Slip-and-fall accidents are a serious concern in a city like New York City. Hazards can arise in various properties frequented by the public, whether walking through the busy neighborhoods of Midtown Manhattan, the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, or even commercial hubs in Queens. Snow, ice, uneven sidewalks, or wet floors can turn a simple errand into a devastating life-altering event.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. An experienced New York City slip and fall accident lawyer from the Rothenberg Law Firm can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

1-800-624-8888

Why Choose Rothenberg Law Firm for Your NYC Slip and Fall Accident Case

At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a slip-and-fall accident can have on your life. That's why our experienced attorneys take every case personally. When we take on your case, we treat you like a member of our own family, passionately fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What sets us apart?

Over 50 Years of Experience

For over five decades, our firm has provided compassionate yet aggressive legal representation for personal injury victims across New York City and beyond. Our proven track record speaks for itself.
Billions Recovered for Clients

We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. These funds have helped families rebuild their lives after devastating injuries. Rest assured, we will work tirelessly to maximize your settlement or verdict.
Holistic Approach to Client Care

At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we do more than just represent you in court. We connect you with trusted medical professionals, counselors, and financial advisors to help repair the damage caused by your accident. Your well-being is our top priority.
Trial-Ready Attorneys

Unlike some firms that rush to settle cases, we are prepared to go the distance. If fair compensation cannot be obtained through negotiation, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial to fight for the justice you deserve.

When you choose the Rothenberg Law Firm, you have a dedicated legal team ready to stand by your side and guide you through every step of this challenging process.

What Is a New York City Slip-and-Fall Claim?

A slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall claim is a type of premises-liability case. It may arise when a dangerous condition on someone’s property causes a person to fall and suffer an injury.

These accidents can happen inside or outside a property, including in:

Apartment buildings
Grocery stores
Restaurants and bars
Hotels
Office buildings
Retail stores
Parking lots and garages
Construction areas
Subway stations
Schools
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Sidewalks
Private homes
Government buildings

Not every fall supports a personal-injury claim. To recover compensation, the injured person generally must establish that a property owner, tenant, business, manager, contractor, or another responsible party failed to use reasonable care and that this failure caused the accident and resulting injuries.

The responsible party may have created the dangerous condition, known about it, or had enough time to discover and correct it through a reasonable inspection.

Common Slip-and-Fall and Trip-and-Fall Hazards

Slip-and-fall accidents can result from temporary hazards, structural defects, poor maintenance, unsafe construction, or a combination of conditions.

Common hazards include:

Water, oil, grease, food, cleaning products, or other liquids on a floor
Rainwater, snow, or slush tracked into an entrance
Leaking pipes, refrigerators, air conditioners, ceilings, or plumbing fixtures
Recently cleaned or polished floors without adequate warnings
Loose or curled floor mats
Unsecured rugs or carpeting
Torn carpeting
Broken, loose, or missing floor tiles
Uneven flooring and unexpected changes in floor height
Unsafe thresholds and doorway transitions
Broken stairs
Uneven stair risers or treads
Missing, loose, or defective handrails
Poorly lit stairways, hallways, entrances, and parking areas
Merchandise, boxes, electrical cords, tools, or debris left in walkways
Cracked or uneven sidewalks
Potholes and broken pavement
Defective parking lots and garages
Snow, ice, and frozen runoff
Loose gravel or construction debris
Unsafe ramps
Improperly secured cellar doors, grates, or access panels
Temporary flooring, construction plates, or walkway coverings
Missing, blocked, or inadequate warning signs

A person who falls may not immediately understand what caused the accident. Pain, embarrassment, confusion, or emergency treatment can make it difficult to inspect the area.

The precise cause must still be identified as accurately as possible. Photographs, surveillance recordings, witnesses, inspection records, and an examination of the accident site may help establish whether a dangerous condition caused the fall.

Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries

The impact from a fall can cause serious injuries even when the person falls from ground level. A person may strike the floor, stairs, a wall, shelving, furniture, a railing, or another object while falling.

Common slip-and-fall injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries: A person may suffer a concussion, brain bleeding, brain swelling, or another traumatic brain injury after striking their head. Loss of consciousness is not required for a person to have a TBI.
Neck and back injuries: A fall can injure muscles, ligaments, spinal discs, vertebrae, joints, and nerves in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may cause weakness, loss of sensation, impaired mobility, or partial or complete paralysis.
Broken bones: Falls commonly cause fractures involving the wrists, arms, elbows, shoulders, ankles, legs, ribs, hips, pelvis, or facial bones.
Dislocations: A person may dislocate a shoulder, elbow, finger, hip, knee, or another joint while attempting to stop the fall or striking the ground.
Sprains and strains: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause substantial pain, swelling, weakness, and limited movement.
Shoulder injuries: A person who extends an arm to break the fall may suffer a torn rotator cuff, labral injury, fracture, or dislocation.
Knee injuries: A fall can damage the ligaments, cartilage, kneecap, meniscus, or other structures in the knee.
Ankle and foot injuries: Twisting during a fall can cause fractures, ligament damage, or other injuries that interfere with standing and walking.
Cuts and scarring: Broken glass, sharp flooring, stairs, shelving, and other objects may cause lacerations, nerve damage, infection, or permanent scarring.
Internal injuries: A forceful impact can damage internal organs or blood vessels, particularly when the person strikes a hard or raised object.
Emotional and psychological injuries: A serious fall may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, or fear of walking, using stairs, or returning to the accident location.

Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others become noticeable or worsen during the hours or days after the accident. Prompt medical attention can protect the injured person’s health and document when the symptoms began.

What Must You Prove in a New York Slip-and-Fall Case?

A person does not automatically have a claim simply because they fell on someone else’s property. A successful slip-and-fall claim generally requires evidence addressing several elements.

A Dangerous Condition Existed

The injured person must identify a dangerous or defective condition that made the property unreasonably unsafe.

The condition may involve:

A foreign substance on the floor
A structural defect
Inadequate lighting
An obstruction
Snow or ice
A broken stair or handrail
Uneven pavement
A dangerous construction condition
Another unsafe property condition

The fact that a surface was wet, uneven, or imperfect does not always establish that it was legally dangerous. The condition, location, appearance, dimensions, lighting, surrounding environment, and foreseeable use of the area may all be relevant.

The Responsible Party Created the Condition or Had Notice of It

A property owner or another defendant may be responsible when the evidence shows that the defendant:

Created the dangerous condition
Had actual notice of the condition
Had constructive notice of the condition

Actual notice may be established through prior complaints, inspection records, employee observations, work orders, incident reports, or other evidence showing that the defendant knew about the specific hazard.

Constructive notice generally means that the condition was visible and apparent and existed long enough for a reasonable property owner, employee, or manager to discover and correct it.

A general awareness that floors sometimes become wet or that debris sometimes appears in an area may not be enough. The evidence should address the particular condition that caused the accident.

Evidence that the same dangerous condition repeatedly appeared in the same location may also be relevant to whether the responsible party should have anticipated and corrected it.

The Condition Caused the Fall

The injured person must connect the dangerous condition to the accident.

A claim can become difficult when the person cannot identify what caused them to slip or trip and the cause can only be guessed. Photographs, video recordings, witnesses, physical evidence, medical records, and the person’s description of the accident can help establish causation.

The dangerous condition does not have to be the only factor involved. It must have been a substantial factor in causing the fall and injuries.

The Fall Caused Compensable Injuries or Losses

The injured person must document the harm caused by the accident. This may include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, or other legally recoverable losses.

Medical records, diagnostic testing, employment documents, bills, receipts, and testimony about the effect of the injuries can help establish these damages.

What Duty Do New York Property Owners Owe Visitors?

New York does not use rigid invitee, licensee, and trespasser categories to assign completely different duties of care.

Instead, property owners and occupiers generally must use reasonable care under the circumstances to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. Foreseeability is an important part of determining what precautions were reasonable.

Relevant circumstances may include:

How the property was being used
Where the accident occurred
The likelihood that people would enter or use the area
The purpose for which the injured person was present
Whether the owner knew or should have anticipated the person’s presence
The seriousness of the potential harm
The burden of correcting or warning about the condition
The injured person’s own conduct

The reason a person was on the property remains relevant, but the labels invitee, licensee, and trespasser do not automatically determine whether the property owner is liable.

A property owner is not an insurer of every person who enters the premises. Liability still requires evidence that the owner or another responsible party acted unreasonably and caused the injury.

Who May Be Responsible for a New York City Slip-and-Fall Accident?

The property owner is not necessarily the only potentially responsible party. Liability may depend on who owned, occupied, controlled, inspected, repaired, cleaned, or made special use of the accident location.

Potentially responsible parties include:

Property owners: An owner may be responsible for dangerous conditions inside or outside the property when the owner retained a duty to inspect, maintain, or repair the area.
Landlords: A landlord may be responsible depending on control over the area, lease obligations, the nature of the defect, the right to enter and repair, and applicable statutes or regulations.
Commercial tenants and business operators: A store, restaurant, office, or other business may be responsible for hazards within the space it occupies or areas it controls.
Property-management companies: A management company may be responsible when its contractual duties or conduct included inspection, cleaning, repair, snow removal, or maintenance of the area.
Maintenance and janitorial contractors: A contractor may face liability when its work created or worsened the dangerous condition or when another legally recognized basis for a duty exists.
Snow-removal companies: A snow-removal contractor may be responsible when negligent plowing, shoveling, salting, or ice treatment created or increased the hazard.
Construction contractors: A contractor may be responsible for debris, temporary walkways, unsafe flooring, open holes, loose materials, or other dangerous conditions created by construction work.
Homeowners’ associations, condominium boards, and cooperative corporations: These entities may have maintenance responsibilities for common areas, stairs, walkways, entrances, or sidewalks.
Utility companies: A utility may be responsible for a dangerous grate, access cover, excavation, repair, or other condition connected to its equipment or work.
Transit and public authorities: A fall involving a subway station, train platform, bus facility, or other transit property may involve an authority responsible for that location.
New York City or another government entity: A government entity may be responsible in limited circumstances involving property it owns or controls, subject to governmental defenses, prior-notice rules, notice-of-claim requirements, and shortened filing deadlines.

The existence of a lease, management agreement, maintenance contract, or snow-removal agreement does not automatically make every party to the agreement liable to an injured person.

The investigation should examine property records, leases, contracts, maintenance responsibilities, work orders, and each party’s actual conduct.

Property Owner Responsibilities in New York Slip and Fall Cases

Property owners, landlords, businesses, property managers, and maintenance companies may be responsible for keeping premises reasonably safe. That can include conducting routine inspections, repairing known hazards, cleaning spills, maintaining safe walkways, addressing snow and ice, fixing broken stairs or handrails, and warning visitors about dangerous conditions that cannot be corrected right away.

How Long Does a Property Owner Have to Fix a Hazard?

Slip-and-fall cases often depend on whether the owner or manager had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. In other words, did they know about the hazard, or should they have discovered it through reasonable inspection? What counts as a reasonable amount of time to fix or warn about a hazard can depend on the seriousness of the condition, how long it existed, how difficult it was to correct, and whether the owner had proper maintenance procedures in place.

What Damages Are Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims?

Slip and fall accidents can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be able to recover damages to help you rebuild your life.

Damages in a slip-and-fall case may include:

Medical bills (past and future) for treatments, surgeries, or therapies.
Lost wages, if your injuries prevented you from working during your recovery.
Loss of earning capacity if your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work.
Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments or property damage.

Pain and suffering caused by your physical injuries.
Emotional distress, like anxiety or depression, stemming from the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities you once loved.

During your free consultation, the legal team at the Rothenberg Law Firm will carefully evaluate your case to determine what damages may be available to you. Our goal is to ensure every dollar of your losses is accounted for while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Trusted New York City Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Today

*New York City Personal Injury Lawyer, Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq.*

A slip-and-fall accident can turn your world upside down in an instant. You may be facing physical pain, emotional turmoil, and mounting financial challenges. During such a difficult time, the Rothenberg Law Firm is here to provide the guidance and legal support you need. Here's how we can help with your case:

Conduct a thorough investigation: We'll gather evidence, such as photographs, surveillance footage, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
Determine liability: Our team will identify all potentially responsible parties to ensure you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Negotiate with insurance companies: We'll handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting your rights and preventing tactics designed to reduce your settlement.
Litigate your case if needed: Should the at-fault parties refuse to offer a fair settlement, our trial-ready attorneys will take your case to court and fight for full and fair compensation.
Provide compassionate support: Beyond the courtroom, we'll connect you with medical specialists, financial advisors, or counselors who can assist in your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in New York City, contact the Rothenberg Law Firm today for a free consultation. With over 50 years of experience and billions recovered, our team is ready to help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Contact us today at (800) 624-8888 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We're here to fight for you.

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in New York City

After a slip-and-fall accident, your first priority should be your health. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at first. If you can, take photos or videos of the hazard that caused your fall, including the floor, stairs, sidewalk, lighting, weather conditions, warning signs, or lack of warning signs.

Report the incident to the property owner, landlord, store manager, or building supervisor and ask for a written incident report. You should also preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing, gather witness contact information, and keep copies of medical records, bills, and any communication with the property owner or insurance company.

New York City Slip and Fall Accident Claim FAQs

If you have questions about filing a slip and fall accident claim, we've answered some of the most common concerns to help guide you through this challenging time:

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip-and-Fall Claim in New York?

Most New York personal-injury actions based on ordinary negligence must be commenced within three years of the accident. Different and substantially shorter deadlines may apply when a government entity or public authority is involved. A tort claim against New York City or another public corporation may require a formal notice of claim within 90 days. Many municipal personal-injury actions must then be commenced within one year and 90 days of the event. Claims involving the State of New York, the New York City Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority, a public school, or another government-related entity may follow different notice requirements and filing procedures.

How much will it cost to hire a slip-and-fall lawyer?

At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid attorney's fees if we recover compensation for you. This ensures that everyone, regardless of financial situation, has access to top-notch legal representation.

New York City Slip and Fall Lawyer