Accidents happen every day in New York City, but when they occur on someone else’s property, the situation can become complicated. If you’ve been injured while visiting a private residence, an apartment building, a store, or even a parking lot, you might be wondering if you have the legal right to pursue compensation. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Bronx slip and fall lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about when you can sue for an injury sustained on private property. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Can I Sue a Private Property Owner for an Injury?
In general, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their property. This includes repairing known hazards, conducting regular maintenance, and warning visitors about dangers that might not be obvious. If a property owner fails to take these steps and someone gets hurt as a result, they could be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
For example, let’s say you slipped and fell on a broken staircase in an apartment complex. If the landlord knew about the damage but didn’t fix it in a timely manner, that could be considered negligence. Similarly, if a grocery store failed to clean up a spilled liquid in one of the aisles and didn’t put up a warning sign, they might be held accountable for injuries caused by a slip and fall.
However, liability isn’t automatic. The injured person must prove that the property owner was negligent and that this negligence directly caused the injury. That’s why documenting the conditions at the time of the accident, seeking prompt medical attention, and speaking with an attorney right away are all crucial steps.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
One common question people have is whether they can still sue if they were partly responsible for the accident. The good news is that New York follows a legal rule called “comparative negligence.” This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your compensation might be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Let’s say you were looking at your phone and didn’t notice a clearly marked wet floor sign before slipping. If a court finds you 30% responsible for your own injury, and the store was 70% responsible, your total compensation would be reduced by 30%. In other words, being partially at fault doesn’t bar you from seeking justice, but it does affect how much you might receive.
How Do I Know If I Have a Strong Case?
The best way to find out whether you have a valid claim is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will evaluate the details of your case, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and help you understand your rights. Our legal team offers free consultations and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless you win.
If you have further questions or wish to speak with a lawyer about your case, simply reach out to the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a slip & fall lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
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