What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Premises Liability Claim?

Accidents on Private Property

Premises liability cases cover a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe location for visitors, free from obvious defects and/or with sufficient warning of potential risks. Your three-year statute of limitations applies to a number of accident scenarios, including incidents that take place at any of the following locations:

• Grocery stores
• Entertainment venues
• Parking lots and garages
• Stairwells
• Elevators and escalators
• Residential homes
• Office buildings
• Department stores
• Private land
• Sports venues

These areas are usually owned by individuals or companies rather than by government departments. That means it is the responsibility of those individuals or companies to maintain the premises. Failure to do so leaves property owners open to premises liability lawsuits, as long as they are filed within that three-year timeline.

If you got injured on someone’s property, you should consult with a Long Island premises liability lawyer. They will explain the comparative negligence rules the defendant will most likely use against you to lower the value of your claim. Once they establish liability and estimate your claim’s worth, your lawyer will start negotiations with the liable party. Your attorneys will also recommend they start gathering evidence immediately, because the more you wait, the less evidence you might obtain to strengthen your case.

Functions of and Misconceptions Regarding the Statute

The statute of limitations does not mean you have three years to complete your case and receive damages. It is simply a deadline for filing the paperwork to initiate lawsuit proceedings. The process of actually going through the lawsuit – compiling documentation, interviewing and deposing witnesses, negotiating, and prepping for trial – comes after filing.

That being said, the three-year window should not be wasted. Not only is it spent getting you to your maximum medical recovery, but it also provides our team the opportunity to get started on:

• Gathering evidence
• Obtaining police reports
• Procuring medical records
• Consulting experts
• Valuing your case
• Negotiating with the other party
• Reviewing settlement offers
• Prepping for the filing

This time should be spent understanding the full extent of your injuries and preserving evidence.

How Long You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Some premises liability cases may result in fatalities, such as from dog attacks or falls. In this instance, you could be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The statute of limitations is then two years from the date of the individual’s passing, according to EPT § 5-4.1.

Accidents on Public Property

Your window for filing becomes trickier if the accident occurred on public property maintained by a city, county, or state. These differ from other cases because you are bringing your lawsuit against the government, not a private citizen or enterprise.

Many cities or states have laws that protect them from liability, which also makes pursuing this kind of suit more challenging. This kind of premises liability can arise from accidents that occur at:

• Public schools
• Sidewalks
• Government buildings
• Public parks

In New York, you have a year and 90 days to file a claim against a city or state government, per CVP § 217-A. Much like in personal injury, the deadline is dated from the time the accident occurred.

Notice of Claim

Filing a claim against a city or state requires an additional piece of paperwork filed first, called a “notice of claim.” This essentially gives the government a heads up about the lawsuit and allows them to investigate the claim.

This is similar to a personal injury suit, in which lawyers may inform the other party of their intention to file and lay out the evidence for the case. This can also allow the parties to negotiate.

Your notice of claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident, per GMU § 50-E. Without it, your case may be dismissed, though some exceptions are made for the late filing of a notice. The document will need to contain the following:

• Your personal contact information
• The nature of your accident
• The circumstances of the claim (including the when, where, how)
• The cost of your damages

How We Can Help with a Claim Against the Government

As you can imagine, this is a lot of information to compile on short notice, roughly three months after your accident. Our team can help you handle this process, aiding you in filling out the notice and valuing your case to help reach fair compensation.

Moreover, this is the early phase of your lawsuit; more research and evidence gathering can continue after filing the notice of claim.

Filing a Wrongful Death Case Against the Government

Deaths due to negligence can occur on public property as well, leaving governments open to liability. You have 90 days from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit against a government entity.

Find Out Your Deadline to File

The statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim depends on the circumstances of the accident. However, regardless of whether you were injured on private or government property, you have a right to pursue damages if your accident was due to negligent property maintenance.

Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today at (866) 878-6774 for a free consultation on your premises liability case.