When someone falls on property owned by another party, it is often because of snow, ice or a defect, like a foreign substance on the floor or a hidden hole. New York residents may be interested in learning about their rights if they end up being harmed in such a manner.
Business owners are generally required by law to keep their premises reasonably safe. For example, there are some instances where a company may be held responsible if a person slips and falls on snow or ice in a parking lot or at the entrance to an establishment. However, if there are natural accumulations of snow or ice, like it snowed the night before and the sidewalk was not yet shoveled, a property owner may not be held responsible for this. If it is an unnatural accumulation of snow or ice, like if leaky gutters allowed rainwater to freeze on the sidewalk, then compensation may be due.
Owners of residential properties have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonable manner as well. There are a variety of defects that a property owner could be held responsible for if an injury occurred. They could include foreign substances on the floor, loose carpeting or hidden holes. Additionally, if there are circumstances that make a floor unreasonably hazardous or slippery, the property owner may be held responsible for a person’s injuries.
Some people are seriously injured after slipping and falling while visiting someone else’s property, and they may want to discuss their situation with a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling premises liability cases. The attorney could strive to seek compensation for medical bills and other losses that have been incurred.