Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Electrocution Accidents in New York
If you’ve been electrocuted while working on a construction site in New York, it’s critical to understand that time is a crucial factor in pursuing your case. Every legal claim has a statute of limitations, which refers to the time frame within which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you can lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries, no matter how strong your case may be.
At Cohen & Cohen, we guide our clients through the complexities of the statute of limitations for electrocution accidents in New York. We understand how important it is to meet these deadlines, as missing them can jeopardize your chance at receiving the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering – whether it involves private companies or municipal entities.
Notice of Claim Deadline When a Municipality Is Involved
Electrocution accidents that occur on public construction projects have shorter deadlines compared to private projects. This is because New York law imposes strict time limits when dealing with governmental entities.
Electrocution Notice of Claim: Must Be Filed Within 90 Days
If your electrocution accident occurred on a public project, such as a city, state, or government-funded construction site, the first step is to file a Notice of Claim. This must be done within 90 days of the accident. A Notice of Claim is a formal written notice to the municipality or public agency that you intend to sue for the injuries you sustained.
It is crucial to understand that failure to file this Notice of Claim within 90 days can bar you from bringing a lawsuit against the government entity. The Notice of Claim serves as an official record that alerts the agency to the accident and gives them time to investigate the situation.
Electrocution Lawsuits Must Be Filed within One Year and 90 Days
After filing the Notice of Claim, you then have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file your actual lawsuit. This time frame is considerably shorter than the statute of limitations for private companies, so it’s vital that you don’t delay in pursuing your electrocution claim.
If you fail to file the lawsuit within this period, you lose your right to sue, regardless of the circumstances. This is why having an experienced attorney is essential. At Cohen & Cohen, we ensure that all deadlines are met, and we handle the legal paperwork so you can focus on recovering from your electrocution accident.
Serving the Correct Municipal Agency with Notice of Claim
Another common mistake that can jeopardize your case is failing to serve the correct municipal agency with the Notice of Claim. There are strict rules about who must receive the notice (whether it’s the city, state, or specific agency), and missing the right party can result in your claim being dismissed.
For example, if your accident occurred on a public building project, you need to serve the right department, whether it’s a city construction department or a specific municipal authority. If you serve the wrong agency or fail to serve anyone at all, the court can reject your case, and you could lose your opportunity to seek compensation.
This is why having Cohen & Cohen on your side is essential. We understand the nuances of municipal law and ensure that we identify and serve the correct parties in your case, meeting all legal requirements.
Electrocution Claim Deadlines for Private Companies
On the other hand, if your accident occurred on a private construction site, such as a project involving private contractors or building owners, the deadlines are typically longer than those for municipal entities.
You Have Three Years to File an Electrocution Lawsuit
In private cases, you generally have three years from the date of the electrocution accident to file a lawsuit. While this gives you more time, it’s important to recognize that waiting too long to pursue your claim can still hurt your chances of recovering compensation. As time passes, evidence can be lost, witnesses may become harder to locate, and memories can fade. Therefore, even with the three-year deadline, it’s always better to consult an attorney and start your case as soon as possible.
Why the Rules Matter: Complexity of Construction Projects
Many construction projects involve a mix of both private and municipal entities. For example, a project may involve a private contractor working on land that is owned by a city or state, or a public building project that has private subcontractors. In these cases, the deadlines for filing your claim can vary depending on which party is responsible for the accident.
This is where thorough investigation and research become essential. At Cohen & Cohen, we conduct detailed investigations into the nature of your accident, ensuring that we identify all parties who may be responsible. We carefully research the property ownership, the role of contractors, subcontractors, and any governmental entities involved. Our team’s attention to detail ensures that no deadlines are missed and that all possible avenues for compensation are explored.
Importance of Early Legal Representation
With electrocution accidents, it is not just about filing a lawsuit on time; it’s about building a strong case from the beginning. At Cohen & Cohen we provide comprehensive support: from identifying all potentially liable parties to making sure that evidence is preserved and deadlines are met. The earlier we get involved in your case, the stronger your claim will be.
Contact Cohen & Cohen to File an Electrocution Claim
If you’ve been electrocuted on the job, don’t wait until it’s too late. The statute of limitations for electrocution accidents is strict, and missing a deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. At Cohen & Cohen, we have the experience and knowledge to navigate the complex legal process and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights. We will work quickly to investigate the facts, identify all responsible parties, and make sure your case is handled with the care it deserves.
Looking for the best Queens construction accident lawyer? If you’ve been injured in an accident while on the job, call the construction accident attorneys at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. now for a FREE consultation at (718) 550-5738. We are ready to fight for your rights as a construction worker. No matter the scope of your accident, our lawyers will work with industry professionals and accident reconstructionists to gain a clear understanding of your situation. By interviewing witnesses, reading the police report and consulting your doctors, we can begin developing a strong case strategy that takes into account your current injuries and any future difficulties they may present. Trust our firm to aggressively fight on your behalf from start to finish. We provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation and handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay lawyers’ fees if we do not help you recover monetary compensation for your claim. Call (718) 550-5738 to arrange an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer near you. You may also use our convenient email contact form to request a return phone call about your case. Nosotros hablamos español (we speak Spanish) and мы говорим по русски (We speak Russian).