Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents—and How to Document Them

Jun 28, 2025

Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury on both public and private property in New York City. A fall caused by poor lighting, uneven pavement, or a wet floor may lead to serious harm that affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or move without pain. While many people assume these injuries are minor, the consequences can be long-lasting and severe.

Common Injuries That Result from Falls

Some of the most frequent injuries include sprained wrists, broken bones, hip fractures, and concussions. Others may involve soft tissue damage, herniated discs, or trauma to the spine. In older adults, falls often result in serious complications, including long-term mobility issues. Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is essential.

Medical records are critical in any personal injury claim. If you plan to pursue legal action, documentation from hospitals, urgent care visits, and physical therapy appointments will help support your claim. A personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn can use these records to prove that the fall caused your injuries and calculate the financial impact of your recovery.

Why Documentation at the Scene Matters

If you are physically able, gather evidence at the location where the fall occurred. Take photos or videos of the hazard, such as a spill, cracked tile, or broken handrail. Ensure that you capture the surrounding area, lighting conditions, and the absence of warning signs. These details can disappear quickly once a property owner becomes aware of the incident.

You should also report the accident to the manager, landlord, or property owner. Request that an incident report be completed and ask for a copy for your own records. Notifying them right away strengthens your credibility. A Brooklyn personal injury lawyer will use this initial report as a starting point to investigate the property’s maintenance history and whether similar incidents have occurred.

Preserving Additional Evidence

In many slip-and-fall cases, key evidence can be lost if action is not taken quickly. Surveillance footage might be deleted within days. Witnesses may forget important details. Obtaining legal representation early enables you to preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed.

Our team can send written requests to store owners or building management to retain relevant videos and records. A qualified injury attorney will also help obtain maintenance logs, inspection schedules, and any complaints that may show ongoing negligence.

Legal Responsibility and Compensation

Property owners in New York are required to maintain reasonably safe premises. If they fail to address hazards or warn guests about hazardous conditions, they may be held liable for any injuries that result. Victims can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering.

If you were injured because a business or property owner failed to keep their premises safe, contact us today to explore your legal options. Our firm can determine whether the owner violated their duty of care and what compensation may be available to you.

Legal Support After a Fall

Our firm works with clients across Brooklyn to build strong claims based on timely documentation and thorough investigation. We have successfully represented individuals who suffered injuries in stores, apartment buildings, and other public or private spaces. To see how others have benefited from our help, visit our testimonials page.

A serious fall can change your life in an instant. Levitsky Law Firm is committed to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout the city. If you need an accident lawyer in New York City, we can help you take the proper legal steps to recover compensation and hold negligent property owners accountable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your case with confidence.