What to Do After an Apartment Accident in New York

If you have been injured in an apartment accident, continue reading to learn the steps you should take that will increase your chances of filing a successful personal injury claim.

What are the most common causes of apartment accidents in New York?

The following are the most common causes of apartment accidents, which are typically a result of landlord negligence:

  • Failure to remove snow, ice, or other weather-related hazards
  • Failure to ensure stairways are safe
  • Failure to install smoke alarms
  • Failure to install carbon monoxide detectors
  • Poorly lit parking lots
  • Unsafe apartment sidewalks

What should I do following an apartment accident?

Take the following steps after an apartment accident to protect yourself at the scene of the accident and to increase your chances of filing a successful personal injury claim, should you chose to take legal action in the future:

  1. Call 911. The police will bring medical assistance to the scene of your accident. They will also be able to document the accident by conducting a police report. 
  2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  3. Collect the medical documentation relating to your treatment. These documents should state the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
  4. Notify your landlord of your accident.
  5. Take photos and videos of the scene of your accident. Be sure to photograph the hazards that played a part in your accident. 
  6. Take photos of your injuries.
  7. Collect any witnesses’ contact information including their name, phone number, and email address. 
  8. Retain the services of a knowledgeable and skilled New York personal injury attorney who will work to satisfy the burden of proof to recover the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney will also work to recover further evidence to support your claim such as surveillance footage of your accident as it happened. 

How long will I have to take legal action against my landlord after an apartment accident?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years in New York. This means that you will have three years from the date of your apartment accident to take legal action against the negligent landlord responsible for your damages. Failure to file your claim within this period of time may result in you being permanently barred from taking legal action. To avoid this, it is best to bring attention to your claim as soon as possible. Reach out to our experienced personal injury attorney to begin this process today. Our legal team is prepared to fight for your right to compensation.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE 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.