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.