Injured in a Slip & Fall?
Act Now—Evidence Won't Wait.
Trusted Slip & Fall Attorneys Serving Buffalo & Western New York
Slip and fall accidents aren’t just embarrassing moments—they can be life-altering events. From icy sidewalks in Buffalo’s winter to uneven flooring in local businesses, hazardous conditions are everywhere in Western New York.
At Collins & Collins Attorneys, we understand how quickly a fall can lead to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. Our team has decades of experience holding negligent property owners, businesses, and municipalities accountable. We’ll not only fight to get you the compensation you deserve but also guide you through every step of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
What You Need to Know About Slip & Fall in Western New York
At Collins & Collins, we’ve been fighting for the rights of injured Western New Yorkers for over 75 years. Slip & fall accidents can happen anywhere — from icy sidewalks to unsafe store floors — and they can change your life in an instant. Our team knows the laws, the deadlines, and how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Snow, ice, wet floors, broken stairs, and uneven walkways are frequent causes of falls in our region. Buffalo’s winter weather makes timely property maintenance even more important—and negligence more dangerous.
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You Must Prove Negligence
In New York, it’s not enough to show that you fell—you must prove a dangerous condition existed and that the responsible party knew or should have known about it. Strong evidence can make all the difference in your case.
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Timing Is Critical
You typically have three years from the date of your fall to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York, but certain cases—especially those involving municipalities—require much shorter notice periods. Don’t delay.
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Hazardous Conditions Can Be Anywhere
Slip & fall accidents happen in parking lots, grocery stores, office buildings, and public sidewalks. Property owners and municipalities have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. If they fail, you may have a claim.
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Insurance Companies Aren’t On Your Side
Even if fault seems clear, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected and your claim is handled correctly from the start.
Common Slip & Fall Injuries We Handle
Broken Bones
Fractures from a fall can require surgery, long recovery times, and may limit mobility for months.
Sprains and Torn Ligaments
These soft tissue injuries can cause lasting pain, swelling, and reduced movement in affected joints.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the back or spine can lead to chronic pain, nerve issues, or even paralysis.
Hip Fractures
Common in slip and fall accidents, hip injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Cuts and Bruises
While sometimes minor, deep cuts or severe bruising may need medical attention and can leave scars.
Head Trauma and Concussions
Even a mild head injury can have serious, lasting effects on memory, balance, and daily life.
Timing Matters.
So Does Your Future.
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim — but exceptions can shorten that window. If your accident happened on municipal or government property, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Why Choose Collins & Collins?
With over 75 years of experience fighting for injured workers across Western New York, Collins & Collins is built on trust, tenacity, and results. We know the law, we know Buffalo, and we know how to win. From your first call to your final check—we’re by your side every step of the way.
Local Knowledge
We know Buffalo’s laws, weather, and property maintenance standards.
We Come to You
Hospitalized? Recovering at home? We’ll meet wherever you are.
You Don’t Pay a Dollar Unless We Win*
No Upfront Cost – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
We Handle the Paperwork, Appeals & Hearings
So you can focus on healing.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"Collins & Collins is very knowledgeable and professional in understanding the worker’s compensation process and I highly recommend them. Colleen helped me understand what was happening during each step. She was proactive in addressing new information and making recommendations to ensure the best outcome. At first, I thought, because it seemed to be a simple case, that I could work directly with the insurance company but the insurance company did not seem to care about my case. Once Colleen was working with me, the process moved forward and I finally got the necessary treatment and was able to return to work. My only regret is not engaging their help earlier."
— Brian Ruhland
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"I chose Collins and Collins law firm to help me with my workers compensation and social security case. I worked with Coleen Collins and Colleen Bugmann.
Colleen Collins is attentive, she returned my calls promptly and responded to my emails without delay. If she was unavailable she always left a message on her voicemail so you knew when she would get back to you by.
Colleen clearly explained every step of the worker’s comp process. She answered all my questions and advised me on what the best route would be. She gave me time to think about my options and supported my decision.
Colleen is kind and understanding. I found it easy to have conversations with her about personal medical, financial and emotional factors that are part of dealing with a work related injury. Coleen was a lifeline for me during this difficult time.
Colleen Bugmann handled my social security case. She explained the process and how it worked and what I could expect. Discussing personal information with Colleen was easy because she was kind and understanding. Colleen made what I thought was going to be a difficult process very easy.
Dealing with a work related injury is so stressful but having an exceptional law firm on your side can make all the difference. I cannot thank Collins and Collins enough for everything they have done to help me."
— Margaret Reagan
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Colleen, who was very knowledgeable answering questions and explained everything in a way that you can understand
She was very responsive always returns calls and made this entire process a lot easier it was a pleasure to work with her."
— Darian Devonshire
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"You and your staff at Collins and Collins have represented me since 2012 and most recently in 2024/25. You are proficient in the WC laws of New York State. Your professionalism and knowledge in my navigation of his case was very helpful."
— Sharon Derner
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
As someone who has never been hurt at work I can definitely say the process would have been a nightmare without Coleen. Workers comp was quiet throughout my whole claims process telling me little to nothing before I representation. Coleen brought me up to speed with all the information I needed in ordered to feel comfortable and feel like I had all the information regarding my healthcare and workers comp journey to being healed. Thank you so much Coleen for all that you do, this would have never gotten settled without you.
— Sean Bailey
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"You’re firm (you) have been great handling everything from reimbursements, denials, hearings etc."
— Daryl Oliver
“At Collins & Collins, representing the hardworking men and women of New York State in workers' compensation and personal injury cases isn't just our job- it's personal. For 25 years, it's been my mission to stand up for those who need it most."
— Coleen M. Collins
NYS Workers' Compensation L.R.
Understanding the Legal Language of Slip & Fall Cases
We’re Slip & Fall Experts—And We’ll Make Sure You Understand Every Step
Navigating a slip and fall claim can be overwhelming—especially when legal jargon gets in the way. At Collins & Collins, we make it our mission to break down complex terms into plain, simple language so you always understand your rights, your options, and every step of your case.
Premises Liability
The legal responsibility property owners have to keep their property safe for visitors.
Duty of Care
The obligation property owners or occupiers have to take reasonable steps to prevent hazards.
Negligence
Failure to take reasonable care, resulting in unsafe conditions that cause injury.
Constructive Notice
When a property owner should have known about a dangerous condition, even if they claim they didn’t.
Actual Notice
When a property owner or manager was directly informed or aware of a dangerous condition.
Comparative Negligence
A rule in New York where your compensation may be reduced if you are partly at fault for your fall.
Dangerous Condition
Any unsafe situation—like wet floors, broken stairs, or icy walkways—that can cause an accident.
Liability
Legal responsibility for damages or injuries.
Damages
The money awarded to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Statute of Limitations
The legal deadline to file a lawsuit. In New York, slip and fall claims typically must be filed within three years.
Notice Requirement
For cases involving government or municipal property, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Causation
The link between the dangerous condition and the injury that occurred.
Economic Damages
Compensation for financial losses like medical bills and lost income.
Non-Economic Damages
Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Burden of Proof
The requirement for the injured person to show evidence that the property owner’s negligence caused the fall.