Sidewalks are seldom considered “dangerous,” which is why most of us do not think twice before we go walking down the street. However, the truth is, when property owners fail to ensure their sidewalk is safe for all passersby, the chances of an accident occurring astronomically increase. If you are someone who has recently been injured in a sidewalk accident, you should read on and reach out to our experienced New York personal injury attorneys to learn more about how we can help you through the legal process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have about sidewalk accidents:
What are some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents?
Sidewalk accidents can happen for any number of reasons, though unfortunately, they can most frequently be traced back to negligence. For example, sidewalk accidents can occur due to standing water, cracks or uneven surfaces left unfixed, weather-related hazards, such as snow or ice, being left unattended past the legally-acceptable window of time, and more. If you were injured by any of the aforementioned safety hazards, you are most likely entitled to financial compensation.
Who is responsible for a sidewalk accident?
Oftentimes, people believe that municipalities are solely responsible for injuries sustained in sidewalk accidents. However, this is not always true. In many cases, property owners are responsible for these accidents, depending on where property lines begin and end, whether weather-related hazards came into play, and more. That being said, if a municipality is liable, you will have to prove the following to win a personal injury claim:
- There was a safety hazard present
- The municipality knew or should have reasonably known about the safety hazard
- The municipality failed to fix or resolve the safety hazard within a reasonable amount of time, and that you were seriously injured and suffered substantial financial damages as a result
How long do I have to sue after being injured in a New York sidewalk accident?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is three years, giving individuals three years from the date of their accident to take legal action against a negligent party. However, when filing a lawsuit against a municipality, that timeframe drastically shrinks, which is why you must reach out to our knowledgeable attorneys as soon as you possibly can. We are ready to begin the claims process on your behalf–all you have to do is ask.
Contact our experienced New York firm today
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.
