Premises Liability Lawyers Near You in Staten Island, NY
Whether you’ve tripped on a broken sidewalk or suffered a dog bite, being hurt on someone else’s property can disrupt every aspect of your life. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our premises liability attorneys in Staten Island, NY, understand the stress your family may be facing. Over the past 50 years, we’ve helped clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn and the surrounding areas recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together after an injury.
Key Takeaways
- Property owners in New York may be liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions
- Evidence such as photos and witness contact information should be gathered immediately after an incident
- Generally, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York
- Our Staten Island premises liability lawyers don’t get paid unless we win your case
What Is Premises Liability?
Property owners and businesses have a legal obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment for visitors. Premises liability is a legal concept that holds them responsible for injuries that happen on their property due to unsafe conditions.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
- Slip, trip, and falls — Icy walkways, spilled liquids, uneven pavement, loose rugs, and broken handrails on stairs can cause serious injuries
- Retail accidents — Falling merchandise and cluttered aisles cause harm to shoppers every day
- Animal attacks — Serious dog bites and other injuries caused by pets can be life-changing
- Mechanical failures — Malfunctioning elevators, escalators, or moving walkways can be serious hazards
- Inadequate security
— Poor lighting or broken locks in high-risk areas can lead to assault
Our Staten Island personal injury lawyers also handle cases involving injuries sustained on construction sites and public property, such as MTA stations.
Understanding Liability and New York law
Comparative Negligence
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially responsible for your injury you can still recover compensation. However, the amount of your settlement or award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of limitations
You generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit in New York. However, claims against a municipality or government entity usually require you to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Proving Fault in Premises Liability Cases
For a claim to be successful, your premises liability lawyer must show that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take action to prevent harm.
For example, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury from slipping on spilled milk in a supermarket, some of the most important evidence may include:
- Surveillance footage that shows how long the spill was there and whether any employees or management was aware of it
- Statements from witnesses who saw what happened or previously reported the spill
- Inspection logs that show gaps in compliance with procedures for keeping areas clean and safe
- Incident reports for previous falls or incidents
What to Do After an Accident
Gathering as much evidence as you can after an injury can help support your claim. Take photos of the scene and your injuries, get a copy of the incident or police report, gather witness contact information, and keep any clothing or shoes you were wearing.
Make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure you get the care you need. Do not give a statement to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement before speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
Recovering Damages in Premises Liability Cases
Our premises liability attorneys in Staten Island fight for the resources your family deserves so you can move forward with dignity and peace of mind.
Your personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a dangerous condition on someone’s property,
our attorneys can evaluate your case and advise you on whether a wrongful death claim may be a viable option.
How We Build Your Premises Liability Case
Our team works quickly to preserve evidence and begins strategizing to build a solid foundation for your claim.
Investigation
We start by checking out the scene, taking pictures, and obtaining footage from surveillance cameras, which sometimes requires a subpoena. We may also request maintenance logs and other documentation from the property owner. We track down and interview witnesses who saw the accident or were aware of the dangerous conditions prior to your injury.
Consulting with Professionals
Our firm consults with engineers, accident reconstructionists, and other experts to provide a clear analysis of exactly how the property owner failed to meet safety standards. We also collaborate with respected medical professionals to demonstrate the scope of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
Putting it All Together
Your premises liability lawyer pieces together evidence and other details to create a compelling narrative that clearly illustrates how the property owner's negligence caused your injury. We prove fault and demonstrate the full extent of what you have endured while taking on insurance companies with patience, resolve, and calculated strategy.
Timeline and What to Expect
There is no set timeline for how long a personal injury case may take, but there is a general path toward resolution:
- Case evaluation – We listen to your story and determine the best course of action to help you find justice.
- Investigation — Our team gathers evidence, identifies liable parties, determines the value of your claim, and develops legal strategies.
- The claim — We notify the insurance company, specify demands for compensation, and present evidence.
- Negotiation — Your premises liability lawyer handles all negotiations with insurers and fights to get you the recovery you need and deserve.
- Litigation — If the insurance company refuses to be fair, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take your case in front of a judge and jury.
Why Choose Our Staten Island Premises Liability Lawyers?
- Local Staten Island roots — Our deep connection to the community and local professional connections provide a distinct advantage in negotiations and New York courts.
- Compassionate representation — We offer the responsive service and empathy you need while providing relentless legal advocacy that gets results.
- Proven results — Our Staten Island personal injury law firm has recovered more than $500 million for injured victims over the past five decades. Our track record of success is backed by testimonials from clients who trust us with their recovery.
- No upfront costs
— Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact a Premises Liability Attorney Near You in Staten Island, NY
Frequently Asked Questions about Premises Liability Claims in New York
How much is my premises liability case worth?
There are many different factors that influence the value of your claim. This includes insurance policy limits, the severity of your injuries, and their long-term impact on your future.
How long will my premises liability case take to resolve?
Some claims are resolved in months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or litigation can take a year or more. Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the fair compensation you deserve.
Why do I need a lawyer for my Staten Island premises liability claim?
Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount possible, or shift blame to deny claims. Hiring a premises liability lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.