Sidewalks are everywhere in New York City, and though their purpose is to provide pedestrians a safe place to walk, they sometimes achieve the opposite. If you are someone who was injured in a sidewalk accident, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation for the damages you have incurred as a result. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the personal injury claims process going forward:
What can cause a sidewalk accident?
It may be surprising to know that many property owners are unaware of the fact that they are responsible for keeping their sidewalk safe for all passersby. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents stem from this negligence, and can include issues such as loose debris, standing water, uneven surfaces, potholes, and weather-related hazards, such as snow, left unattended past the reasonably acceptable period of time.
How do I recover financial compensation after a New York sidewalk accident?
The first thing you will have to do is hire an experienced attorney who is capable of determining whether a municipality or a private sidewalk owner is liable for the injuries you have sustained. Once your attorney has determined who is in charge of keeping the sidewalk hazard-free, he or she can then begin gathering and assembling evidence to prove that the accident was, indeed, their fault.
To prove your personal injury claim, your attorney will work to obtain pictures or videos of the accident, witness testimony verifying your claim, police reports documenting the incident, pictures of the safety hazard that caused the accident, medical documents detailing the origin and extent of your injuries, and more.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York State?
The phrase “statute of limitations” simply describes the window of time you have to take legal action against another person. Since the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is three years, you will have three years from the date of your accident to file a premises liability lawsuit against a negligent party. If you wait any longer than the legally acceptable period of time, you will most likely be denied your right to sue. Our firm is ready to begin fighting for the compensation you need to get back on your feet again.
Contact our experienced New York firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
