Who Is Responsible for a Slip, Trip, or Fall in a Parking Lot in New York?
Owners of parking lots and garages must keep their premises reasonably safe by removing hazards and warning people about dangerous conditions. If they don’t, they may be held liable for injuries you suffer as a result. Among other things, they should fix uneven walkways, remove debris, and provide good lighting. In snowy or icy weather, property owners should shovel, plow, or salt the ground.
In most parking lot slip, trip, and fall cases, the property owner is responsible, but various factors can influence liability. The property owner may dispute claims, insurance companies may not play fair, or a third party (e.g., maintenance or security companies) may be responsible.
The rules also differ if your slip, trip, or fall happened on a public property. For example, most municipalities have a “prior written notice” rule, meaning they must have been notified of a hazard to be held liable for injuries caused by it. Suing government entities can be tricky, so recruiting an experienced premises liability attorney when injured on public property is particularly important.
How Long Do I Have To Sue After Falling in a Parking Lot in New York?
For most slip, trip, and fall claims, the New York personal injury statute of limitations is three years. However, if your fall occurred on government property, you must give the responsible agency notice within 90 days after your injury. You also have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit. Our New York slip, trip, and fall lawyers can help you determine the deadlines governing your case and ensure you file on time.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Slip, Trip, or Fall Claim in New York?
Slip and fall accident victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, loss of earning potential, pain, suffering, and more. Victims may be able to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company, as well as initiate a lawsuit by filing a complaint in court. There are no personal injury damage caps in New York, giving you plenty of room to argue for full and fair compensation.
Settlements for Slip and Fall Victims
Compensation amounts for parking lot slip and fall victims in New York can range from thousands of dollars to millions, depending on the situation. Our attorneys have obtained significant six-figure-and-up settlements for people injured in parking lot falls, including:
$8.8 million
for a client who tripped and fell in a parking garage in New York, resulting in significant cervical injuries and loss of income.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Parking Lot Injuries?
If not properly maintained and kept in safe condition, parking lots can easily lead to an accident. New York property owners are required to keep their premises free from hazards. Under premises liability law, you can file a claim against the parking lot owner or another responsible party if you sustain an injury on the property as a result of their negligence. Some of the most common hazards in parking lots include:
- Wet floors
- Ice, snow, and rain
- Uneven pavement
- Poor lighting
- Debris
Common Parking Lot Injuries
Injuries from falling in a parking lot can range from minor to life-changing. Some of the most common injuries sustained in parking lot falls include:
- Sprains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Hip fractures
What Steps Should I Take After an Accident in a Parking Lot?
After a slip, trip, or fall accident in a parking lot, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Be sure to keep all medical records, bills, and other documentation to use later when filing your case. A slip, trip, and fall lawyer can help you investigate your accident, build a strong case, negotiate a settlement, and litigate your case if negotiation fails. To prove a negligence claim, you must prove that the defendant caused your injury by failing to uphold their duty of care.
Injured In A Parking Lot? Contact a Slip, Trip, and Fall Lawyer at Lever & Ecker
If you or a loved one have been injured in a parking lot as a result of a slip, trip, or fall, contact Lever & Ecker today for a free case review with an experienced premises liability lawyer. Our award-winning New York lawyers have 75+ years of combined experience and are here to defend your right to compensation for your injuries. When you choose us, you can expect top-tier legal representation and an open line of communication. Call (914) 288-9191 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
