared for and compensated. Contact an experienced attorney today for more information and legal advice.
