Slip and fall accidents in New York City can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. Property owners often have insurance companies and legal teams working to minimize what they pay, which makes proper representation important from the start.
Slip and fall cases involve the complex nature of New York premises liability law, and personal injury law in this area requires careful investigation to establish that a property owner’s negligence caused the fall. We have represented clients who suffered trip and fall injuries and have recovered compensation on their behalf. Our attorneys are prepared to litigate difficult cases and will advance the legal costs necessary to pursue a claim. We can also help clients access medical care and arrange a rental vehicle if their own car is disabled as a result of the accident.
The Stein Law Group, PLLC continues to represent slip and fall clients throughout New York City. We, or our bilingual investigators, will meet with new clients at their residence, place of employment, or another convenient location, and can arrange transportation to our office if needed.
What is a Slip & Fall Injury?
A slip and fall injury occurs when a person falls, slips, or trips due to the negligence of another individual or business, and many people who have this happen to them do not realize they may be able to file a claim. A slip and fall accident can happen on a slippery floor with spilled liquids or on a faulty sidewalk, but a valid claim requires that the fall resulted from someone else’s negligence. Under New York premises liability law, anyone who owns or is legally responsible for a residence, business, or government property can be held accountable for injuries that occur on that property due to negligence or faulty construction, which is itself a form of negligence. Our slip and fall accident lawyers work to hold property owners accountable and pursue compensation for clients through slip and fall claims.
Common Causes of Slip & Fall Injuries
- Slippery or uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, or pavement
- Potholes
- Steeply sloping driveways
- Slippery floor surfaces or floor coverings
- Oil, grease, water, liquids, or food on the floor
- Uneven stairs or inadequate stair rails
- Blocked store aisles
- Bridge construction hazards, including falling debris
- Unsafe balconies or railings
- Poor lighting
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in New York?
For most slip and fall accidents on private property in New York, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. If the accident occurred on property owned by a government entity, such as the City of New York or the MTA, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar the right to compensation, which is why contacting an attorney promptly after an accident matters.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect a Slip and Fall Claim?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means a person can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for a fall. Compensation is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of responsibility. For example, if someone is found 20 percent responsible for an accident and their damages total $100,000, they would receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to assign greater fault to the injured party to reduce payouts, which is one reason careful case preparation matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Cases
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, since some conditions are not immediately apparent. Report the accident to the property owner or manager and confirm an incident report is filed. Photograph the hazardous condition and any visible injuries, collect contact information from witnesses, and preserve the clothing and shoes worn at the time of the fall.
How do you prove negligence in a slip and fall case?
Proving negligence requires showing that the property owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty by failing to maintain safe premises or warn of a known hazard, that the breach directly caused the accident, and that damages resulted. This is typically established through surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and documentation of prior similar incidents.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, we can help you understand your rights and options. Contact one of our offices in New York City to schedule a free initial consultation with The Stein Law Group, PLLC. Fill out the form below to request an appointment.
Legally reviewed by Adam J. Stein, Esq.
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Adam J. Stein, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Director of The Stein Law Group, PLLC, where he represents injured clients throughout New York City and New Jersey. A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, he is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey and handles personal injury cases including car accidents, medical malpractice, workers' compensation, and construction accidents.