Founding Attorney
One slip, a careless skater, or poor maintenance at a New York ice rink can lead to painful injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or sprains. Additionally, expensive medical bills, time off work, and long recovery times can add more stress to an already challenging situation. If you suffered an injury at an ice rink – whether you were skating or simply walking nearby –it’s crucial to know what steps to take to protect yourself.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health comes first, so call 911 or ask someone nearby for help. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, it’s a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries –like concussions, sprains, or internal bruising – might not be apparent right away but can get worse if you leave them untreated. Seeing a doctor also creates an official record of your injuries, which will be helpful later.
Report the Accident
Let the ice rink’s staff or management know what happened immediately. Ask them to write an incident report and get a copy for your records. Be clear about where the accident occurred and any dangers that might have caused it – a wet walkway, damaged flooring, poor lighting, reckless behavior by another skater, etc. Keep your explanation simple and watch what you say to avoid implicating yourself.
Take Photos and Video
If possible, take pictures or videos of the area where you fell or sustained your injuries. Focus on any hazards, such as puddles, ice build-up, broken boards, or missing warning signs. Try to capture the scene before staff can fix or clean anything up. Ask a friend, family member, or witness to help if you’re too injured to do this yourself. This visual evidence will be helpful if you need to prove negligence later on.
Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact details. Their statements could back up your account of what happened. Even a short comment from someone nearby can help clarify how the accident occurred and who might be responsible.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
After the accident, someone from the rink’s insurance company may reach out to ask questions or offer a quick settlement. Don’t sign anything or give a recorded statement without speaking to a personal injury attorney first. These companies are focused on saving money – not on doing what’s fair for you. An experienced lawyer can speak on your behalf and protect your rights.
Keep Records of Everything
Hold on to any paperwork related to the accident. This includes medical bills, injury reports, prescriptions, photos, witness details, and communication with the rink or their insurance company. Keep a journal of how the injury affects your daily life – pain levels, missed work, changes to your routine, etc. The more information you have, the stronger your case.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
Ice rink injury cases are complicated. Different rules may apply depending on where the accident happened and who owns the property. A Brewster, NY, personal injury lawyer can look at the facts, explain your options, and handle the legal process for you.
At Michael LoGiudice, LLP, we know how to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve, letting you focus on healing. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients and have represented injured people in New York for over 20 years. Furthermore, our client reviews speak to the quality of our legal services.
You have just three years after an ice rink accident to file a lawsuit, and talking to an attorney right away can help you pursue compensation more quickly and with a greater likelihood of success. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.