Sidewalk slip-and-fall accidents happen more often than we’d like to admit. Oftentimes, injured persons believe their town or city is responsible for the unsafe sidewalk conditions, however, it is frequently actually the owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk that must ensure their property is free of safety hazards at all times. When they fail to do so and you are injured, you will generally be entitled to financial compensation. Please read on and reach out to our experienced New York City personal injury attorneys to learn more about how what to do after a sidewalk accident and how we can help you through the legal process going forward:
What should I do after a sidewalk accident?
If you have been injured in a sidewalk accident, you should do several things to maximize your chances of winning your claim. They are as follows:
- First, you should call the police and emergency services. They can document your accident and provide you with any immediate medical attention you may need.
- While waiting for their arrival, ask anyone who saw your accident for their name and phone number/email, as you may use their witness testimony later on.
- Take pictures of the safety hazard that caused your accident before the negligent property owner has a chance to clear them away.
- Once you are treated and in stable condition, ask your doctor for medical documents pertaining to the origin and extent of your injuries.
- Retain the services of a skillful personal injury attorney who knows how to win clients the compensation they deserve.
- After filing your lawsuit, steer clear of social media. Anything you post may be used against you, even if your social media accounts are private. Do not let this happen. We can help you, however, you must do everything in your power to preserve your claim.
How long do I have to take legal action against a negligent property owner in New York City?
We know how devastating the effects of a serious slip and fall accident can be, which is why we are here to tell you that the sooner you bring your claim to our attention, the sooner we can begin working to win you the compensation you deserve. That being said, the statute of limitations in NY allows the wrongfully injured three years from the date of their accident to take legal action against the party responsible for their injuries. Do not exceed the statute of limitations, for if you do, you will generally be denied your right to sue.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY 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.