If you have been injured due to the fault of another, there are a number of actions you should take to protect yourself and your legal rights. The steps you take immediately after your injury may determine the strength of your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after you were injured on someone else’s property is to call 911 and seek the medical attention you need. Your health and safety come before all else, and the injuries you can sustain while on someone else’s property can be serious.
In premises liability cases, your injuries can be severe and long-lasting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes how dangerous falls can be, as serious injuries result from an average of twenty percent of fall accidents. Given these grave consequences, getting the medical care you need after an accident on someone else’s property should always be your first step.
Immediate medical attention will also help you prove in any accident claim or lawsuit that your injuries were the direct result of negligence. Delays in treatment may weaken your claims and give the at-fault party an opportunity to diminish the seriousness of your claim or argue that your injuries were not the result of their negligence.
Report the Accident
If possible, you should call the police and report the incident while you are still at the scene. The police report can provide valuable information regarding the incident and document the cause of your injuries. Police involvement may include taking photographs, obtaining witness identification and statements, or conducting other investigations that may help prove your claim for negligence.
Accidents on someone else’s property that could require police reports include:
- Violent crimes: Due to inadequate or defective security, these should be reported as a criminal matter and may also lead to a premises liability lawsuit.
- Animal bites: Negligent owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by uncontrolled animals.
- Fires: Foreseeable or preventable fires may open a property owner up to liability.
- Slip and fall accidents: Wet surfaces can lead to serious injuries such as head trauma or broken bones.
- Ice and snow accidents: Property owners may be responsible for accidents caused by untreated winter conditions.
- Swimming pool accidents: Lack of safety measures can result in injuries or drownings.
- Elevator and escalator accidents: Malfunctioning equipment can cause severe injuries.
A premises liability lawsuit could be pursued if you were injured on private or public (government) property. According to the New York City Bar Association, you can sue the government in these cases, but you must follow special rules and file a lawsuit within a shorter window of time.
Collect Your Own Evidence
Besides calling the police and obtaining immediate medical attention, you can take other steps to build your claim, including:
- Taking photographs of the hazardous condition that caused your accident
- Reporting the incident to the property owner, tenant, or manager
- Recording the names and contact information of witnesses
- Following all medical advice
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Will Defend Your Rights
Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP has been fighting for injury victims since 1988. We represent clients throughout the New York City metropolitan area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our consultation is free, and if we accept your case, you will not be required to pay any money upfront.
We are committed to representing victims of personal injury, whether they’ve been involved in car accidents, construction accidents, or cases of severe harm and wrongful death.
