Sidewalk Accident Lawyer in NYC
Sidewalks are a critical part of the infrastructure in New York City and the surrounding areas. Many people don’t own cars and with nearly everything they need with a few blocks from home, they choose to walk most places. Sidewalks should be well maintained and there should not be any hazards present that could cause you to become injured. However, pedestrians are injured in sidewalk accidents all the time. Unfortunately, this can result in serious injuries that create a lifetime of burden. If you have been seriously injured in a NYC or Long Island sidewalk accident, it is important to consider your legal options. The Law Offices of Laurence C. Tarowsky has over 30 years of experience representing victims of sidewalk accidents. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal team.
Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalks should be regularly maintained by their owner to ensure that there are no hazards present. If there are dangers that are not quickly mitigated, 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
It is important to note that if you were injured because of standing snow or ice on a sidewalk, the rules are a little different. In New York, a 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. 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 parts of any personal injury case is the need to fulfill the burden of proof. This is simply how you will establish that the property owner was negligent in causing the sidewalk accident. You must determine who the property owner is. In some cases, the sidewalk may be owned by the city, but in others, it may be owned by the owner of the adjacent building. It is important to note that collecting evidence should start as soon as your accident happens, even if you don’t yet know who the sidewalk owner is. You should take photos and videos of the conditions that caused you to become injured, if at all possible. Additionally, if there are any witnesses on the scene, be sure to get their contact information so they can testify on your behalf. You should also be sure to get immediate medical attention and have your injuries documented by a professional, as this could be critical in your case.
Contact a NYC Accident Attorney
Have you been seriously injured in a NYC sidewalk accident? If so, our firm is here to help. For over 30 years, the Law Offices of Laurence C. Tarowsky has proudly served clients in New York City and Long Island after they have been injured by the negligence of another party. Our firm is committed to helping you recover compensation for the burdens caused by the accident. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced legal team, contact the Law Offices of Laurence C. Tarowsky today.