New York City is home to more than 3.7 million housing units. The Big Apple also contains almost 730 million square feet of commercial real estate space. If you ever sustain an injury while lawfully on private property in NYC, look into filing a premises liability case.
Before you bring a Brooklyn premises liability lawyer on board, though, make sure you understand the importance of documenting evidence related to your premises liability claim. From medical records to witness statements and surveillance footage, you can make your case stronger when you provide a lawyer with the right evidence.
See what makes documentation important in a premises liability case below and then call a premises liability lawyer in New York City.
Shows What Caused Injuries
In the immediate aftermath of an accident on private property, you should either call 911 and ask an operator to send paramedics to the scene or make your way to a nearby hospital if you can. Either way, you should also pull out your smartphone and document your accident scene by taking photographs and videos of it.
By doing this, you can show exactly what caused you to sustain injuries on private property. For example, you can take photos of the leaky plumbing pipe that led to you slipping and falling on a wet floor.
A private property owner might spring into action and fix whatever issue caused your accident, so documenting the scene is important. You might not have another opportunity to show the cause of your injuries later, even if you return to the scene.
There is a chance surveillance footage of the accident that led to you filing a premises liability case may exist. However, a private property owner may hesitate to allow you to have it, so it’s a good idea to take your own photos and videos whenever possible.
Provides a Definitive List of Injuries
You can sustain any number of injuries during an accident on private property. For instance, a slip-and-fall accident in a retail store could cause you to sustain a concussion, fractured bones, deep lacerations, and other injuries. More than 2 million slip-and-fall accidents take place in the U.S. annually and cause injuries.
For this reason, you should seek medical treatment right after an accident and have medical professionals perform a full evaluation for injury documentation purposes. They can offer official diagnoses at the hospital so you’re aware of which injuries you suffered.
Some injuries will no doubt heal quicker than others, and they might not look as obvious when you file a premises liability claim as they do now. You can strengthen your premises liability case by having a doctor diagnose your injuries. You can also consider taking photographs and videos of your injuries to further show the impact your accident had.
Proves Injuries Stem From a Specific Accident
Each year, Americans sustain about 70 million non-fatal injuries. The defendant in your premises liability case may try to circumvent paying for your medical bills by claiming that your injuries were pre-existing. This could let them off the hook if you can’t prove your injuries stem from a specific accident.
Documenting evidence can enable you to prove when and where you were injured. You won’t need to worry about a lawyer for the opposition convincing a judge or jury in court that you hurt yourself elsewhere when you have photos, videos, and medical records that suggest otherwise.
Highlights How Much Injuries Have Cost
There is a simple reason why you should entertain filing a premises liability claim in the first place. It can put you in a position to collect compensation that can help you pay off medical expenses and other costs.
If you don’t keep accurate records of your medical costs following an accident, you might struggle to present a strong case when arguing why you would like a judge or jury to award you compensation. You can drive this point home more effectively by showcasing all the money you’ve spent on medical care.
You might also want to document how much an accident on private property is costing you as far as the following items are concerned:
- Rehabilitation services
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Your NYC premises liability lawyer’s ultimate goal is to show a judge or jury that a private property owner didn’t take duty of care seriously when maintaining their property. But they’ll also need to help you put a price tag on the injuries you experienced, and documenting them will make this simpler.
Pinpoints Potential Accident Injury Witnesses
If anyone witnessed your accident on private property, your lawyer will likely want to speak with them about your premises liability case. They can add value in many instances by testifying and helping prove the arguments you’re making against a private property owner.
Can you imagine how much frustration you’ll feel if you know someone witnessed your accident but you aren’t sure how to touch base with them? Ensure you can connect with them by jotting down their name and contact information as part of your documentation.
Even if you don’t end up needing to call on a witness in court, it’s better to be safe than sorry in a premises liability case. It won’t hurt to have their information on hand, just in case you need to have them answer questions about your accident.
Let an NYC Premises Liability Lawyer Help Document Your Case
If you’re ever injured on private property in New York City, don’t hesitate to begin documenting your claims. Document them all along the way so you can provide an NYC premises liability lawyer with the necessary evidence during your initial consultation.
You may have the right to file a lawsuit against a private property owner if you believe their negligence led to you slipping and falling and injuring yourself. You might also have a case if you were hurt while walking down a flight of broken stairs or riding on a malfunctioning elevator within an office building.
Ross & Hill can provide you with legal representation during your premises liability case. Call us at (718) 855-2324 to arrange a free consultation for premises liability for apartment complex cases and more.
FAQs on Premises Liability Cases
Find answers to more commonly asked questions about premises liability cases below.
What If You Don’t Document Anything for a Premises Liability Claim?
If you don’t document anything for a premises liability claim, it could impact your ability to successfully claim compensation. Documenting your case can strengthen it and deliver the evidence a premises liability lawyer needs.
How Hard Is It To Prove Negligence in a Premises Liability Case?
It’s hard to prove negligence in a premises liability case if you don’t have the right documentation. By documenting your case, you can equip a personal injury lawyer with evidence and allow them to build a better case overall.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability in NYC?
The statute of limitations for premises liability in NYC is three years from the date of the accident. Your attorney can help you file a claim by this deadline to avoid missing your opportunity for compensation.
Is Filing a Claim Through a Brooklyn Premises Liability Lawyer Worth It?
Filing a premises liability claim is worth it if you were injured on private property and forced to deal with medical expenses. Filing a premises liability case can help you secure the compensation you need to pay medical bills and other related costs.
