Hiring a lawyer after a New York City slip and fall accident puts you in the strongest position to pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses. These cases can involve complex questions of liability. Success depends on presenting the most persuasive evidence to support your claim.
Due to the complex nature of premises liability claims and the urgency of securing a fair settlement, you need an experienced slip and fall lawyer to thoroughly investigate the accident and fight for the justice you deserve. Don’t risk delays that could jeopardize your right to a financial recovery – reach out to a skilled New York City personal injury attorney right away to get started.
Why Would a Lawyer Represent You in Your NYC Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and fall cases in New York City may seem straightforward. Still, challenges lie in proving the property owner’s negligence and pursuing fair compensation after a fall on someone else’s property. Here are just a few reasons why working with a slip and fall attorney can make a significant difference in your case:
- You suffered severe injuries – If you suffered serious injuries, you may face medical bills, therapy, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other costs. Your lawyer can calculate the full value of your claim to protect you from settling for less than you deserve.
- The other party disputes liability – Property owners often deny fault. They may claim you were careless or that the hazard was obvious. Your lawyer can challenge these defenses by gathering security footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements that show the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions.
- Your lawyer can prove negligence on the part of the property owner – Slip and fall claims depend on proving negligence, meaning the owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition but failed to address it. Your attorney can gather evidence showing the hazard existed long enough for the owner to act, or that they ignored previous complaints.
- Multiple parties are involved – Many New York City properties are controlled at some level by several entities, such as owners, tenants, contractors, or management companies. A lawyer can determine who was responsible for maintenance and name the correct parties in your claim, avoiding costly mistakes that could delay or weaken your case.
- Your claim is against the City of New York or multiple municipalities – If your accident occurred on a sidewalk, at a subway station, at a park, or on other public property, the process for filing a claim is more complex. For instance, for a NYC injury, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Each municipality has its rules. A lawyer familiar with city procedures can ensure your claim meets all deadlines and follows applicable filing rules.
- You have significant medical bills and lost income – The financial impact can be severe when a slip and fall leads to surgery, lost wages, or a lengthy rehabilitation period. Your attorney can work with medical professionals and employers to document these expenses accurately and pursue compensation for current and future losses.
- The insurance company makes a low settlement offer – Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by arguing that victims’ injuries are mild or unrelated to the fall. Your lawyer can present medical records, expert opinions, and financial documentation to support your claim and push back against low-ball offers.
- Your lawyer can obtain the necessary evidence – In slip and fall cases, evidence can disappear when property owners clean spills or delete surveillance footage. A slip and fall attorney at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., can immediately act to preserve this evidence. They may subpoena maintenance records and consult experts to strengthen your case.
- Your lawyer knows NYC premises liability laws for your case – New York City has local laws that define who is responsible for maintaining safe premises. For example, under local code, property owners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance, not the City itself. A lawyer who knows these rules can determine who bears liability and use code violations as evidence.
- The statute of limitations limits the time to file your claim – In most New York slip and fall cases, victims must file a lawsuit within three years from the injury date, but city-related claims have shorter deadlines. Your attorney can track every filing requirement to prevent you from losing your right to compensation because of missed paperwork or timing errors.
- Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies for your settlement – Negotiating with insurers requires experience and knowledge of their tactics and process for evaluating claims. Your lawyer can calculate your expenses and losses and handle all communications to prevent you from dealing with the insurers’ pressure tactics or bad faith offers.
Would You Ever NOT Need a Lawyer for Your Slip and Fall Case in New York City?
Sometimes, you may not need a lawyer after a slip and fall. For example, if you weren’t injured, your medical expenses and other losses are minor, or the property owner’s insurance quickly accepts full responsibility and offers fair compensation, you may be able to handle the claim yourself.
However, those cases are rare. Consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer right away. They can explain whether your case is straightforward enough to resolve without formal legal representation.
Get Help from a New York City Slip and Fall Lawyer Near You
If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall, an attorney with experience and knowledge of New York law and court procedures can help you pursue the maximum compensation and justice you deserve. Since 1998, David Resnick & Associates, P.C., has recovered over $180 million for injured New Yorkers. We’ll be on your side, fighting for you. As one satisfied client wrote:
“David was excellent. He was always easy to contact. Great staff. I would definitely recommend Resnick and Associates if you have an accident.”
– Shontelle S.
Our personal injury law firm is here to answer your questions, or we can meet in your home if doing so would be easiest and most convenient for you while you’re healing. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and discuss your slip and fall injury claim with a New York City premises liability attorney.
