Protecting The Rights Of New York Snow And Ice Accident Victims
Walking surfaces are riddled with hazards. Property owners are responsible for keeping their walking surfaces reasonably clear of dangers. The impact of weather is no exception. Snow and ice play a large role in personal injury cases. These conditions are some of the most dangerous factors leading to slips and falls. Property owners have a certain amount of time to clear their walking surfaces of weather conditions after a storm.
If they do not comply and you are injured, you could be entitled to compensation. You may be able to recover monetary damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it is important to consult with an attorney who can assess the validity of your case and help you obtain the maximum reward allowed by law. If you need an experienced attorney, contact The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC, for a consultation to discuss your legal matter.
After An Accident
If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, get medical attention. A medical professional will document some very important facts for your case. They will determine if your injuries are serious and where and when the accident occurred. If you are able, take pictures of the hazards as they can disappear quite quickly at the hand of the property owner and a change in the weather. If possible, talk to witnesses who can support your claim. If you are not able to act for yourself, contact our firm to come to the scene to investigate the situation and collect evidence on your behalf.
Laws About Snow And Ice Removal
One of the most complicated issues with a personal injury case regarding weather-related slips and falls is assigning liability after a winter storm. Each municipality has different codes regarding the amount of time a property owner has to clear snow and ice after a storm ends. For example, our firm is in Poughkeepsie, New York. According to our city codes, if the storm ended between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., the property owner has 4 hours to remove snow and ice from walking surfaces. If the storm ends between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., the property owner has 6 hours to remove snow and ice from walking surfaces after the storm ends. The matter is further complicated by the need to find the liable party. With a proper investigation, a personal injury attorney can help assess the validity of the case and who is to blame. If you need to take legal action against a municipality, you have 90 days from the day of the incident to file a Notice of Claim. There is no such prior notice needed for private landowners.
Contact A Dutchess County Slip-And-Fall Attorney
If you have been seriously injured because of snow or ice, it is important to act quickly and consult with an attorney. If you have been injured and believe it was caused by someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income and the impact on your future. Our firm has nearly a decade of experience fighting for New York clients. Our tenacity and zealous advocacy are what you need to get through tough times. For a consultation, contact The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC.