Long Island Premises Liability Lawyer
Can you bring a lawsuit in New York when you are injured by a dangerous condition on a property?
In New York all property owners are legally obligated to ensure that their properties are free from dangerous, hazardous and defective conditions. A dangerous condition is defined as an unsafe condition that can potentially cause harm to someone lawfully present on the property. To successfully bring a lawsuit for an injury caused by a defect on a property, the injured person must be able to show that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the property, or that the owner failed to warn the injured person of the dangerous condition which caused the accident. An injured person must be able to demonstrate that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and still failed to address the problem on their property.
Under New York law property owners are not responsible for all accidents that occur on their property, but rather, they are expected to display reasonable care in operating, supervising and repairing the property. If you have been injured on someone else’s property you should speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer to guide you through the legal process and to determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
What types of dangerous conditions can you bring a premises liability lawsuit for?
Defective elevators and escalators
Broken, poorly maintained, or improperly constructed staircases
Falling objects such as lighting or building fixtures
Broken and defective flooring
Unlevel or cracked sidewalks or walkways
Trips over improperly placed objects
Wet or slippery substances
Potholes or depressions in parking lots and on sidewalks
If you have been injured due to any dangerous condition on public or private property you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and for the pain and suffering you have experienced. For a free review of whether the condition that caused your accident may entitle you to compensation call premises liability lawyer Adam C. Raffo, Esq. at 212-558-5779.
Who can you bring a lawsuit against in a dangerous premises case?
Who is liable when you have been injured in a New York City or Long Island dangerous premises case?
During our initial consultation, clients who have been injured due to a dangerous condition on the property of another often ask us who may be liable or legally responsible for their injury? Potential liable parties in a New York premises liability case may include:
A government municipality: When an injury occurs on public property that is owned or maintained by the government or one of its many agencies you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the municipality. Examples of public property are parks, government buildings, and schools. There are very short time limits and deadlines that exist when bringing claims against the government or its municipal agencies, and as such, if you have been injured due to a defective condition on public property, you should immediately consult with a attorney of your choosing to avoid missing a deadline that may result in dismissal of your claim.
A business: If your accident took place inside a business the company that owns and operates the business may be held responsible for your accident. For example if you tripped and fell on a defective condition inside a store the company that owns the store may be found liable for your injuries and be responsible for compensating you for your pain and suffering and medical bills.
Property Manager: Many properties are maintained by companies specifically hired by the property owner to oversee and maintain the premises. In situations where a New Yorker is injured in a property that is managed by a designated person or company the property manager may be held responsible for any accidents that occur at the premises.
Property Owner: All New York property owners of both commercial and residential property are responsible for ensuring that their property is free of defects and dangerous conditions. When owners are on notice of dangerous conditions on their property and they fail to fix the hazard or warn invitees to their property of the danger they may be found liable for injuries that result from accidents involving the defect.