A fall can break a hip, tear a knee, or injure the spine in a second. Insurers like to treat these cases as clumsiness. The real question is simple. Was the property kept safe?
Where Falls Happen
- Supermarkets, stores, and restaurants
- Apartment building lobbies, hallways, and stairs
- Icy sidewalks, steps, and parking lots
- Subway stations and bus stops
- Office buildings and job sites
Types of Slip and Fall Cases
Related pages
What Causes Them
- Spills and leaks no one cleaned up
- Freshly mopped floors with no warning sign
- Snow and ice left untreated
- Worn or torn mats and flooring
- Poor lighting on stairs
Proving the Owner Is Responsible
We must show the owner caused the condition, knew about it, or should have found it in time to fix it. Surveillance video is often the best proof, and many systems record over it within days or weeks. We demand that it be preserved right away.
Do This Now
- Take photos of the spot and what made you fall.
- Report the fall and get a copy of the incident report.
- Get witness names and numbers.
- Keep your shoes. Do not clean them.
- Get medical care the same day if you can.
Deadlines
Most New York injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident.
A fall on public property is different. Claims against the City of New York, the Transit Authority, NYCHA, or another public agency move faster. A written notice of claim is generally due within 90 days, and the lawsuit generally must be filed within one year and 90 days.
Common Questions
I did not go to the hospital right away. Is that a problem?
A delay gives the insurer an argument, but it does not end the case. See a doctor now and explain how the fall happened.
There was a wet floor sign. Do I still have a case?
Possibly. It depends on where the sign was, what caused the condition, and how long it was there.
What is my case worth?
It depends on the injury, the treatment, and how the injury affects your life and work. We can give you a real answer after we see the medical records.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
The consultation is free. There is no fee unless we win, and we advance the costs of the case. You speak with your attorney directly, not a call center.