At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, our premises liability lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injury victims in Rockland County and throughout New York. When you have been injured on someone else’s property, we want to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Let us review your premises liability case and discuss your legal options. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Injuries can happen anywhere, from shopping malls to construction sites. Sometimes, these injuries happen because property owners do not keep their premises safe. These are some common types of accidents caused by negligent property owners.
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common grounds for premises liability cases. These accidents can occur due to unsafe conditions like wet floors, icy sidewalks, or poorly maintained surfaces. A property owner may be liable if they fail to place warning signs in areas where there is a known risk of slipping or if they fail to promptly address spills or other hazards.
Trip and fall accidents can be caused by obstacles such as loose floorboards, torn carpeting, or broken stairs. A property owner can be held liable if they fail to repair known defects or if they fail to provide adequate lighting in areas where tripping hazards are present.
Falls from heights can occur due to inadequate safety measures, such as missing handrails, broken stairs, or unmaintained balconies. Property owners must maintain balconies, stairs, and other elevated areas to protect guests and customers. If they don’t, they can be held liable for fall injuries.
Construction sites can be inherently dangerous due to the presence of heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and uneven terrain. Construction companies have a responsibility to implement safety protocols, provide appropriate training, and maintain a safe environment for workers and the public.
Elevator accidents can result from malfunctioning equipment, improper maintenance, or inadequate safety features. Building owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that elevators are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent accidents.
A premises liability claim can be filed after a wide range of injuries, including:
Serious injuries affect more than just your body. In your premises liability claim, you can also ask for compensation for the psychological trauma your injury has caused.
Let us review your case for free. Call Fellows Hymowitz Rice today to meet with an acclaimed premises liability lawyer.
Depending on who was in charge of the property and how the accident happened, multiple parties could be held liable for an injury suffered by a visitor or customer.
Most commonly, the liable party is the property owner. This might be a business owner, a homeowner, or a government entity. For example, if you are injured in a slip and fall on a sidewalk in front of a store, the store owner could be held liable for your injuries. Similarly, if you are injured in a fall at a public park, the city or municipality could be held liable.
Landlords are responsible for maintaining their properties in a safe condition for tenants. If a tenant is injured due to a dangerous condition on the property, the landlord may be held liable.
Building managers are responsible for the safety of common areas within a building. This includes hallways, stairwells, and elevators. When a building manager is negligent in their duties, they could face a legal claim for resulting injuries.
Construction companies must follow established safety standards on worksites. If a visitor or worker is injured due to a dangerous condition on a worksite, the company that created that condition could be held liable.
The occupants of a property may also be held liable for injuries caused by their negligence. For example, if a tenant leaves a dangerous object in a hallway, they could be responsible for injuries caused by that object.
To prove negligence in a premises liability case, you must demonstrate the following:
During your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story and discuss whether your case meets each of these criteria for negligence.
New York has a comparative negligence law. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, your award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident that resulted in $100,000 in losses, your compensation will be reduced to $80,000.
Your compensation should make you whole, covering all of your losses due to the accident. These losses might include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical expenses can include hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation. Lost wages cover income you have lost due to your injury. Pain and suffering compensation is awarded for the physical and emotional pain you have experienced as a result of the accident.
The statute of limitations for most premises liability cases in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s not a good idea to wait that long before taking action. If you speak to a lawyer soon after your accident, you have time to explore your legal options. In most cases, the lawyer will file an insurance claim and begin building a case for full compensation.
Even if the property owner was unaware of the dangerous condition, you might still have a valid claim.
To win damages in a lawsuit, you must show that a reasonable property owner would have known about the condition. For example, if a property owner fails to inspect their property regularly for common hazards, they may be held liable for injuries caused by those hazards even if they were not aware of them.
It is important to seek medical attention and follow the advice of your doctor. You should also try to document the accident by taking photographs, collecting witness information, and keeping a journal of your symptoms and treatment. Contact an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
A skilled premises liability attorney can help you in several ways:
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, our long list of awards and settlements speaks to our excellence. Put your case in the hands of our capable attorneys so that you can focus on recovery.
When you’re up against a massive insurance company or a faceless corporation, you need to level the playing field — and you can do that by hiring a powerful legal advocate. Contact Fellows Hymowitz Rice today for a free consultation with a dedicated premises liability attorney in New City, NY.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
We serve clients across New York, from the bustling streets of New York City to the peaceful communities of Rockland County and beyond. We're here to help you wherever you are.
When you’re up against a massive insurance company or a faceless corporation, you need to level the playing field — and you can do that by hiring a powerful legal advocate. Contact Fellows Hymowitz Rice today for a free consultation with a dedicated premises liability attorney in New City, NY.