What Is the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Accidents in New York?

New York uses a three–year statute of limitations for most slip–and–fall accidents. This statute controls the time you have available to file a claim after falling and sustaining injuries on someone else’s property. 

If you wait too long to file a legal claim after an accident, the court can dismiss your request for compensation. A New York slip-and-fall injury lawyer can provide more information about the specific deadlines you face and get your case moving through the legal system. 

How Long do You Have to File a Claim for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

Generally, you only have three years to seek compensation after a slip-and-fall accident. New York uses N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214 to make this time limit an official part of the state’s laws. 

The countdown for your injury claim will begin from the date of your accident, so you must move quickly to start the legal process with a New York personal injury lawyer.

An attorney will review your situation and determine the exact amount of time you have to seek compensation. Your lawyer can also explain what the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall accidents in New York is in further detail. 

Are There Exceptions to New York’s Slip-and-Fall Statute of Limitations?

Some exceptions may change the time available to file a claim after a slip–and–fall accident in New York. For example, the statute of limitations for your situation may vary if your accident occurred on government property. 

Additionally, the legal system may shift the deadline for your claim if the at-fault party flees from New York or if your accident occurred while you were legally disabled. An attorney can provide exact details about the time limits for your case. 

What’s the Statute of Limitations for Fatal Slip-and-Fall Accidents in New York?

The statute of limitations for wrongful death in New York currently gives families two years to file a claim after a deadly slip-and-fall accident. However, individuals have made multiple attempts to extend this time limit in recent years, so it may change. 

Your family can discuss the specific legal time limits on a wrongful death claim with a compassionate lawyer. An attorney can review your family’s situation, help you determine if you qualify for a wrongful death claim after a fatal fall, and guide you through the legal system. 

What Happens if the Statute of Limitations Expires?

Once the statute of limitations for your slip-and-fall accident expires, you will no longer have a chance to seek compensation for your losses. Therefore, you need to begin the legal process quickly so you can secure money to pay for your:

Medical Expenses

You may break a bone, sustain a concussion, or experience another injury in a fall accident. Filing a legal claim quickly can help you get compensation for your emergency treatment, time in a hospital, medications, and other medical care. 

Lost Pay

You may get compensation for the time you lose at work while recovering from fall injuries. A lawyer may push the liable party to pay for your lost earning potential if your fall results in a disability. 

Pain and Emotional Suffering

In many cases, a lawyer can bring you money to cover the non-economic impacts of a fall. For example, an attorney may focus on the emotional pain and mental anguish you experience after falling on someone else’s property. 

When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Fall?

Legal professionals recommend that you reach out to an attorney immediately after a fall that causes an injury or death in New York. Getting legal help right away can bolster your claim and improve your chances of securing fair compensation. 

A lawyer can explain what the statute of limitations for slip–and–fall accidents in New York is, go over your situation, and answer any questions you have. An attorney can also collect evidence by:

• Speaking to witnesses who saw you fall
• Requesting surveillance footage that captured the incident
• Getting a copy of your accident report 

You can rely on an attorney to identify the party responsible for your accident, track all your losses, and keep your claim moving through the legal system while staying mindful of all deadlines associated with your case. 

In addition to contacting a lawyer, you should report your fall accident to a responsible party, like a business owner or a store manager. You should also seek immediate medical care, take pictures of your injuries, and write down what happened. 

Talk to Us About Time Limits for New York Slip-and-Fall Accidents 

What is the statute of limitations for slip–and–fall accidents in New York? The state will give you three years to file a claim after most slip-and-fall accidents, though exceptions can change the time you have available. 

Our team at Morelli Law Firm can assess your situation and provide exact information about the legal deadlines you face. We can also build your claim for compensation and guide you through the legal system. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.