Unfortunately, slips, trips, and other property-related accidents result in serious injury here in the Big Apple. That said, if you’ve sustained an injury due to a dangerous property condition, you may wonder if the property owner is responsible. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Bronx slip and fall lawyer from The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn about whether property owners are liable for injuries in New York City and contact our firm for assistance. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Are property owners responsible for keeping their premises safe?
In New York City, the safety of premises is a significant concern. Property owners, both commercial and residential, hold a legal duty to ensure their property is reasonably safe. This responsibility includes regular maintenance and timely repairs. It extends to addressing potential hazards that could cause harm to visitors or tenants.
What Constitutes a Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability cases are diverse. They often hinge on whether the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment. For instance, a slip and fall due to an unaddressed spill in a supermarket aisle could lead to a premises liability claim. Similarly, an injury resulting from a broken staircase in an apartment building might constitute negligence. These cases require proving the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to rectify it.
How Does New York Law Affect Premises Liability?
New York’s laws add complexity to premises liability cases. The state’s comparative negligence rule might reduce compensation if the injured party is partly at fault. For example, if a person is injured while ignoring warning signs, their compensation could be diminished. Additionally, New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the incident date. After this period, one cannot legally pursue compensation.
Injuries on another’s property can range from minor to severe. Medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma are common consequences of such injuries. Victims often face a challenging road to recovery, both physically and financially, which is why skilled legal guidance is indispensable.
Property owners must be proactive in identifying and addressing potential hazards. Regular inspections are crucial for identifying risks like loose railings or uneven flooring. Failure to address these issues promptly can lead to accidents, resulting in legal liabilities for the property owner.
The role of evidence in premises liability cases cannot be overstated. Photographs of the hazard, witness statements, and medical reports are vital. They help establish the link between the property condition and the injury sustained. Without this evidence, proving liability becomes significantly more challenging.
If you have further questions or need a competent personal injury lawyer in your corner, please don’t hesitate to contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny for assistance today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.