As an expert in personal injury law, I have seen countless cases of slip and fall accidents in New York City. These types of accidents can happen anywhere, from a public sidewalk to a private residence. And while they may seem like minor incidents, they can result in serious injuries and financial burdens for the victim. One of the most common questions I receive from clients is about the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim in New York City. The answer is simple: the deadline for filing a claim is three years from the date of the accident.
This three-year period applies to all types of tort claims, including slip and fall accidents. However, it's important to note that if the owner of the property where the accident occurred is the state of New York, there are different procedures that must be followed. In this case, your claim must be filed with the New York State Court of Claims within 90 days of the accident. This is why it's crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. Once you have filed your claim or notice of intent to file with the Attorney General's office, you will have two years to file a lawsuit. This two-year period is simply the time limit for presenting your case in court.
It's important to note that this does not mean your entire case must be completed within two years, just the first step of filing your complaint in court. Having a skilled legal team on your side can make all the difference in successfully filing a slip and fall lawsuit. They will have the necessary resources and expertise to gather evidence, investigate the facts of the case, and present a strong argument in court. It's important to choose a legal team with a proven track record of resolving slip and fall cases when appropriate and taking them to trial when necessary. The specific time limit for filing a slip and fall lawsuit depends on the unique circumstances of each case. This is why it's crucial to start the process as soon as possible after the accident.
Waiting too long could result in missing the deadline and losing the opportunity to file your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in New York, it's likely that the property owner is responsible for maintaining safe conditions. Filing your case within the statute of limitations deadline is crucial, as missing this deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries. One of the main reasons why people choose to work with legal professionals after a slip and fall accident is because of New York's statute of limitations. It's important to act quickly and seek legal representation to ensure that your case is filed within the three-year time limit. If your slip and fall accident occurred on public property, it's important to report your claim as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in being unable to file your case within the statute of limitations.
It's important to remember that this time limit is strict, meaning that any case filed after the three-year deadline will likely be dismissed by the court. However, there are certain circumstances where the statute of limitations may be paused or "suspended". This can give you more time to file your case, but it's always best to act quickly and not rely on this exception. Investigating an injury incident can take weeks or even months, depending on various factors such as obtaining medical records and expert availability. This is why it's crucial to start the process as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. The deadline for filing a slip and fall lawsuit in New York depends on whether the property owner is public or private. It's also important to note that in a slip and fall case, the focus is on your bodily injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Any damage to personal property, such as a broken phone, is not the main focus of the case.