If you've suffered an injury or lost a loved one on someone else’s property in Queens due to negligence or wrongdoing, you're likely feeling a great sense of uncertainty on top of your pain and emotional suffering. You might struggle with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, and you wonder how you’ll pay for it all. The weight of these burdens can feel crushing, but there's hope. You have the right to seek compensation from those responsible, and the Queens premises liability lawyers at The Perecman Firm PLLC are here to fight zealously for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience helping injured clients throughout Queens and across New York obtain full and fair compensation for all they’ve endured. We’ll listen to your story with compassion and guide you through the legal process. We have the knowledge and resources to hold negligent property owners accountable and help you maximize your financial recovery. Don't let another day go by feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Contact The Perecman Firm PLLC today for a free consultation. Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing and recovery.
Why Choose Us to Handle Your Queens Premises Liability Claim
When you're dealing with the aftermath of a premises liability accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At The Perecman Firm PLLC, our Queens personal injury lawyers bring a combination of experience, dedication, and a proven track record to every case we handle. Here's why we're well-equipped to handle your Queens premises liability claim:
- Experience with Queens premises liability cases: Our firm has a long history of representing clients in Queens and throughout New York City in premises liability cases. With more than 40 years of experience behind us, we're intimately familiar with the local laws, regulations, and court systems that will impact your case. This local knowledge, combined with our extensive legal experience, allows us to build strong, compelling cases for our clients.
- Personalized attention to clients: We understand that every case is unique, and every client has specific needs and concerns. That's why we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your situation. You're not just another case number to us – you're a valued client deserving of our full attention and effort.
- Proven results: We’ve recovered more than half a billion dollars for injured clients over the years. While our past results don't guarantee future outcomes, they do show our commitment to helping our clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries and losses. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and, when necessary, formidable litigators who aren't afraid to take your case to trial if that's what it takes to get you fair compensation.
- No upfront fees and contingency fee arrangement: We understand the financial stress you may be under after an accident. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay any upfront costs or attorney fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about how to afford it.
Kinds of Queens Premises Liability Claims We Handle
Premises liability is a broad area of law that covers many types of accidents and injuries. At The Perecman Firm PLLC, we have experience handling a wide range of premises liability claims in Queens. Here are some of the most common types of cases we handle:- Slip and fall accidents: These are perhaps the most common type of premises liability cases. They can occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poorly maintained walkways, or inadequate lighting. Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord damage.
- Construction accidents: Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and property owners and contractors must maintain safe conditions for workers and passersby. We handle cases involving falling objects, scaffolding collapses, trench cave-ins, and other construction-related accidents.
- Inadequate security: Property owners must provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts. If you've been assaulted or robbed due to inadequate security in an apartment building, parking garage, or other property, you may have a premises liability claim.
- Dog bites: If a dog attacks you or your child in Queens, you can hold the dog owner liable for any resulting injuries.
- Defective property conditions: This can include a wide range of hazards, such as broken stairs, faulty elevators, exposed electrical wiring, or structurally unsound buildings. If a property owner fails to address these hazards and someone is injured, they may be held liable.
- Swimming pool accidents: Pool owners, whether private or public, must maintain safe conditions and provide adequate supervision. We handle cases involving drownings, near-drownings, slip and falls around pools, and injuries caused by defective pool equipment.
- Elevator and escalator accidents: Malfunctioning elevators and escalators can cause severe injuries. We represent clients hurt due to sudden stops, misleveling, door malfunctions, and other elevator or escalator-related incidents.
- Retail store injuries: Stores must maintain safe conditions for shoppers. This includes properly stocking shelves to prevent falling merchandise, cleaning up spills promptly, and ensuring aisles are free from tripping hazards.
Premises Liability Issues in Queens
As one of New York City's most diverse and populous boroughs, Queens presents unique premises liability claim challenges. At Perecman Firm PLLC, we leverage our deep knowledge of local laws, regulations, and common issues to advocate effectively for our clients. Here's an overview of key premises liability concerns in Queens:
- Sidewalk maintenance: With miles of pedestrian walkways, sidewalk accidents are frequent. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their buildings, but determining liability can be complex.
- Weather-related hazards: Queens experiences all four seasons, leading to slip and fall accidents due to snow, ice, and rain. Property owners must take reasonable steps to address these hazards promptly.
- Aging infrastructure: Many buildings in Queens are older, potentially leading to issues with stairs, elevators, and other structural elements. We investigate whether proper maintenance and upgrades were performed.
- High-density living: With many apartment buildings and multi-family homes, issues like inadequate lighting in common areas or poorly maintained fire escapes are prevalent.
- Construction and renovation: Queens is constantly evolving, with ongoing construction and renovation projects. This can lead to hazardous conditions for both workers and passersby.
Local Laws and Regulations
Queens follows New York City's building codes and safety regulations, which are some of the most comprehensive in the country. These laws set standards for everything from fire safety to structural integrity. However, the sheer number of properties in the borough makes enforcement challenging. New York's comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you contributed to your accident, although your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation.Statute of Limitations for Queens Premises Liability Cases
In New York, the statute of limitations for most premises liability cases is three years from the accident date. However, if your claim is against a government entity (such as for an accident on city property), you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.
You must act quickly after an accident to preserve evidence and ensure you don't miss important deadlines. The Perecman Firm PLLC can help you understand how these timelines apply to your specific case, and we can file all necessary paperwork correctly and on time.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Premises Liability Case?
In a premises liability case, your attorney could help you recover various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses and future medical care related to your injury
- Lost wages and future lost earnings if your injury impacts your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
FAQ About Queens Premises Liability Claims
How do I know if I have a valid premises liability claim?
If you were injured on someone else's property due to a hazardous condition that the property owner knew about (or should have known about) and failed to address, you may have a valid claim. However, every case is unique, and it's best to consult with an attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault would reduce your compensation.
Do I need a lawyer to file a premises liability claim?
Yes, having an experienced premises liability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. The Insurance Research Council found that people who use attorneys have an 85% higher rate of getting substantial settlements, and their settlements are 3.5 times higher on average than settlements injured parties obtain on their own. An attorney can also help navigate complex legal procedures, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair treatment along the way.
What should I do immediately after a premises liability accident?
If possible, document the scene by taking photos, get contact information from any witnesses, seek medical attention, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Then, contact a premises liability lawyer as soon as possible.
How long does a premises liability case typically take?
The duration can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases may resolve in a few months, while others could take a year or more.
What if the property owner claims they didn't know about the hazardous condition?
Property owners must regularly inspect their property and address any hazards. If they failed to do so, they may still be held liable under the concept of "constructive notice," meaning they should have known about the condition.
Contact an Experienced Queens Premises Liability Attorney Right Away
If a property owner's negligence in Queens injures you or a loved one, don't wait to seek legal help. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. The Perecman Firm PLLC is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, time is of the essence in premises liability cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories can fade, and there are strict deadlines for filing claims. By contacting us as soon as possible, you give us the best chance to build a strong case on your behalf.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. During this consultation, we'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case. If we believe we can help, we'll explain how we can proceed and what you can expect from the legal process.
Contact The Perecman Firm PLLC at (718) 587-0108 to request your free consultation. We're ready to fight for your rights and help you move forward after your premises liability accident.