Sustaining injuries in any kind of accident can be painful both physically and emotionally. If your accident resulted from the negligence of another party you may be entitled to collect damages to cover costs related to your injury. However, it is important to meet legal deadlines to ensure you are properly compensated. There is a statute of limitations for most accidents or crimes in New York, including slip and fall accidents. If you wish to pursue legal action against the negligent party, you will need to do so within a certain time limit. A New York slip and fall lawyer can help you navigate legal proceedings and fight for you to be awarded fair compensation.
Why Should I File a Claim?
When you think about a slip and fall accident you may conjure the image of a banana peel taking out an unsuspecting cartoon character. However, slip and falls can be serious accidents and result in extensive injury. Depending on the severity of your injuries you may be hesitant to file a claim or lawsuit, instead opting to wait and see if your injuries heal by themselves. However, this is unwise. Slip and falls can result in many injuries with varying degrees of severity. Some injuries you can develop after a slip and fall include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Sprains
- Bruising or swelling
- Cuts and lacerations
- Dislocated shoulder
- Nerve damage
- Brain injuries
- Spinal damage
Many injuries can cause chronic pain down the line that can last months, years, or even for the rest of your life. Getting evaluated by a doctor and seeking compensation is important because you may not yet realize the extent of your injuries. You can use the damages you receive to cover medical costs and any loss of wages resulting from the accident.
How Long is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Every state has its own laws regarding statutes of limitations for varying crimes and accidents. In New York, if you slip and fall on someone else’s property you must file a claim or lawsuit within three years. The time constraint begins on the day of the accident.
It is recommended that you file sooner rather than later. A lot can change in three years, and you could end up losing key evidence to the passage of time. Witnesses of the accident who can testify on your behalf may forget important details. Filing promptly will be in your best interest.
How Can a Lawyer Help My Case?
It is always recommended to find a trustworthy attorney when dealing with an accident claim or lawsuit. They will be equipped with experience from similar cases and know the proper procedure to follow to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Your lawyer will obtain and organize relevant documents and evidence, communicate with insurance companies or any other pertinent parties, defend you in court, and negotiate for your compensation.
