If you get injured in a slip-and-fall accident and a hazard on someone else’s property is clearly to blame, you may be able to sue for compensation. Most of the time, a property owner does not want to admit to causing an unsafe condition. They could blame anything and everyone they can think of, and this includes the weather! If the defendant in your case wants to blame the weather for their own negligence, a New York slip and fall lawyer from our firm is ready to pick their defense apart.
Can a Slip and Fall Be Blamed on the Weather?
In some cases, a property owner can try to blame a slip and fall on the weather. It’s not their fault that the sidewalk was icy. There’s a winter storm going on out there. Sorry there was a slippery puddle in the aisle, but that’s all due to the rain storm.
The issue here is that it is still a property owner’s responsibility to keep their property free from hazards. Bad weather should not get them off the hook. If rain causes a leak in a store, the owner should make it a priority to have that leak fixed. If ice and snow accumulate on a walkway, the property owner has to protect customers by cleaning it up.
Do I Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
This is why you should have a lawyer when you pursue this kind of case. The defense is going to try all kinds of tricks, including blaming the weather, in order to get out of being blamed for your accident. They might even try to blame you for your own accident, and that could reduce the amount of compensation you can win.
Your lawyer will help you field settlement offers, prepare for testimony, and remember important court dates and deadlines. They will communicate with other involved parties, like lawyers and insurers, on your behalf. They are also ready to answer any questions that you have about the legal process. You do not have to pursue compensation on your own.
How Long Do I Have to Sue Over a Slip and Fall?
It is important to remember that you do not have unlimited time to sue when you have been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident. The statute of limitations lasts three years. That seems like a long time, but it is usually better to act quickly.
The sooner you begin the legal process, the sooner you can collect your compensation. Acting quickly also makes it easier for your lawyer to build a case. They can collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and figure out the best way to build your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers
When you are ready to move forward with a personal injury case, contact Zlotolow & Associates. We can schedule a free case evaluation and tell you more about your legal options. We do not care what the weather was like on the day of your accident. We are ready to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
