Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | September 12, 2024 | Child Injuries
Visiting the Bronx Zoo is a treat for children. The zoo is home to over 11,000 animals comprising more than 640 species. Many of the animals in Bronx Zoo are on the endangered list. Numerous attractions keep visitors returning to the zoo to enjoy the animals and other attractions.
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States. It opened in 1899 and is part of a system of four zoos and an aquarium owned by the New York City Parks & Recreation Department. The Wildlife Conservation Society manages the zoo.
Millions of people visit the Bronx Zoo each year without incident. However, injuries at the zoo are common. Knowing the steps to take if your child is injured in a slip-and-fall accident at the Bronx Zoo helps you protect your child’s rights and best interests.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen at the Bronx Zoo?
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of premises liability claims. Children and adults may slip, trip, and fall at the zoo for many reasons, including:
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven surfaces
- Wet and slippery surfaces
- Property defects and hazards
- Staff negligence
- Parking lot falls
- Defective and broken rides, playground equipment, or other equipment
- Spilled food and beverages
- Damaged or broken railings and stairs
Slip and fall accidents at the Bronx Zoo can cause severe injuries. Children may sustain broken bones, traumatic brain injury, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, and neck injuries. Some injuries could result in permanent impairments and disfigurement.
The zoo, city, and management company may be liable for damages caused by slip and fall accidents. Even though the zoo is a public facility, these parties have a duty to provide safe premises for visitors and guests.
What Steps Should I Take if My Child Is Injured at the Bronx Zoo in New York City?
If your child is injured in a slip and fall accident at the zoo, steps you should take include:
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your child’s injuries at the zoo’s medical station. If the injuries are severe, call 911 for emergency medical services.
- Follow up with a doctor as soon as possible for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Report the slip and fall accident to zoo officials.
- Document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video. Ensure you capture the cause of the slip and fall, such as a water hazard or broken step.
- Gather the names and contact information of eyewitnesses and bystanders.
Contact a Bronx slip and fall accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to sue the city, the management company, and other parties for your child’s slip and fall accident. However, the deadlines to sue government entities are shorter than filing deadlines in other cases. You must notify the city of a potential claim within 90 days to preserve your right to sue.
What Damages Can My Child Receive for a Slip and Fall Accident at the Zoo in NYC?
Your child may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages for a slip and fall accident at a New York City zoo. The types of damages your child may receive include:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment
- Reductions in future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
The value of a lawsuit against the Bronx Zoo depends on the severity of your child’s injuries and other factors. Working with an experienced Bronx personal injury lawyer helps protect your child’s rights.
What if My Child Is Partially to Blame for Causing Their Injuries?
New York’s contributory fault laws state that the court may reduce the compensation for damages if the victim is partially to blame for causing their injuries. However, children may not be held to the same standard as adults because they may not understand certain dangers.
If officials try to blame your child for causing their fall, talk with an attorney immediately. Personal injury attorneys in New York City offer free consultations so you can learn about your child’s legal options to make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in the Bronx
If you have questions about suing the City of New York or another party for your child’s injuries, contact the attorneys at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case review. Let us protect your child’s best interests and fight for you after a slip and fall injury at the Bronx Zoo.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in the Bronx and need legal help, contact our Bronx personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and Manhattan, NY.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332