You Fell On A Public Staircase Without A Handrail
In Queens, You Fell On A Public Staircase Without A Handrail. Who is Liable, and Do You Have A Case?
Queens is a city full of subways and high-rise buildings. So you can imagine the plethora of staircases one might encounter in a city that big. Such a busy city is bound to have structural deficiencies, such as missing handrails in the stairwell. If you fell on a staircase without a handrail in Queens and suffered injuries, you may have a legal case against the property owner or manager. However, to have a successful claim, you must establish that the property owner or manager was negligent in maintaining the staircase and that this negligence caused your injuries. This blog post will explore the legal concepts of negligence and premises liability to determine who may be responsible for your damages and the potential lawsuit outcome.
What Is Negligence?
Negligence is a legal concept that refers to the failure of an individual or entity to exercise reasonable care and caution, resulting in harm to another person. For example, in the context of a fall on a public staircase without a handrail, negligence could be established if it can be shown that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of the staircase and failed to take steps to address it.
Premise Liability
Premises liability in Queens is negligence that applies to property owners and managers. It holds them responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors, including ensuring that the property is free of hazards that could cause injury. For example, in the case of a public staircase without a handrail, the property owner or manager may be held liable for your damages if it can be shown that they knew or should have known about the lack of a handrail and failed to take steps to address it.
Who is Liable?
If the fall was caused by the property owner’s or manager’s negligence, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim. However, it is always best to consult a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and options. To build a strong case, you will need to gather evidence to support your claim. This can include photos or videos of the staircase, witness statements, and any documentation of your injuries, such as medical records or bills. You should also keep track of any costs associated with your injuries, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
In some cases, other parties may also be liable for an accident on a staircase in a public building. For example, the architect or contractor who designed or built the staircase may be liable if the staircase was not adequately designed or constructed. Similarly, the company or individual responsible for maintenance may be liable if the staircase was not properly maintained or repaired.
Statute of Limitations
It’s also important to know the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New York City. In New York, you must file a lawsuit three years from the accident date. If you wait longer than this, you may be allowed to bring a claim.
Suppose you can establish negligence and prove that your injuries were caused by the property owner or manager’s failure to provide a safe environment. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages. If you have a case, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in New York City. An attorney can review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
In conclusion, whether you have a case or not will depend on the evidence you can provide to show that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of the staircase and failed to take steps to address it. If you can establish negligence and prove that the lack of a handrail caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and any related expenses. It’s important to consult a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the legal process and determine the best course of action.
About Daniella Levi & Associates P.C.
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