Collecting Documentation for Premises Liability Cases
If you sustained an injury when you were on property owned by another individual or entity, compensation may be possible. After you are hurt, the first thing to do is to have your injury treated by a medical professional. Once there is a plan in place for your recovery, talk to a Long Island personal injury lawyer about how to secure compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. An attorney can move forward with collecting the documentation that is needed to strengthen a claim.
Duty of Reasonable Care
Property owners have a responsibility to keep their property clear of potential risks for visitors who are on the property lawfully. If a manager, landlord, or owner does not maintain a safe property, they may be proven negligent should an individual be injured.
According to law in New York, the injured party has to produce evidence and demonstrate the property owner was more likely than not responsible for the injury. This is not always easy to do. Some of the ways a property owner could assert they are not liable include the following:
- The danger was easy to recognize and could have been avoided
- Victim was illegally on property or demonstrating reckless behavior
- The risk was reasonable and not in need of signage or immediate attention
Solid Evidence Can Strengthen Your Claim
There are many ways to strengthen a claim. When you work with an experienced Long Island personal injury lawyer, they can walk you through the best path to securing the maximum settlement amount. One thing that will likely need to be done when pursuing financial compensation for premises liability is securing solid evidence.
An example of this is collecting images and videos from the accident site. For best results, secure footage as soon as possible after the event. Too often, people believe they can take pictures at any time but when they return to the location something has changed. The issue could have been fixed by the property owner who does not want to accept responsibility for the injury, for instance.
If you are unable to collect imagery and the event happened in a public place, it is possible your lawyer could access security camera footage. Lawyers also are able to secure safety inspection records, which can also help to prove the area was dangerous.
Witnesses accounts can also be beneficial, people can testify to seeing the accident happen or to recognizing the danger was present. When possible, collect the names and contact information of accident witnesses. Later, your lawyer can reach out to the ones who can help your case and secure their statements.
Were you injured on a property in Brooklyn, Stewart Manor, or Bayside? You need a personal injury lawyer working for you. Coping with medical fees and lost income can be difficult. Together, we can assess your situation and develop a strategy. With over 30 years of legal experience, our team represents clients throughout Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City. Don’t delay, contact Giuffré Law Offices at 516-802-9912 to discuss your case today.
