Municipal Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in White Plains
Representing victims of slip and fall accidents on municipal property
While navigating the streets, sidewalks, and parking lots of White Plains, the Bronx, and Westchester County, you could be walking on the property of the village, town, or city. Like other property owners, the municipality is responsible for keeping their property reasonably clear of hazards that could put a citizen in danger. These could include:
- Snow, ice, standing water
- Potholes, uneven pavement, or cracks in the surface
- Oil or other slippery substance
- Poor lighting
If a municipality knew or should have known about a hazard and did nothing to fix the problem, they could be held accountable. If you were injured on the property of the government, you could recover damages for your injuries. If you need the legal services of a law firm with experience bringing lawsuits to municipalities, contact The Law Offices of Daniel A. Kalish.
Seek medical attention and collect evidence
The first thing you should do when you have fallen on municipal property is get medical attention. When you get medical attention, it benefits you in a few ways. For one, your medical needs are met. Secondly, when you seek medical attention, it documents your injury, the place it happened, and the time it happened. If you are physically able, it would be in your best interests to document your surroundings. If you have a camera or a cell phone that takes pictures, take photographs of what injured you. Especially when snow, ice, or water caused the accident, conditions can change by the minute. If anyone witnessed your injury, it is important to collect contact information so that they can support your claim later, if necessary.
Your burden of proof
Like most other slip and fall accidents, the burden of proof is on the victim. You must overwhelmingly demonstrate that the municipality knew or should have known about the condition that injured you. Documentation of the scene is critical. Especially for municipal lawsuits, the legal standard is quite high and courts will need to be convinced that your injuries were caused by the negligence of the property owner.
How municipal lawsuits are different
If you need to sue a village, town, or city, you must satisfy the strict guidelines set forth when suing a municipality. When suing a municipality, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. You may be responsible for testifying in a deposition about your claim. If you file a lawsuit, you have 1 year and 90 days from the incident.
Contact a White Plains law firm with experience
The Law Offices of Daniel A. Kalish has served countless clients who have brought lawsuits against negligent municipalities. If you have been injured on any village, town, or city property, it is critical that you act quickly. You need a skilled attorney who fights for your interests. Our team is committed to your case and will work tirelessly to see that your case is resolved in the best way possible. If you need our legal service, don’t hesitate to call The Law Offices of Daniel A. Kalish.