Sidewalk accidents, though not as frequent as, say, car accidents, happen far more often than you may think, especially with winter weather rapidly approaching. If you find yourself injured in a sidewalk, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What can cause a sidewalk accident?
Sidewalk accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but they very often stem from negligence. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents include uneven or cracked surfaces, potholes, loose debris, or hazards brought about by a storm, such as snowy or icy conditions.
How do I know if I am entitled to compensation after an accident?
To recover financial compensation, you will have to prove that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence. However, first, you will need to hire an attorney who can determine who was responsible for the injuries you have sustained. In some instances, it may be a municipality, while in other cases, it will be the property owner. To prove your personal injury claim, your attorney will obtain various types of evidence, which may include photos or videos of the accident as it happened, pictures of the safety hazard that caused your accident, police reports of the incident, witness testimony supporting your claim, and more.
You should also make it a point to take a trip to the doctor or ER after an accident, as your physician will tend to your injuries and provide you with medical documentation detailing your extent. You may then use this documentation to support your claim.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York?
The phrase, “statute of limitations” simply refers to the amount of time an individual has to take legal action against another person. Since the statute of limitations for premises liability lawsuits in New York is three years, you will have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action against a negligent party. Nevertheless, it is always best to file sooner, rather than later, and if you wait too long, you will be denied your right to compensation altogether, no matter how badly you truly need it. Do not let this happen. Simply reach out to our firm when you are ready, and we will begin the claims process as soon as possible.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
At Mark L. Bodner, P.C., we are committed to guiding clients through each step of the medical malpractice and personal injury claims process. Our firm understands how traumatic it can be when you become a victim of negligence. We are prepared to fight on your behalf to help you recover a maximum compensation award. Contact our firm today.