What Happens if I Slip and Fall at a New York City Park?

Posted in Slip and Fall Accidents on November 9, 2022

Are Slip and Fall Injuries Covered by Homeowners Insurance in NYC?

Many people living in New York City visit its parks for recreation or relaxation. The city parks are also popular with tourists visiting the city. However, who is responsible for a slip and fall accident at a New York City park?

Slip and Fall Accident Claims in New York

Generally, slip and fall accidents are a type of premises liability claim. A property owner can be held financially liable for damages if a dangerous condition or hazard on their property causes someone to slip, trip, and fall. Premises liability claims can occur on private, commercial, and government property.

To recover compensation for damages, you would need to prove that the property owner was negligent. In the case of a city park, you would need to prove that the government:

Owned and/or maintained the city park
Knew or should have reasonably known about a dangerous condition in the city park
Failed to correct the problem or warn the public of the problem
The danger or hazard was the direct and proximate cause of your injury
You sustained damages because of the injury

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a New York City park, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Then, report the injury to the city immediately. Because there are specific requirements for reporting accidents on government property, you should contact a New York City slip and fall lawyer as quickly as possible.

Filing a Claim for a Slip and Fall Accident in a New York City Park

Government entities are protected from most lawsuits by sovereign immunity. However, you can sue New York City for an injury caused by negligence. You must act quickly to protect your right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the city.

The New York statute of limitations for slip and fall accidents against a private party is three years from the injury date. However, the rules are different for claims filed against New York City.

First, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the slip and fall accident. The notice of claim is filed with the New York City Comptroller. The notice must be filed before you can file a personal injury lawsuit for a fall in a city park.

The city investigates your claim. It may pay the claim or deny the claim. However, you are not required to accept a settlement offer from the city.

If the city denies your claim or offers an amount lower than your damages, you have just one year and 90 days from the date of your slip and fall accident in a city park to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadlines, you lose your right to pursue a claim for damages.

Lawsuits and claims against New York City for injuries on government property are complex. There are different rules you must follow. The city also has unlimited resources to fight your claim.

The best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer. An attorney who handles injury claims against the government understands the laws governing these claims and how to protect your rights.

Damages You Can Recover for a Slip and Fall in a New York City Park

A slip-and-fall accident can result in serious injuries. Slips, trips, and falls can cause:

Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries
Soft tissue and nerve damage
Back and spinal cord injuries
Neck injuries
Facial injuries
Shoulder injuries

In some cases, slip and fall injuries can result in permanent disabilities. A back injury might result in partial paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent cognitive disabilities. Even a broken bone can cause partial permanent impairment.

Accident victims can seek compensation for the expenses and costs related to the accidents. These economic damages include:

Medical bills and expenses
The cost of rehabilitation and physical therapy
Assistance with household chores and personal care
Long-term or in-home nursing care
Out-of-pocket expenses
Lost wages, salary, benefits, and future earning potential

In addition, accident victims can receive compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the injury. They can recover money for their non-economic damages, including:

Physical pain
Diminished quality of life
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Scarring and disfigurement
Emotional distress
Permanent disabilities and impairments

The amount you receive for a slip and fall accident depends on the strength of your evidence, your injuries, and other factors. Careful documentation of damages and detailed medical records can increase the chance of receiving compensation for the total value of your damages.

A Skilled New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

It’s especially important to have a New York City personal injury attorney to represent you if you need to sue a governmental entity after a slip and fall accident. The government will have a strong team of legal experts to assist it in the defense of your claim, and hiring a lawyer will help to level the playing field.

Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Law Firm in New York, NY

If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City slip and fall accident lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600