People generally come and go from parking lots without considering it a dangerous place. However, it is common for accidents to occur in these locations. This may be the case if the premises is not properly taken care of by those who are obligated to do so. In the event of this, accidents can happen that lead to serious injuries as a result. If a parking lot is not maintained and you become injured as a result, it is important to retain the services of an experienced New York personal injury attorney for assistance with your case.
Causes of Accidents
There are many different ways someone can become injured due to poor parking lot conditions in New York. This can include but is not limited to:
- Poor weather conditions (snow, ice, standing water, etc.)
- Potholes, uneven surfaces, cracked surfaces
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate security
Who is Liable?
In New York, all property owners have a legal obligation to take care of the grounds they own. This involves making sure there are no hazards such as snow or ice, dangerous spills, loose debris, inadequate lighting, and more. In the event that certain hazards do arise, they must be taken care of within a reasonable period of time to ensure that those who are not walking or driving in the parking lot become injured as a result. If the property owner fails to fulfill their obligation and someone becomes injured, they may be held liable.
Proving Negligence
When an injured party wants to hold a property owner responsible for causing their injuries, they must file a personal injury claim to do so. During this time, they must prove negligence by satisfying the burden of proof. This can be done by gathering evidence that shows the property owner knew, or should have reasonably known about the hazard and failed to fix it. Helpful evidence can include medical documentation, security footage of the parking lot during the time of the accident, pictures of the property, and witnesses to the incident.
When pursuing legal action, it is important to not wait too long to do so. This is because there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline that must be met to file a claim. If the injured party fails to do so, they may lose their opportunity to recover compensation for damages. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury accidents is three years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City car 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.
