How Building Code Violations Can Impact Slip and Fall Cases

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Honored as a New York Super Lawyer, and His Highly Experienced Team of Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Renowned as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm, Persuasively Litigate to Obtain the Maximum Compensation for Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is an elite personal injury law firm that represents victims injured in slip and fall accidents, many of which involve building code violations. These tragic incidents can cause substantial pain and anxiety for injured victims and their families. Our veteran lawyers provide clients the peace of mind necessary so that they can concentrate on recovering. We vigorously fight to obtain the compensation that our clients deserve. The Dietrich Legal Team’s pristine track record and remarkable success with litigating personal injury claims speak for themselves. Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a Best Attorney of America, and his Buffalo, New York slip and fall accident attorneys are dedicated to supporting clients at every stage throughout the legal process.

Building code violations caused by faulty construction, poor maintenance, or other unsatisfactory conditions are frequently the cause of slip and fall accidents. These unfortunate mishaps commonly occur at commercial establishments, such as retail stores and restaurants, as well as large residential properties. If you, or a loved one, were seriously injured, it is crucial to consult with a highly experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. During our meticulous investigation, if the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested attorneys uncover any building code violations, this could help show that the landowner was negligent.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his veteran attorneys, have seen the dreadful consequences that slip and fall accidents and ensuing injuries can have on victims and, ultimately, their loved ones. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s top rated lawyers will fight to get you the best outcome for all of your damages. Our seasoned team will do everything possible to assist you during this difficult period and treat you with the respect that you deserve. Kindly contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. We provide complimentary, no-obligation case evaluations and consultations.

New York State, Erie County, and local municipalities enact standards and codes to regulate the construction and maintenance of buildings to ensure their safety. These rules apply to commercial properties, residential buildings, and homes. Some building codes are specifically designed to prevent slip and fall accidents. Regrettably, building code violations occur more often than you may think and may include:

1. Inadequate lighting around curbs and stairs;
2. An absence of non-slip mats on slippery surfaces;
3. Defective or clogged drain pipes that cause puddles of water;
4. Improper installation of elevators and escalators;
5. Unsuitable maintenance or repairs of elevators and escalators;
6. Defective handicap access, such as ramps;
7. Leaky ceilings;
8. Missing or broken handrails on stairs;
9. Broken, worn down, or loose steps;
10. Uneven steps or fluctuating distances between steps;
11. Unbalanced curbs that fail to have suitable warnings; and
12. Fire code violations.

The Division of Building Standards and Codes is responsible for ensuring the construction of dependable and hazard-free buildings throughout the state. All structures are required to meet certain minimum standards to protect the safety of occupants. All property owners have a legal duty to keep their buildings in reasonably safe conditions. When a building is not up to code, severe slip and fall accidents can easily occur. New York State’s Uniform Code is not the only statute that can be used to show liability. Federal regulations, as well as the City Code, set construction and maintenance ordinances. Citations for violations related to the condition that caused the slip and fall can show that the building was negligently maintained, and the owner was aware of the danger at the time of an accident. Additionally, if the owner has a long history of violations, that can be used as evidence to demonstrate that he or she disregarded safety.

If a building code violation contributes to a victim’s injuries, it can be used to demonstrate that construction was faulty or a landowner was negligent. When a victim can show that the property owner violated building standards or codes, the breach triggered the kind of harm that the law was meant to protect, and the injury sustained by the victim was foreseeable from the violation, negligence per se can be established. The legal doctrine of negligence per se determines that actions or inactions that break the law are negligent. For example, if a property owner ignores building codes by failing to install lights around an office building’s stairway and you fall while walking down the steps, then you would be able to assert the presumption of negligence per se. Building code violations are not always obvious and usually require an examination of the property, inspection records, and blueprints.

Regardless of the building code violation that caused your accident, you should contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. as soon as possible. Our highly skilled litigators will do everything possible to obtain the compensation that you deserve. Jed Dietrich, Esq., acclaimed as an Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney, will be by your side throughout your case. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested team offers free lawsuit evaluations and consultations. We would be delighted to speak to you about your potential case. Our best of the best team is available twenty-four-seven at (716) 839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!