What To Know If You Get Injured At A Public Park

July 5, 2025

What To Know If You Get Injured At A Public Park

Now that the weather is finally warm in New York, people across Long Island have begun taking advantage of public parks for recreation and relaxation. From family picnics to playground fun with your kids and even outdoor workouts, these green spaces are go-tos in the summer.


However, with an increase of activities and foot traffic comes a higher risk of accidents and injuries. Understanding your rights and the steps to take if you’re injured in a public park is crucial.


Common Causes Of Park Injuries


Injuries in public parks, as well as other environments like concert venues, amusement parks, and stadiums, can be caused by various hazards.


  • Uneven or broken walkways: Cracked pavement or hidden potholes can lead to trips and falls.
  • Poorly maintained playground equipment: Rusty or broken structures pose risks, especially to children.
  • Inadequate lighting: Dimly lit areas can make hazards hard to spot, increasing the chance of accidents
  • Lack of proper signage: Without warning signs near slippery surfaces or construction zones, mishaps can occur.


Steps To Take After A Public Park Injury


“Did you get injured at a public park or an amusement park, or maybe you were at an outdoor venue, a concert, or a baseball game? Here are a few things that I want you to keep in mind in case this happens to you,” said Lindsay Langella, Partner of Langella & Langella Personal Injury Attorneys.


First, make sure that you obtain an incident report to document exactly what happened. You can notify park authorities or local officials about the incident to ensure there’s an official record. Otherwise, if you can’t get an incident report, you should call the police to document it.


Next, look around the scene and determine whether there are cameras. That way, you can request a copy of the video footage. Additionally, make sure that you personally document the scene by taking photos of the hazard that caused your injury.

You should make note of the exact location and any other relevant details. And if there were witnesses who saw your accident, you may collect their contact information.


“Third, definitely go get medical treatment if you’re injured. Don’t delay that,” Lindsay Langella advised.

Lastly, speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will help you contact the responsible party and hold them accountable for your injuries.


Determining Liability


In New York, if a municipality owns and maintains a public park, it is generally their responsibility to ensure it’s safe for visitors. However, multiple parties could be liable for your injuries, depending on the circumstances. For instance, a park or venue could be privately owned or operated by a different entity, like a state or federal agency.


At Langella & Langella, we handle these nitty-gritty details. We’ll determine who is responsible for your injuries and fight for justice.


How Langella & Langella Can Assist


We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with an injury–especially when it happens in a public space where responsibility isn’t always clear. That’s why our team takes a hands-on, personalized approach to every single case.


Here’s how we help move your case forward and pursue maximum compensation:


  • We Collect Critical Evidence: From accident reports and photos to maintenance records, we gather every piece of relevant information to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • We’ll Consult Trusted Third-Party Experts: When appropriate, we bring in third-party experts who can offer valuable insights to support your claim.
  • We Create A Custom Legal Strategy: No two cases are ever the same. So, we take the time to understand the specific details of your accident. Then, we come up with a strategy designed to get you the best possible outcome.


Remain Vigilant This Summer


While public parks offer plenty of benefits, it’s important to remain on the lookout for potential hazards. And if you or a loved one suffers an injury at a public park, understanding your rights and acting promptly can make a big difference.


Langella & Langella is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today for a Free Consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.


Call (631) 348-9500 to request a Free Consultation today. 

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Accidents May Spike In Summer, But Here’s How You Can Stay Protected This Season Summer is the peak season for Long Islanders, filled with beach weekends, backyard celebrations, roadtrips, and plenty of sunshine. Yet, according to Partner Lindsay Langella , the warmer months also usher in something else: a higher risk of accidents. “As a personal injury attorney, I know that the summer brings a lot of accidents,” she said. Whether you plan to travel out of town, rent a car, visit a new country, set sail on the water, or even just attend a social gathering, taking a few simple precautions now can help you avoid major headaches (and legal trouble) later. Here’s what to know so you can enjoy the rest of your summer safely. Road Trips & Car Insurance: Are You Really Covered? Hotter weather means there are more people on the road, and more opportunities for car accidents. So before you pile into your car with friends or family for a long drive, it’s smart to review your auto insurance policy. What should your policy include? Adequate liability insurance in the event you cause a car accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/IUM) coverage in case the other driver doesn’t have coverage AND make sure these limits are greater than the NY state minimum of $25,000. Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP). And if you’re planning to rent a car while you’re traveling, ask the rental company exactly what their coverage includes to cover your bases. “Because if you’re involved in an accident, you want to make sure that, again, you’re covered, even though it’s a rental car,” Lindsay Langella noted. Boating & Watercraft Accidents: Know The Risks Hitting the water for boat days is a favorite summer pastime among Long Island residents, but accidents on the water can be devastating. And if you’re the driver, you’re legally responsible for keeping your passengers and others safe. What some people don’t realize is that their auto insurance does not cover boat-related injuries. Your auto insurance may cover damages to your vehicle or trailer while hauling the boat, but injuries sustained on the water are a different story. New York State doesn’t require private boat owners to carry boat insurance, either. Nonetheless, it’s highly recommended to safeguard your watercraft, protect you from liability, and provide peace of mind. Moreover, remember that New York law takes boating under the influence (BUI) extremely seriously. Alcohol-related accidents on the water can result in severe injuries, fines, and even criminal charges. Drunk Driving & Summer Parties: A Deadly Combo From Memorial Day to Labor Day, drunk driving accidents surge across the country, and Long Island is no exception. So whether you’re hosting or attending gatherings with alcohol this season, take these precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Never allow any drunk guests to drive home Find a designated driver (DD) or arrange a ride to avoid getting behind the wheel while intoxicated Know that social host liability laws may apply if you serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated guests Victims of drunk driving accidents may suffer severe, life-altering injuries. If you’re injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, Langella & Langella will fight to hold them accountable. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance for International Trips Finally, are you planning to travel out of the country? If so, you’ll want to remember more than just your passport and some sunscreen. In fact, trip insurance is one of the wisest purchases you can make. “Make sure you get that trip insurance. It’s worth the extra money that you’re going to spend,” Lindsay Langella explained. Travelers with trip insurance may benefit from trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement, emergency medical care, lost or delayed baggage reimbursement, and additional assistance for other emergencies. Don’t just assume that your regular health insurance will cover you internationally, either, because many plans do not. Hurt In A Summer Accident? Turn To Langella & Langella From the road to the water and everything in between, summer brings opportunities for both fun and risk. So, review your insurance, ask the right questions, and know your rights. And unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. Whether you suffer a car crash, boating accident, or even a slip-and-fall at a summer pool party, our firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys are here to advocate for you. Partners Michael and Lindsay Langella will investigate the accident, collect key evidence, deal with your insurance company, and build a legal strategy that’s tailored to your specific situation. Then, they’ll fight relentlessly to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. “If you’re injured regarding a summer accident, I want to make sure that you’re talking to me about it so that we can help you out,” Lindsay Langella said. Remember that, when the unexpected happens, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact Langella & Langella today for a Free Consultation by calling (631) 348-9500.
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