What To Do If You Slip And Fall On A Sidewalk In New York
New York is known for its sidewalks. With over 12,000 miles of sidewalks, New York is considered one of the most walkable and pedestrian-friendly cities. Like any concrete structure, sidewalks need to be well maintained. In the absence of proper maintenance, sidewalks can get damaged and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on a sidewalk, you might be entitled to monetary compensation. In this article, we take a look at the steps you need to take following a sidewalk accident.
Steps to Take Following a Slip and Fall Accident on a Sidewalk
- Call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Take photographs of your injuries, the personal items that were damaged in the accident, the dangerous condition that caused the accident, the sidewalk, and the surrounding area.
- Find out if anyone witnessed the accident and get their contact information.
- Look for surveillance cameras in the vicinity. If there are any, you might be able to obtain the footage of the accident with the help of your lawyer.
- Get medical help and preserve all your medical records, physician’s reports, and prescriptions.
- Contact an experienced New York sidewalk accident lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Sidewalk Accident in New York?
Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to hold a private property owner or the City of New York responsible for your injuries. If the sidewalk on which the accident happened abuts a private property, the owner of the property may be held liable for your injuries.
This is because under New York’s sidewalk law, the owner of the property abutting the sidewalk is required, in most instances, to maintain the sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries and property damage.
If the sidewalk abuts a local or state government building or a 1, 2, or 3-family house which is occupied by its owner, the City of New York can be held liable for the accident.
How to File a Sidewalk Accident Claim in New York?
Filing a sidewalk accident claim against the owner of a private property is similar to filing a tort claim against any private individual. You need to prove that they owed you a duty of care, they breached their duty, and their breach of duty caused the accident in which you were injured.
On the other hand, filing a sidewalk accident claim against the City of New York can prove to be a complicated process. You can sue the City of New York only if you can prove that the authorities were aware of the dangerous condition, received prior written notice, and failed to take any action to remedy the problem. Needless to say, it can a lot more difficult than proving the liability of a private individual.
Choose Top-Rated Accident Lawyers to Take On Powerful Defendants for Your Slip and Fall Injury
If you have been injured in a sidewalk accident, it’s crucial to get legal help right away. It’s particularly essential if you are planning to sue the City of New York, as the deadline for filing a claim is much shorter compared to other types of personal injury claims.
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have extensive experience in handling sidewalk accident claims against private individuals as well as the government. With unmatched legal expertise, resources, and over 100 years of combined experience, we are best equipped to handle your claim and we can get you the compensation you deserve.
For a free evaluation of your claim by an experienced personal injury attorney, call us today at 212-962-1020 or fill out our convenient online contact form.