While falls can sometimes be due to pure clumsiness, other times they can be caused by poor conditions. Many slip and fall victims may walk away with nothing but a few bruises, but others are not as lucky. Such accidents could occur anywhere: sidewalks, restaurants, grocery stores, the post office, etc. Improperly maintained property conditions can cause injuries such as concussions, broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and more. They can also result in paraplegia and quadriplegia. After an injured party seeks medical attention, they may also want to seek legal counsel for reparations.
Examples of Accidents
There are several ways a pedestrian could be injured on public or private property. Possible factors can include:
- Poor lighting
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazardous materials
- Broken escalators or elevators
- Abrupt floor changes
- Slippery floors
- Loose debris on the floor
If an injury occurs as a result of poor conditions, the injured may have a legal case against whoever owns the property. It is important to file a claim for your accident within a certain time limit. While in some cases it might be difficult to prove dangerous conditions, an experienced attorney can help.
Proving Negligence
While investigating who is responsible for a slip and fall injury, it is important to know who is liable for the property you were injured on. To hold someone responsible for your injury, the individual must provide the “burden of proof.” This requires the injured to collect evidence of negligence. Negligence shows that the property owner is responsible for your injury. This can be done by proving the owner of that property knew about the conditions of their property and did nothing to fix it. Medical records, pictures and possible witnesses to the incident can be used to help your case.
Compensation for Injuries
If your case is proved to be successful, you may be able to receive financial compensation due to your injury. This may include:
- Wages lost
- Loss of future wages
- Medical bills as a result of the injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact
If you have been injured in a sidewalk accident and wish to speak with an attorney about the best course of action for your incident, contact the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today.
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. Call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer.