Uneven Flooring Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY

Falls caused by uneven flooring are an all too frequent hazard in Rochester. In both residential and commercial settings, uneven floors can form in building floors after years of wear and tear, inadequate maintenance, or improper construction. Rochester’s cold winters and freeze-thaw cycles, combined with heavy foot traffic, can deteriorate flooring to create unstable surfaces that cause people to fall.

• Warped or buckled floors: often caused by moisture damage in buildings or properties with defective drainage systems.
• Shifting foundations: older homes or buildings, especially in historic neighborhoods like Corn Hill or Highland Park, can see foundations shift and cause flooring to become uneven.
• Improper repairs: quick-fix solutions that don’t address the actual underlying structural issues can leave floors unstable over time as it goes unaddressed.

Landowners have a legal duty in New York to make sure their premises are safe for visitors and tenants. When they fail to fix uneven floors, or fail to warn people about those hazards, accidents can happen that result in liability. The Rochester uneven floor injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have deep experience helping victims of trip and fall accidents to get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Falls on Uneven Flooring in Rochester Apartment Complexes

Many of the apartment complexes throughout Rochester, specifically those in the South Wedge area that are custom residential-type spaces, see a high number of falls from uneven flooring. These properties were built decades ago and many haven’t undergone necessary upgrades or maintenance. Dangerous conditions like cracked walkways, unrepaired floor tiles, and ripped or loose carpeting in hallways pose risks to tenants and visitors.

Seniors and people with disabilities are even more at risk for falls in places that have uneven flooring defects. Residents in assisted living facilities or senior housing units are at risk of serious injuries from falls on uneven surfaces given their difficulties walking and pre-existing health conditions.

New York law requires landlords to keep their rental properties in a reasonably safe condition. If they fail to make repairs, or adequately warn tenants about dangerous or defective conditions, they can be held liable for injuries. 

Broken Bones from Falls on Uneven Floors in Rochester

Falling on uneven flooring can cause all different types of injuries, but broken bones are among the most severe and life-altering. Broken bones typically require extensive medical treatment, from emergency care to physical therapy, and leave victims with lasting limitations.

• Wrist and hand fractures: Victims instinctively try to catch themselves before they hit the ground, leading to fractures that require surgical repair or immobilization.
• Ankle fractures: Twisting motions caused by falling on uneven surfaces lead to broken ankles that necessitate weeks or months of recovery.
• Hip fractures: Particularly common among elderly individuals, hip fractures can require surgery and rehabilitation, with long-term limitations on the ability to walk.
• Spinal injuries and compression fractures: With enough force, uneven flooring falls can damage the spine to the point of causing chronic pain or even paralysis.

Fracture injuries caused by falls are just the start of the problem. After getting emergency treatment at hospitals like Strong Memorial or Rochester General, victims now face staggering medical expenses for diagnostic testing, surgery, and continued treatment to recover. Slip and fall injuries further dispute lives by preventing victims from returning to work or performing their activities of daily living.

Steps to Take After a Fall on Uneven Flooring

If you’ve suffered a fall caused by uneven flooring, it’s important to take immediate action to mitigate your injuries and protect your rights for a later personal injury case. Preserving certain evidence can make the difference between success and failure down the road in a lawsuit.

• Get medical treatment. Even minor injuries can become worse if left untreated. Medical records provide essential evidence for your claim.
• Capture the scene. If you’re able, get pictures of the uneven flooring, including close-up and wide-angle views that show the location, positioning, and condition of the floors.
• Report the incident. Notify the landowner, landlord, or manager if you’re able to, although don’t let that delay you getting medical treatment. Make sure to request a written incident report after. Save a copy in your records.
• Collect witness details. If someone else saw your fall or the condition that caused it, their testimony can fill-in any missing parts of your case. Get their contact information so you’re able to reach them at a later date.
• Preserve evidence. Keep your shoes and the clothing you had on at the time you fell. Those items may be relevant to your case later down the road in a personal injury lawsuit.
• Consult an Experience Lawyer. New York has strict statutes of limitations for premises liability claims. If you wait too long you can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation. The uneven floor accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, can guide you through every step of the legal process.

Hire an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP

Filing a claim and getting compensated for a slip and fall injury can be difficult. Proving negligence requires having a deep understanding of New York’s premises liability laws to hold the landowner liable, and the knowledge to effectively father evidence to support your case.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand the nuances of slip and fall cases caused by uneven flooring. Call our office today to speak with a lawyer and learn how you can recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.