Sidewalk Accident Attorney in Manhattan
In New York City, most residents don’t own cars and because nearly everything they need is located within a few blocks from home or work. Anything that is not in walking distance can be accessed via subway or taxi. Therefore, sidewalks are a critical component of New York City and should be taken care of so pedestrians don’t get hurt. Still, pedestrians are injured in sidewalk accidents all the time, ultimately causing victims to face serious physical, emotional, and financial burdens for years down the road. If you have been hurt in a NYC sidewalk accident, it is important that you consider your legal options. Swerling Law can help you hold the property owner accountable and recover compensation on your behalf. Contact Swerling Law today to discuss your case.
Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
We, as pedestrians, tend to assume that all sidewalks in New York City are well maintained and often don’t pay too much attention to what lies ahead of us. Sidewalks should be regularly maintained by their owner to ensure that there are no hazards present. If there are hazards present on a sidewalk that are not swiftly alleviated, pedestrians can become very seriously injured. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents that our firm has seen include the following:
- Weather-related hazards, such as snow or ice
- Uneven, cracked, raised, and depressed surfaces
- Slippery substances
- Loose debris
- Construction debris
When a sidewalk is impacted by weather-related hazards, the property owner has a certain amount of time to rectify the snow, ice, or standing water after a storm. However, if you were injured before the time given to clear the weather-related hazard, the property owner would most likely not be held accountable. It is important to be aware that each municipality has different laws regarding when weather-related hazards must be cleared.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
One of the most important components of any personal injury case is the requirement that you are able to prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous conditions and failed to correct them, ultimately resulting in the accident. The burden of proof also applies to sidewalk accident cases. This is why it is so critical that you take pictures of the dangerous conditions that caused the accident before leaving the scene. Of course, this is only if you are physically capable of doing so given your injuries. If you try to come back and take pictures at a later date, the property owner may have fixed the issue in an effort to cover up their negligence.
Contact a Manhattan Sidewalk Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while walking on a sidewalk in Manhattan or throughout NYC, it is important to consider your legal options. A successful personal injury case can allow you to recover significant compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress. If you need an experienced sidewalk accident attorney who will fight for your best interests, contact Swerling Law today to discuss your case.
