If you live in New York, there is a very good chance you find yourself taking stairways every single day. Unfortunately, when stairwells are improperly maintained by property owners, they very often open individuals up to a serious accident. If you have been injured in a staircase accident, then you must read on and reach out to our experienced New York premises liability attorneys to learn more about how we can help you.
What most often causes stairwell accidents?
Stairwell accidents can be caused by several different factors, however, they can almost always be traced back to a negligent property owner. For example, these accidents can be caused by inadequately lighted stairwells, unevenly spaced stairs, broken or nonexistent railings, damaged steps, and more.
How do I know if I can recover compensation after a staircase accident?
To recover compensation after a stairwell accident, you will need to hire an attorney who can prove that the property owner knew, or should have known about a present safety hazard, failed to take action to fix the hazard, and that you, therefore, were injured as a result. To prove your claim, your attorney will seek out various forms of evidence, including pictures of the poor staircase conditions, police reports of the incident, medical documentation, and more.
Once you file your personal injury claim, you must ensure you do not post anything to your social media accounts that may contradict your claim. For example, do not say you broke an arm as a result of your accident, and then post a picture of you lifting weights. Insurance companies will oftentimes monitor your accounts to look for inconsistencies with your story, and if they find one, they may use it against you, even if they have to take it out of context. Do not let this happen.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against a property owner in New York?
The statute of limitations for premises liability lawsuits in New York State is three years, which means that generally, you are granted three years from the date of your accident to take legal action against a negligent property. Unfortunately, those who wait any longer than three years will most likely be barred from suing, which can result in you losing out on the financial compensation you truly deserve. Our firm is prepared to begin the claims process as soon as possible so we can fight for your right to a speedy recovery.
Contact our experienced Westchester firm
Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of neglect in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.