Though nobody ever really thinks of the sidewalk as inherently unsafe, the truth is, thousands in New York alone are injured in sidewalk accidents every year. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you are most likely now seeking compensation. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process going forward:
What can cause a sidewalk accident?
There are several potential causes of sidewalk accidents, though they almost always stem from sidewalk owner negligence. Some of the frequent culprits of sidewalk accidents include standing water, loose debris, potholes, or any other hazardous debris or uneven surfaces left unaddressed.
How do I sue a negligent party for a sidewalk accident?
If you have been injured in a sidewalk accident, you will first have to prove that it was at the hands of a negligent property owner. Generally, in New York, if you can prove that the sidewalk owner either knew, or should have reasonably known about the poor sidewalk conditions and failed to take action to repair it and you were injured as a result, there is a very good chance you will have a valid premises liability lawsuit on your hands.
However, you cannot win a personal injury claim without the help of an experienced attorney on your side. An experienced attorney will work to recover pictures, or security camera footage of your accident, police reports of the accident, witness statements, and more. Additionally, you should always seek medical attention immediately after your accident, as a physician will treat your injuries and provide you with medical documentation, which you may also use to prove your claim.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York?
One of the most important aspects of filing a claim is doing so on time. If you are someone who has been injured due to another party’s negligence, you must obey New York’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations in New York State is three years, which means you will have three years from the date of your accident to pursue legal action against a negligent party. If you wait any longer than three years, you will be denied your right to the compensation you may truly need. Our firm is ready to get the claims process started–all you have to do is ask.
Contact our experienced New York firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
