If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, then you can face several challenges when trying to pursue damages associated with the injury. No matter what type of accident occurs and the distinctive conditions surrounding your case, there are still several legal elements that must be proven in court in order for your claim to be successful.
Before you can get your case in court, there are some important legal facts regarding New York premises liability that need to be understood.
In an effort to help you better understand, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about New York premises liability.
What Does Premises Liability Mean in New York?
Premises liability law varies in different areas of the country, but here in New York, it is a lawful expression that simply encompasses the responsibility of the owner of a property to provide a reasonable level of safety for others on the property.
If a manager or owner of a property fails to provide what is considered a reasonably safe environment or is negligent in some fashion, then they can be held liable for accidents and injuries that may occur on the property.
Is Someone Else Responsible for Your New York Injury?
In order to have a legitimate premises liability claim, you should first determine if someone else is responsible for your injuries. A property owner can be held responsible legally if they were aware of, or should have been aware of, conditions and did not take reasonable action to remedy the condition or fix the problem.
What Can You Do If You’re Injured on Someone’s NY Property?
If you sustained an injury as a result of a hazardous, defective, or dangerous condition on the property of another, including federal, state, and local governments, then you may have the ability to bring a lawsuit or a claim seeking damages that include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering that resulted from the injury.
What Are The Most Common Accidents in Premises Liability Cases?
Slip and fall accidents are very common premises liability claims. That’s because they can happen in many different places and a variety of factors can cause them. The specific type of slip and fall accident that occurs often helps in establishing the liable party in the claim. The most common include:
- Slip and falls on ice or snow
- Slip and falls at work
- Slip and falls in supermarkets and stores
- Slip and falls on sidewalks
- Slip and falls in residential buildings
The causes of these types of accidents can be anything from wet and oily floors to worn out walking surfaces. While the cause can vary, there is normally some sort of hazardous condition involved that caused the accident such as defective walking areas, broken sidewalks, poorly lit areas, and uneven surfaces.
What Should You Do After an Accident in New York?
If you sustain an injury from an accident on someone else’s property, then there are steps you should take to help you recover both financially and physically from the incident. You should:
Seek Medical Attention
When you’re injured, get medical help as soon as possible. Even if you don’t believe you’re seriously injured, seeking medical help can help to document the injuries you sustained in case you need to seek compensation. Make sure to ask for copies of all medical reports and bills associated with your care.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced attorney can help you to take the steps necessary to recover from the accident, especially if you have significant medical costs and lost wages. Gather all documentation you have of your injury to show the attorney at your consultation.
Premises liability is an important area of law and you need to understand how to navigate it in order to get the compensation you deserve if you’re injured.