New Yorkers walk everywhere, and the winter weather won’t stop them. But, the city streets and sidewalks may become dangerous due to snow and ice. Read on for more information regarding snow & ice accidents in New York City.
Who is Responsible for a Snow & Ice Accident?
New York City property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their properties safe. This applies to homeowners, stores, businesses, and municipal buildings. Property owners have a certain window of time after a snow or rainfall event to clean their properties of snow and ice. If a property owner fails to clean his or her property, he may be held responsible if an accident occurs. This window of time differs by municipality, so contact our firm to determine whether your accident occurred outside this window.
What do I do if I am Injured in a Snow & Ice Accident?
If your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. But, to do so, you will have to prove that this negligence occurred. Some steps you should take after an accident include:
- Seek medical attention. Many people avoid doctors and attempt to recover on their own, at home. Often, this is not a good move, as your injuries may require medical attention to heal properly. Additionally, going to the doctor will allow you to document the origin and extent of your injuries, which can be vital when it comes to a personal injury case. Make sure to ask your doctor for copies of any relevant medical documents.
- Document the scene. It is important to take photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident.
- Obtain bystander contact information. New York City streets are often busy, so there is a good chance that someone saw your accident occur. If this is the case, you will want to collect this individual’s contact information, as he or she may be able to corroborate your story later on.
- Contact a skilled personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to gather further evidence, including security footage and police reports.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you wish to pursue legal action, you will need to file your claim within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years. This means that if you fail to file your claim within three years from the date of the accident, you will likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snow & ice accident in New York City, contact our firm today to discuss your case with a skilled attorney.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.
