As in most states, property owners in New York must maintain safe premises, promptly eliminating hazardous conditions to mitigate the risks of accidents and injuries. When the appropriate parties fail to uphold their legal obligation, serious accidents can occur. If you have been seriously injured in a slip-and-fall accident, taking the necessary steps to safeguard your rights is crucial. Without realizing it, many people make mistakes that jeopardize their ability to recover compensation for their damages. Please continue reading to learn what mistakes to avoid and how a qualified New York City Premises Liability Attorney can help you navigate your legal options.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Slip and Fall Accident in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim is three years. This means you have three years from the date you were injured to pursue legal action against another party. While three years may seem like a substantial amount of time to take legal action, many wait too long and miss the legally prescribed time limit to file their claim. You will face the absolute bar of recovery if you miss the deadline. In addition, if you fail to take legal action as soon as possible, you will risk losing critical evidence in your case. Therefore, if you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you should take immediate legal action to safeguard your rights.
If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you should avoid accepting an early settlement offer. Typically, an initial settlement offer is much less than you are entitled to. While accepting an offer may be enticing as medical bills pile up, you should avoid accepting a settlement offer too soon. A qualified attorney can help you determine and negotiate a fair loss settlement amount.
Should I Consult an Attorney?
One of the most critical steps after a slip and fall accident is to consult an experienced attorney. Unfortunately, many fail to speak to an attorney and attempt to navigate this complex and time-sensitive legal proceeding alone. However, this is a huge mistake. Trying to handle this legal process while recovering from your injuries will be difficult. You need quality legal representation who can negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement, represent your interests during the trial, and advise on the best way to proceed to ensure you receive the funds you are entitled to for your damages. Ultimately, an attorney will assess your case and gather evidence, increasing your chances of fulfilling the burden of proof.
At Swerling Law, we understand how difficult life after a slip and fall accident can be. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team, who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track.
