If there is one thing that a New York City slip and fall attorney can do for you, it is to bring to your attention that a fall can have a profound impact on the quality of your life for years and even decades to come.
Most people look at just the short term effects of an injury such as a fall, thinking about immediate doctor bills, and necessary surgeries. In light of this limited scope, the settlement offered by the responsible party may well seem reasonable, however it is important to look beyond the obvious.
Until you know the extent of your injuries, and until there has been an examination of the circumstances, there can be no accurate way to judge what the damages are. An attorney will guide you through the process of assessment so that you can be confident that you don’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence.
Before you can file a claim for negligence, here are a few points to ponder:
- New York law requires that both the walker and the person responsible for the physical site exercise responsible behavior. Do you have special circumstances that indicate property-owner fault? The court will decide what portion of the cost should be absorbed by each party based on a sober consideration of all of the aspects. Courts often refuse to hear a slip and fall injury case without good evidence and witnesses.
- You generally cannot make a claim against your employer. Those situations are handled under employer-related compensation laws.
- There is a three year New York statute of limitations within which a claim must be filed.
- The liability of a New York City slip and fall case can be subtle, and the injured party may be unaccustomed to analyzing the circumstances of a slip and fall case.
If you feel you have a valid claim, then it is definitely worth your time to discuss it with an attorney. A fall can have repercussions well into the your future, affecting your ability to work and to provide for you and your family.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible, so that you have relevant witnesses on hand, and so that you can indicate any adverse circumstances while the incident is fresh in your mind. It is a good idea to talk to an attorney before you agree to (or even discuss) a lesser settlement. It is also to your advantage to let the responsible party know that you are contacting an attorney.
The streets and sidewalks and businesses in New York City can be busy, slippery, icy, uneven and crowded. In dealing with this exciting and vibrant environment, we need to use our best care and judgement. If you feel that you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, then do not hesitate to let us know as soon as possible.
Contact us for a full and timely evaluation of whether or not your injury claim has a valid chance of succeeding in the New York court system.
