There are millions of people walking around New York City on any given day. This may be for exercise, leisure, or as a method of transportation in many cases. While walking is a simple activity that should never result in injuries, it is possible for an accident to happen at any time. This may be if the grounds are not maintained by property owners and become hazardous as a result. When this happens, it can cause life-changing injuries to those involved. If you were involved in a slip and fall accident, it is important to retain the services of an experienced New York personal injury attorney for help recovering compensation.
What are Examples of Accidents?
There are many different places where a slip and fall accident can happen in New York, such as sidewalks, streets, parking lots, etc. These accident may be seen in the event of the following:
- Hazardous sidewalks
- Weather conditions (snow, ice, standing water)
- Potholes, uneven pavement, cracked surfaces
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
- Slippery substances
Who is Liable for an Accident?
Property owners in the state of New York are required by law to make sure their grounds are safe so that others cannot be harmed as a result of negligence. All private citizens, public stores, private companies, or municipal properties must abide by this law. In addition to this, property owners are responsible for the sidewalk that is adjacent to their grounds. This means they must make sure this is hazard free as well. This may be necessary after snowfall to clear snow or ice. It is important to know there is a certain window of time in which this must be done, otherwise property owners can be held liable for accidents that happen outside of this window.
How do I Prove Negligence?
When a person is injured in a slip and fall accident as a result of a property owner’s negligence, they can pursue legal action to recover compensation. This can be done by filing a personal injury claim. In doing so, they are required to prove negligence occurred and was the direct cause of their injuries. This is possible through evidence that shows the property owner was aware of the conditions that caused their injuries and failed to fix it. Evidence that can be helpful for a case can include medical documentation of the injuries, pictures of the hazard, any witnesses to the incident, and more.
Contact our 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.
