Falling into a maintenance hole can cause serious injuries and a significant financial burden. If this happens to you in New York, you have the right to seek compensation. Here’s how to deal with the legal process of identifying liability and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Identifying liable parties
Depending on the facts of the case, several parties may be liable:
- City or municipal authorities: The city often has to keep maintenance holes safe for people to walk through. If a cover is missing or not put on correctly, the city may be at fault.
- Utility companies: Companies that use maintenance holes for water, sewage or power must keep them safe. If they don’t and you get hurt, they can be liable.
- Property owners: If the maintenance hole is on private land, the owner may be at fault for not keeping it safe.
Knowing who is responsible is crucial for your claim.
Legal steps to take
Here’s what you can do after you get hurt:
- Get medical help: Your health comes first. See a doctor right away after the accident.
- Record what happened: Take photos of the maintenance hole, your injuries and the area where you fell. If you can, get statements from people who saw it.
- Report the accident: Report to the relevant authorities, such as the city’s Department of Transportation or the utility company involved.
- Consider talking to a lawyer: A legal professional can help you with your case and ensure you meet all legal requirements.
- File a claim: Based on who is at fault, you may need to file a notice of claim with the city or a lawsuit against a private entity.
Doing these things can strengthen your case and help you get fair compensation.
Your right to compensation
Getting compensation for falling into a maintenance hole in New York means finding out who is liable and taking the proper legal steps. Whether it’s the city, a utility company or a property owner, holding the right party responsible is essential for your physical and financial recovery.