Walking on the bustling streets of New York can be quite an experience. On the one hand, you can take in the sights, enjoy the hustle, and indulge in a couple of street delicacies you pass by to entice your appetite. On the other hand, it can also be quite risky, with some getting involved in car accidents, street scams, and even mugging.
Indeed, New York City is a balanced mixture of pros and cons, and one of the many things you may experience if you are not careful would be an unfortunate fall on the sidewalk. If the floor isn’t slippery, chances are, you have encountered a broken sidewalk that the responsible party or property owner did not care to fix.
Of course, no one wants to pay for an accident that they didn’t even cause, let alone occurred because of other people’s fault. If that’s the case, it would only be appropriate for you to learn some crucial things that may help you get through the ordeal and provide you with the right compensation from the liable parties. Below are some vital pieces of information that may help you accomplish this.
1. Who Is Responsible for the Incident?
For the most part, it is the responsibility of the city to pay for the injury a person obtains from a broken sidewalk. If you happen to experience the incident in an open area, chances are, this technicality may apply.
However, that this isn’t always the case. If the accident happens in front of a commercial or residential establishment, the property owner is liable for the whole situation.
Of course, they must keep their front sidewalks clean and well-maintained. If they neglect it, something might occur out of nowhere, and people will get hurt.
2. What Are the Common Injuries Caused by Broken Sidewalk Falls?
Most of the time, the injuries are minor, such as a few scratches or bruises. However, there are also times when the person involved in the accident may suffer something severe, like a broken bone or an injury to the head or spine. These conditions are serious and may need more medical attention.
Whoever is at fault of the accident will have to compensate for the hospital bills; otherwise, they may receive penalties, or worse, face a lawsuit due to their carelessness.
3. How Do I Claim My Compensation after Experiencing the Fall?
If you’re facing a similar situation, you must first prove that the accident happened due to the negligence of the city, property owners, or establishment officials. Evidence is the key in showing that they could not maintain their sidewalk as needed, which in turn caused the accident to occur. Due to technological advancements, you may rely on CCTV cameras or witnesses’ videos to provide that well-needed proof.
If you can present a complete rundown of the evidence per the requirements, you are eligible to receive the needed compensation to address your injuries.
Conclusion
Take note of these inquiries and pointers, and you may get through the process of acquiring compensation for your sidewalk injuries accordingly. It’s not every day that this happens. However, there are times when it really can’t be helped, and you may get a scratch or two out of the ordeal. If you are sure that the city or the property owners lack the maintenance of their sidewalks, feel free to file a suit and get the monetary assistance you deserve to answer for your injuries.
If you will need the assistance of an accident lawyer who will help you with your sidewalk fall lawsuit, look no further than our expertise at Ronemus & Vilensky. We handle a variety of cases that may get you through your current ordeal with the law. Contact us today and let us discuss all your legal options.