Trip-and-Fall Accident? Our Attorneys Can Help You Back on Your Feet
If a person falls outside of a building and is injured, it isn't always immediately clear who is liable.
If the injury was caused by defects on the sidewalk in front of a building, other than a one- or two-family home, then the property owner can be held liable. However, city governments can be held liable for defects at the tree wells, curbs, and on the sidewalk in front of a one- or two-family home.
Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP in New York City knows the laws concerning trip-and-fall accidents on both public and private properties. Our Manhattan sidewalk trip hazard attorneys can help recover damages for clients injured due to defective sidewalks and other dangerous conditions in public places.
Contact us in Manhattan at 212-983-3000 today.
Some Things You Need to Know About Sidewalk Claims
Filing a lawsuit against the city government requires preparation and an intimate knowledge of the law. We strongly advise anyone considering a sidewalk trip-and-fall claim to seek the counsel of our experienced New York City sidewalk injury attorneys.
Here are some facts to consider before filing a claim:
- File a notice. A notice of claim against the city government must be served on the city government within 90 days of the date of the accident. This notice must specify the date, time, place of accident and the injuries claimed.
- Include photographic evidence. Although not required, it is a good practice to attach to the notice of claim a photograph of the defective condition. After the notice of claim is served, the city government has the right to conduct a hearing and obtain the testimony of the claimant.
- Observe the statute of limitations. A lawsuit against the city government must be commenced within one year and 90 days after the accident. Claims against other municipalities have similar requirements. In order to prove the city government was negligent, it must be shown to have received prior written notice of the defect within a sufficient amount of time to have corrected it.
- Use a map. Maps are on file with the city government which identify defects on the sidewalk. These maps are available and must be reviewed to determine whether the city government had prior written notice.
Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP — Manhattan Defective Sidewalk Injury Attorneys
The experienced lawyers of Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP are serious about helping clients recover damages for injuries caused by municipal negligence.
If you or a loved one is facing medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and other hardships due to a fall or other injury, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation at 212-983-3000.
