If you or a loved one has been injured in a natural disaster, it can be challenging to bring your case to court. However, in circumstances in which the injury cannot be attributed simply to an “act of nature,” the negligence of an individual or organization may be to blame.
Protections Under Insurance
Insurance companies can be difficult to work with, especially when it comes to receiving benefits. When you enroll in an insurance plan, carriers often make the information they want you to see obvious while hiding the fine print and legal jargon in case you ever need the coverage. Many people don’t realize the importance of having a trusted insurance representative or understanding the details of their policies until they need benefits, only to be turned down by their insurance company. A trusted lawyer can help you determine if you have a case against the insurance carrier.
Legal Protections Against Damage and Injury
Negligent parties often use natural disasters as a scapegoat to avoid court cases. If your injury occurred during a natural disaster but was not a direct result of it, you may have a case. Examples of these circumstances may include:
- Slip and fall at a business as a result of inadequate storm cleanup
- Car accidents caused by drivers behaving recklessly in unsafe road conditions
- Being struck by an object as a result of a neighbor’s failure to safely prepare
- Personal injury resulting from the inaction of a company or government organization, such as a failure to address a low-hanging electrical wire
Additionally, damage to property may also be attributed to a natural disaster despite evidence proving otherwise. Before residents and businesses have had the opportunity to clean up, crimes such as vandalism and theft often increase. When downed tree limbs, heavy rain, and strong winds can be blamed for damaging homes and vehicles, offenders see it as an opportunity to get away with criminal activity. An attorney can help prove that the culprit of your case wasn’t the weather.
It takes the assistance of a dedicated legal team to help you prove your case in court and receive the compensation you deserve. If you’re the victim of an injury or property damage that occurred during a natural disaster in New York, contact Leav & Steinberg LLP at 212-766-5222 for your free consultation.
