New York City parking lots pose more risks than people may realize. Whether it’s a slippery surface, a pothole, uneven pavement, or poor lighting, an unaddressed parking lot hazard can cause a significant injury in the blink of an eye. When your injuries result from a property owner’s negligence, you deserve compensation.

The New York City premises liability lawyers at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for our injured clients. Strong client relationships, built on trust and communication, are our keys to success. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and seek the compensation you are due.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in NYC Parking Lots?

Parking lot accidents can happen for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of slip and falls our attorneys see in NYC include:

  • Icy or snowy surfaces
  • Uneven pavement or potholes
  • Pooled water from poor drainage
  • Debris or trash obstructing walkways
  • Poor lighting that obscures hazards.

Icy conditions can be dangerous in New York City. Winter storms often leave parking lots slick. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. So, if the property owner fails to exercise reasonable care and address hazards, and their neglect results in serious injuries, they could be liable.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fall Accident in a New York City Parking Lot?

Protecting your safety and legal rights after a parking lot injury in New York City requires swift action. Here’s what to do:

  • Document the accident scene – Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your fall, warnings (or lack thereof), light and weather conditions, the surrounding area, and visible injuries.
  • Report the incident – Inform the parking lot owner or manager of the slip and fall and request a copy of the incident report.
  • Collect witness information – Obtain their names and contact information if anybody saw the incident. Witnesses can provide key details that lend credibility to your claim.
  • Seek prompt medical attention – See a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some injuries take time for symptoms to show. Also, an insurance company may point to a delay in getting care to downplay your injuries.
  • Contact David Resnick & Associates, P.C. – A skilled New York parking lot fall lawyer with experience handling premises liability claims from our law firm can protect your rights and guide you through pursuing maximum compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis. So, you will pay no fees unless we secure compensation for you.

Who Can Be Liable for My Parking Lot Fall?

Several parties may bear responsibility in a parking lot slip and fall accident. The liable parties may include:

  • Private business owners
  • Companies that lease the property from the owner
  • Property management companies
  • City agencies, if the lot is publicly owned.

Sometimes, multiple parties share responsibility for unsafe conditions that lead to accidents and injuries. We will investigate your slip and fall accident to identify all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable.

What Evidence Can Prove Who’s Responsible for the Accident?

All successful slip and fall claims require substantial evidence. Examples of evidence your slip and fall lawyer will likely seek include:

  • Accident scene photos and videos
  • Witness interviews
  • Maintenance logs or repair records
  • Surveillance footage
  • Medical and financial records
  • Expert testimony.

Evidence can quickly become “lost” or destroyed if you don’t act soon. Our attorneys will determine what evidence may be available, then work to preserve and obtain it so we can build the strongest case possible.

What If the City of New York Owns or Operates the Parking Lot Where I Fell?

If a municipality or other government entity owns or operates the parking lot, filing a claim involves unique rules. NYC government entities have special liability protections. Victims must submit a formal notice of their claim to the city within 90 days of the incident. You then have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.

What Compensation Could Be Available in a Parking Lot Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

A parking lot injury can lead to daily pain, limited mobility, time off work, costly medical bills, and significant emotional distress. Compensation in slip and fall claims is designed to account for these losses. Your attorney will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Repair or replacement of damaged property.

Our slip and fall attorneys will work with medical and financial experts to assess your injuries’ full extent and impact when calculating your maximum compensation.

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for the Parking Lot Fall?

Under New York law, the parties to any accidents are subject to a comparative negligence system. Under this system, anyone who’s even 99% at fault for an accident can seek compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

For example, if your compensation was $100,000, but you were 40 percent at fault for the accident, your recovery would be reduced by 40 percent, and you would ultimately collect $60,000. Your attorney can help build a compelling case for holding the negligent party responsible, minimizing your share of fault for the accident, and maximizing your compensation.

Does NYC Have a Deadline for Filing a Parking Lot Fall Accident Lawsuit?

New York maintains strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. You typically have three years from the slip and fall injury date to file a lawsuit. However, when pursuing a lawsuit against a government entity, you have only 90 days to file a notice of claim, and a year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.

Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to recover compensation. Protecting your rights and building the strongest case possible requires swift action.

Get Help from a New York City Parking Lot Fall Accident Attorney Near You

If you’ve suffered injuries in a parking lot accident, the team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., can help. We’ve been protecting the rights of injured New Yorkers since 1998, and we’ve recovered over $180 million in verdicts and settlements on their behalf. We’ll fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.