Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them—and they can leave you with more than just a bruised ego. In Buffalo, where snowy sidewalks and icy steps are part of daily life during much of the year, fall accidents are unfortunately common. Whether you slipped on an icy walkway outside a storefront or tripped on uneven flooring inside a building, knowing what to do after a slip and fall in Buffalo is critical for protecting your health and legal rights.

At Brown Chiari LLP, we’ve helped countless fall victims across Western New York recover compensation after suffering serious injuries due to unsafe conditions. If you’ve experienced a slip and fall injury, here’s what you need to know to protect your claim and secure the support you deserve.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if your injuries don’t seem severe right away, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many fall injuries, including traumatic brain injuries or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent. A delay in medical treatment could not only worsen your condition but may also weaken your fall accident claim by giving insurance companies room to argue that your injuries were not serious or not caused by the incident.

Keep all records of your medical visits and related costs. These medical records serve as critical evidence for your slip and fall claim and help link the accident directly to your injuries.

Step 2: Report the Fall Accident to the Property Owner

Always report the incident to the property owner or property management companies responsible for maintaining the area where your accident occurred. Ask them to file an incident report and request a copy for your records. The report helps document the accident scene, which could be important in later negotiations or legal proceedings. If the fall happened in a business or public place, this step is even more vital.

Step 3: Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

Take photos of the accident scene as soon as possible—before any dangerous condition can be cleaned up or repaired. Be sure to capture:

Wet floors or icy sidewalks
Uneven pavement or steps
Lack of signage or warnings
Poor lighting
Any visible injuries

If there were any witnesses, gather their names and contact information. Their statements could help support your claim and establish the property owner’s liability.

Step 4: Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Without Legal Help

Insurance companies often contact fall victims soon after such an accident, asking for statements or offering quick settlements. Do not speak with insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted with experienced personal injury attorneys. These early settlement offers may not account for your long-term medical expenses, lost wages, or non-economic damages such as emotional distress.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate these conversations and protect your right to fair compensation.

Step 5: Contact a Fall Accident Attorney in Buffalo

Working with a skilled fall attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A fall lawyer will help prove negligence, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and advocate for your right to recover compensation.

Brown Chiari LLP has extensive experience handling slip and fall cases in Buffalo and throughout New York State. We understand the nuances of local property laws and premises liability claims, and we fight to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Understanding Liability in Buffalo Slip and Fall Cases

Under New York premises liability law, a property owner owes a duty of care to those who enter their premises. If a negligent property owner fails to correct a dangerous condition—such as a spill, broken stair, or icy walkway—they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

To win your slip and fall claim, your fall attorney must show that:

A dangerous condition existed on the property
The property owner knew (or should have known) about it
They failed to address or warn about it
That failure directly caused your fall injury

Property owners and property management companies are not automatically at fault in every case. That’s why proving negligence and gathering evidence is so important in fall accident claims.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Buffalo

Buffalo’s weather, combined with negligent property maintenance, can create numerous hazards. Common causes of fall incidents include:

Icy sidewalks and driveways
Wet floors in stores and restaurants
Uneven pavement or potholes
Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
Cluttered walkways or spilled substances

These conditions often arise when a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, putting visitors and customers at risk.

Types of Injuries in Fall Accident Claims

Slip and fall injuries can range from minor bruises to catastrophic injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones or fractures
Back and neck injuries
Head injuries
Sprains and torn ligaments

Many injuries require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work—all of which can have a significant financial and emotional impact.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall?

If you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical bills and medical expenses for hospital stays, treatment, surgery, or rehab
Lost wages or lost income if you are unable to work
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress
Future medical care and related costs
Compensation for recovering non-economic damages such as permanent disability or disfigurement

Each case is different, but an experienced attorney can help estimate how much compensation you may be eligible for based on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your fall.

Don’t Wait: Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in New York

In New York, fall victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if the accident occurred on government property, different rules apply, and you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.

Waiting too long to act can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. Contacting a Buffalo slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible ensures that all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.

How Brown Chiari LLP Can Help Fall Victims

We understand how frustrating and painful it can be to suffer injuries in such an accident—especially when it could have been prevented. At Brown Chiari LLP, our legal team is dedicated to helping injured persons hold negligent property owners accountable.

From investigating fall accident claims to negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement, we provide full legal assistance every step of the way. Whether you’re recovering from a slip and fall injury in a retail store, apartment complex, or parking lot, we will fight to protect your rights and recover fair compensation for you and your family.

Learn more about what to do after a slip and fall in Buffalo. Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

FAQs: What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Buffalo

What should I do immediately after a slip and fall in Buffalo?

Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to the property owner, document the scene, and contact a fall attorney as soon as possible.

Can I file a claim if I slipped on an icy sidewalk in Buffalo?

Yes, you may have a valid premises liability claim if the property owner failed to properly maintain the sidewalk or remove snow and ice in a timely manner.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in New York?

Generally, the statute of limitations is three years, but government-related cases may have shorter deadlines. It’s best to contact an attorney right away.

What types of compensation can I recover after a slip and fall accident?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related costs.

How do I prove negligence in a slip and fall case?

Your attorney must show that a dangerous condition existed, the property owner knew or should have known about it, and failed to act, resulting in your injury.

Do I need a lawyer for my slip and fall case in Buffalo?

While it’s not legally required, having an experienced attorney greatly increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement or judgment in your favor.