Accidents often feel like they come out of nowhere. One moment you’re walking through a store, apartment building, or office lobby, and the next, you’ve slipped, tripped, or been seriously hurt. But in many cases, what seems like a sudden accident is actually the result of someone’s ongoing neglect. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they ignore known hazards, and someone gets hurt as a result, they may be held liable under premises liability law. If you were injured because a property owner ignored a known hazard, reach out to a knowledgeable Bronx slip and fall lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny for assistance. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What does “known hazard” mean in legal terms?
A known hazard is exactly what it sounds like: a dangerous condition on a property that the owner was aware of or should have been aware of. This could be a broken stair, a loose railing, an icy walkway, or even a spill that wasn’t cleaned up for hours. The law expects property owners to regularly inspect and maintain their premises. If they fail to fix a hazard or at least provide adequate warning, and someone is injured because of it, they could be considered negligent.
In New York, it’s not enough to simply prove that a hazard existed. You must also show that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t take appropriate action. This is where details matter. For example, if a tenant in an apartment building repeatedly reported a leaking pipe that later caused someone to slip and fall, that’s strong evidence of prior knowledge. Surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements can all help build a compelling case.
How do I know if I have a valid premises liability case?
Understanding whether you have a valid case starts with evaluating the circumstances of the incident. Were you lawfully on the property when you were injured? Was the hazard something that could have been addressed or warned about? Was your injury directly caused by that condition?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you may have grounds to sue. However, property owners and their insurance companies rarely admit fault willingly. They might argue that you were distracted, didn’t watch where you were going, or even that the danger was obvious and avoidable. This is why working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is crucial. They can assess the facts, gather the necessary evidence, and protect you from tactics meant to reduce or deny your claim.
If you have additional questions or believe you have a valid claim, simply contact 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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