Queens Premises Liability Attorneys
Representing injured clients in New York
All property owners have a responsibility to passersby. Whether municipal, private, or commercial property, an owner generally has an obligation to ensure the safety of people who legally enter the property, and in New York City, the owner of the abutting property is also responsible for the sidewalk unless the property is an owner occupied one, two or three family home used only as a residence. Unfortunately, not every property owner has our best interests in mind and doesn’t always live up to their obligations. State and local laws are in place to protect us when the negligence of a property owner leads to injury. If you were injured on a property and were there for legitimate reasons, you may be entitled to compensation. If you can prove the negligence of the property owner, you could receive damages for medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Individuals and municipalities have a responsibility to regularly inspect, maintain, and repair their property. Hazards must be addressed. If a property owner knew or should have known about a problem and you were injured because of it, you may be able to take legal action. To successfully win a personal injury case, you will have to provide evidence. That said, if you need quality legal support from an effective and experienced attorney, contact The Law Offices of George Poulos.
What hazards can lead to serious injury?
All properties have a propensity for danger. No matter where you travel, there are hazards that can quickly cause injury. It is important for property owners to address these matters in a reasonable manner. Some of the many hazards we face include:
- Weather conditions
- Code violations
- Slippery substances
- Noxious substances
- Dangerous animals
- Inadequate security
- Inadequate lighting
Left unattended, these hazards can lead to pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, toxic exposure, animal bite injuries, criminal activity, and more.
Suing a Municipality Has a Much Shorter Clock
If the property that injured you belongs to the City, a school district or another public body, the ordinary three-year deadline does not apply. You must serve a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, and in New York City that notice goes to the Comptroller. Suit must then be commenced within one year and 90 days.
Ninety days run while you are still in treatment and still out of work. Miss it, and a winning case can be dismissed without a judge ever reaching the question of fault. The same fall on the same block can be a three-year case against a private owner, or a 90-day case against the City.
Collecting evidence
It is important to collect evidence if you are able. If you are not able to take action, contact our firm to come to the scene on your behalf. Always seek medical attention first. When you tend to your medical needs, the medical professional’s report will document your injury, including the location and approximate time. If you have a camera on your phone, take some pictures of what hurt you and speak to witnesses of the accident. Oftentimes, a property owner will quickly address a hazard after an accident, practically erasing evidence. Especially with weather-related conditions, including snow, ice, and standing water, nature can quickly erase evidence. Our firm is ready to act quickly. If you are injured, contact us to secure evidence on your behalf.
Contact an experienced Queens premises liability law firm
For over 30 years, The Law Offices of George Poulos has fought for injured clients in New York. It is our goal to help you establish negligence and acquire the maximum compensation for your injuries. You may be entitled to damages to cover lost wages, medical bills, and award you for pain and suffering and the impact on your quality of life. If you need our help, contact The Law Offices of George Poulos as soon as possible.