You work at a construction site on Metcalf Avenue or East 233rd Street, the Bronx’s new construction real estate market. And just as you get used to your routine, you slip over the owner’s inventory kept on the site and fall, enduring life-changing injuries. This calls for the services of a Bronx slip and fall lawyer.
On the other hand, winter is quite hard in the Bronx, causing 20% of falls, sometimes on others’ properties, resulting in severe damage like head trauma and fractures.
When you get such injuries from a slip and fall in the other party’s premises, hiring a Bronx slip and fall lawyer is best to win your entitled compensation.
The leading attorneys build a strong case for you against the negligent owner, proving their liability. Here’s how a slip-and-fall lawyer can help you after an accident in the Bronx.
How Does a Slip and Fall Accident Occur?
A slip-and-fall accident occur when someone loses balance due to hazardous conditions. This often leads to serious injuries and sometimes lifelong impairment.
Slip and fall accidents can happen on wet floors, uneven surfaces, icy walkways and poorly lit areas. These fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe environments for visitors.
5 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Now that you know how slip and fall accidents can happen, here are the different steps to take after it.
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even minor injuries should be checked, as symptoms can worsen over time.
- Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, and supervisor immediately. Ensure they document the accident in an incident report.
- Document the Scene
Take photos of the hazard, injuries, and surrounding area. Collect witness information if anyone saw the accident.
- Avoid Speaking About Fault
Do not admit fault or discuss the details with the property owner or insurer without legal advice.
- Contact a Lawyer
Consult a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and evaluate your claim.
Legal Rights of Victims
Victims of slip and fall accidents have the right to:
- File a Claim: Hold the property owner accountable for negligence if unsafe conditions caused the accident.
- Compensation: Seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs.
- Fair Treatment: Insurers and property owners must handle claims without unfair practices.
The Role of a Bronx Slip and Fall Lawyer
A Bronx slip and fall lawyer specializes in personal injury cases, guiding victims through the legal process. Their roles include:
- Investigating the Case: Gathering evidence to prove the property owner’s negligence.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Ensuring victims receive fair compensation for their injuries.
- Litigating in Court: Representing victims if the case goes to trial, using legal expertise to secure a favourable verdict.
- Advising Clients: Explaining legal options and ensuring timely filing within New York’s statute of limitations (three years for personal injury claims).
- Part of New York City, the Bronx follows New York State laws regarding personal injury claims. Key aspects include:
- Premises Liability: Property owners must ensure safe premises. Failure to address hazards can result in liability.
- Comparative Negligence: Even if the victim shares some fault, they can still recover damages, though compensation is reduced based on their percentage of fault.
- Statute of Limitations: Victims have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
How Do They Help You?
Here are the different ways a slip and fall lawyer can help you out:
They Help You with Your Claim According to the State Slip and Fall Laws
As the Bronx is one of the five boroughs in New York State, it adheres to New York premises liability laws.
Top lawyers have expertise in these laws that dictate that landowners need to maintain their properties in a “reasonably safe condition.”
Considering New York laws and legal rules, they help you file a claim with the property owner’s insurer or take your matter to court.
They Help You Collect the Necessary Documents
As per New York state laws, you must have photos or surveillance footage to prove your slip and fall accident on the other party’s premises. You should also have all your medical records related to your injury treatments.
The attorneys help you gather all the documents before filing your slip-and-fall lawsuit, ensuring your side is strong enough to register a confirmed win.
They Help You Adhere to the Statute of Limitations
As per the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules section 214, if you get injured in a slip and fall accident on the other party’s property, you get three years to file your lawsuit. The time starts ticking from the day of your accident.
An experienced Bronx slip and fall lawyer will help you devise the right strategy, utilizing the time you have before filing your lawsuit within the deadline.
They Help Establish the Premises Liability of The Property Owner
Debris-covered walkways, uneven sidewalk slabs, stagnated rain, ice, and snow are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in the Bronx.
When property owners fail to take the necessary remedial steps in any of these scenarios, leading to your slip and fall injuries, they are liable for your compensation.
Qualified lawyers will subpoena evidence, such as security footage, and take witnesses’ dispositions to prove the other party’s liability.
They Help You Build Your Case Even When You Are Partially at Fault
Under Section 1411 of New York Civil Practice Law & Rules, you are entitled to receive a lesser number of damages if you are also culpable with contributory negligence.
Adept lawyers know New York’s comparative negligence rule and work on proving that your fault is minimal, ensuring you get the maximum settlement for your injury.
They investigate your case to show that the other party didn’t repair the property’s hazards, thus putting full blame on them.
They Help You Determine the Compensation You Deserve
Typically, remuneration for a slip and fall victim in the Bronx can range from $1k to a six-digit amount. The value depends on your lawsuit strength and the extent of the damages you have suffered.
The Bronx lawyers consider several factors, from the county where your accident occurred, your total medical expenses, your lost income to the pain you have endured. Based on these aspects, they help you decide and get your settlements from worker’s compensation, when applicable, and defend it in court if the other party objects.
They Handle Mediation for You
The New York City Civil Court and Bronx County Supreme Court are where you can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking restitution for your slip and fall injury in the Bronx.
But you don’t have to go to court to win your compensation every time; there are cases when the other party would like to negotiate your settlement amount out of court.
A slip and fall lawyer may help you with the process known as mediation. They interact with the insurers for you, ensuring you don’t settle for a lower remuneration.
Final Thoughts
In recent years, slip and fall accidents in the Bronx have set records for awarding the victims with the largest remunerations for such accidents in the US. It is obvious that a Bronx slip and fall lawyer was able to get this done!
When you meet with a slip and fall accident, engage an experienced lawyer at the earliest. They will handle all your case’s legalities while you can focus on recovering from your injuries after your accident in the Bronx.
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