What You Need to Know about the New York Statute of Limitations for Slip-and-Fall Lawsuits
If you have ever endured a severe accident and faced a ton of financial implications, the chances are high that this phrase will sound more than familiar: act now before it’s too late. Let’s just say that this statement is all-too-much grounded in fact. Although the courts are prepared to help victims receive compensation for injuries and medical insurance, the fact of the matter is that state laws have established limits of time on when you can take this action.
In the case that you have suffered a slip-and-fall accident in New York and want to take action, you need to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible; otherwise, you can lose any opportunity to be compensated for your pain.
Let’s take a closer look at the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall accidents in New York State.
Reviewing the Statute of Limitations
As the name suggests, the Statute of Limitations is a law that sets a limited time period during which you may carry out a lawsuit against a person, group of people, or a company. Different types of lawsuits generally follow different types of limitations. For example, while medical misdiagnosis can extend to two years, while assault and battery only extend to one year.
A Little Bit of Waiting
Depending on the nature of the incidents, slip-and-fall accidents are categorized as personal injury cases and have a reasonably long window of opportunity for you to sue the wrongful party. Under the New York State of Limitations, you can wait up to three years to file a lawsuit against the guilty person or people. Keep in mind that negligence and emotional distress (possible precursors to the slip-and-fall accident) also extend to a three-year window.
What Happens if I Wait Too Long?
Typically, if you let the three-year window pass by, one of two things may happen. Initially, the court may put a block on your attempt to sue, due to you having passed the three-year mark. However, in the event that the case makes it to court, the defendant could use this failure to adhere to the statutes as a form of defense on his/her part.
Personal Injury Lawyer in New York State
Everything from a simple stroll to a casual run across a city sidewalk can bring you so much joy, but in the blink of an eye, just a simple journey by foot can quickly take a turn for the worst. Due to the negligence of building superintendents, school administrators, city maintenance workers, and other people who work to ensure the safety of the public, a slip-and-fall across a crack or dip which you didn’t see coming can inflict moderate-to-serious wounds.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
Here at Gattuso & Ciotoli, our combined 50 years of legal experience overlays some of the most high-quality legal services to accident victims who live in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve, every step of the way. For more information on our four practice areas or details about a claim, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.