Brooklyn, New York Municipal Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
Representing victims of slip and falls on municipal property
When pedestrians navigate the walking surfaces of Brooklyn and New York City, they may be walking on municipal property. Similar to other property owners, municipalities are responsible for keeping their walking surfaces free of hazardous conditions. Some hazards that lead to accidents include:
- Snow and ice
- Uneven, cracked surfaces, potholes
- Oil and other slippery surfaces
- Loose debris
- Poor lighting
If your municipality knew or should have reasonably known about the hazard and did not act to rectify the situation, you may be able to hold them accountable for their negligence. You may be able to recover damages that can compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal fees. If you need a law firm with experience taking on negligent local governments, contact Weinstein, Chase, Messinger & Peters, P.C.
What should I do if I am hurt on municipal property?
If you are seriously injured on municipal property, you should seek medical attention immediately. When your medical needs are met, the medical professional will document the injury, the place that it happened, and the time that they treated you. This will only benefit your case. If you are able, try and document your surroundings as well. If you have the ability to take pictures, document the condition that injured you. Especially with weather-related hazard, conditions can change by the minute. Documenting the hazard may be time-sensitive. If anyone witnessed your injury, collect contact information to later support you claim.
Burden of proof
Like most personal injury cases, the burden of proof is on the victim. When it comes to municipal lawsuits, the legal standard is quite high and courts will need to be overwhelmingly convinced that your injuries could have been avoided if the city, town, or village took the necessary steps to rectify the problem.
Municipal lawsuits are different
If you need to sue a municipality, you must follow the strict guidelines. You must file a notice with the government within 90 days of the incident. The city, town, or village will conduct a deposition to consider the validity of your claim. If they find evidence of neglect, you have 1 year and 90 days from the incident to file a lawsuit.
Contact a Brooklyn law firm with experience fighting municipalities
Weinstein, Chase, Messinger & Peters, P.C. handles all personal injury cases for clients throughout Brooklyn and New York City. If you have been injured because of a municipality’s negligence, you should contact our Brooklyn law firm for a consultation immediately. You do not have a lot of time to file a claim and you need a firm with the skill and knowledge of municipal lawsuits to fight on your behalf. If you need our legal services, contact Weinstein, Chase, Messinger & Peters, P.C. today.
