The only way to know for sure if you have a case is to have a consultation with an experienced NYC Sidewalk Fall Lawyer who can apply the facts of your case to the law.  It is possible to make a case for a slip and fall on a sidewalk in many circumstances.  An investigation can determine what types of negligence may have caused the fall and the proper parties to sue.

LAWS PERTAINING TO NYC SIDEWALK SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT CASES

New York City Administrative Code Section 7-210 generally requires the property owner adjacent to the sidewalk to be responsible for its upkeep, but there are exceptions.  Unless the fall is completely on private property (ie: a sidewalk inside an outdoor mall,) the case will be brought against the property owner and the City of New York.  There are other possible parties to sue, including a company that was performing construction in the area or responsible for its maintenance.   To bring a claim against the City, it is necessary to prove “actual notice,” which means that the City was informed of the defect in writing, and failed to repair it.  With “snow and ice” cases, it is necessary to prove that the responsible party had a reasonable amount of time to remove the snow and ice after the precipitation stopped.

TIME LIMITS ARE SHORT – CALL A NYC SIDEWALK FALL ATTORNEY ASAP

It is important that you contact an NYC Sidewalk Fall Lawyer quickly after this type of accident.  Deadlines to file claims against the City of New York are short.  For example, a “Notice of Claim” must be filed with the City within 90 days of the occurrence or the claim is barred.  So if you have been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in New York, you should make an appointment for a consultation as soon as possible.  At Wittenstein & Wittenstein we’ve been handling slip and fall accident cases for more than 60 years, and we look forward to putting our expertise to work for you.