New York City Slip and Fall Lawyer
Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP represents slip and fall victims throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Our firm has recovered over $750 million for injury victims since 1989. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Court costs and disbursements may apply regardless of outcome.
- Injured in a NYC Slip and Fall? Call Now for Free Legal Review
Jurisdiction Notice: This information applies to slip and fall accidents in New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau & Suffulk Counties. It is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
No Attorney Fee Unless We Recover. Costs May Apply.
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County
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Unfortunately, based on your query, we are unable to assist you at this time. Our firm handles serious accidents and negligence cases, such as car accidents, slips and falls, construction accidents, and other accidents that require hospitalization or ongoing treatment.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall in NYC
Seek Medical Attention:
Report the Incident:
Preserve Evidence:
Identify Witnesses:
Preserve Clothing and Footwear:
Consult an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurance:
- Legal Term
Key Legal Definitions: NYC Slip and Fall Cases
NYC slip and fall cases usually turn on premises liability, notice, causation, and damages. Claims against public entities can also trigger early notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines.
Legal Term
Definition & NYC Application
Premises Liability:
Property owners, tenants, and managers in New York have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. They must fix dangerous conditions they know about, should know about, or inadequately warn about.
Constructive Notice:
The property owner should have known about the dangerous condition. Courts look at how long the hazard existed and whether a reasonable inspection would have discovered it. What counts as reasonable depends on the facts of the case.
Time Limits:
Timing rules vary depending on who is being sued and the facts of the case. Claims against government entities require an early notice of claim and have a shorter lawsuit deadline. Call right away so the deadlines that apply to your case can be confirmed.
Comparative Negligence:
New York follows a comparative fault rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
Premises Liability Law and Courts
Slip and fall cases in New York City are governed primarily by negligence and premises liability law. Depending on the amount in controversy and the parties involved, these cases may be litigated in Civil Court or in Supreme Court in the relevant borough.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in NYC, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the fall.
How NYC Courts Handle Slip and Fall Cases
What Happens Next: The Progress of Your Case
Office Policy: We prepare every case for trial from the day we are retained through settlement or verdict.
Phase
Key Actions
What You’ll Experience
1. Investigation
Gather evidence: photos, medical records, witness statements, property records, incident reports
You focus on medical treatment. We handle evidence collection and deal with insurance adjusters.
2. Filing Lawsuit
A lawsuit is filed as soon as all defendants and theories of liability (fault) are identified and documented
Close communication with our office to identify and document all aspects of the injuries you have suffered as a result of the fall.
3. Discovery
Exchange documents including the Bill of Particulars which sets forth all our claims, conduct depositions of parties and witnesses, and exchange photographs and reports (engineers, medical providers)
All parties appear for depositions. Medical exams (IME) are performed by defense doctors. We prepare you for your deposition and medical exams.
4. Settlement or Trial
Settlement offers made by defense attorneys or insurance adjusters are evaluated and discussed with you throughout the course of your case. We prepare each case for trial, and we discuss with you whether to accept or reject an offer.
We will keep you informed as to the progress of your case as it proceeds towards trial — and we will thoroughly prepare you for trial if a proper settlement offer is not made.
Where NYC Slip and Falls Commonly Occur According to the CDC’s 2023 MMWR report, in 2020, 14 million older adults (age 65 and over) in the United States reported falling during the previous year, and in 2021, nearly 39,000 older adults died from falls. CDC data also shows that approximately 3 million emergency department visits each year are due to older adult falls. These national numbers highlight how serious a single fall can be. In New York City, slip and fall accidents happen in a wide range of everyday locations.
Common NYC Fall Locations:
- Subway stations (NYCTA property): Wet platforms, broken tiles, missing handrails, inadequate lighting in stairwells. Claims require an early notice of claim, with a short, strict deadline.
- Retail stores: Spilled liquids, freshly waxed floors without signage, merchandise blocking aisles.
- Restaurants and bars: Kitchen grease tracked onto dining floors, bathroom spills, dimly lit spaces combined with alcohol service.
- Sidewalks: New York City law places responsibility for most sidewalk maintenance on the abutting property owner, with limited exceptions for certain owner-occupied one-, two-, and three-family homes. City snow removal rules generally require owners to clear snow and ice within a set time after a storm ends.
- Apartment buildings (NYCHA and private): Broken stairs, missing handrails, icy lobbies, worn flooring and carpets, elevator malfunctions.
- Construction sites: Debris, uneven terrain, inadequate barriers. New York’s Scaffold Law and related safety rules may apply to elevation-related falls. If your injury occurred at work, review your rights with our New York Construction Accident Lawyer.
Attorney Insight:
Proving Negligence in NYC Slip and Fall Cases
Stage
What Happens
1. Duty of Care
Property owners owe a duty of care to all persons lawfully on the property. In NYC, this includes private owners, restaurant owners, hotel operators, landlords, retail chains, the City of New York for parks and sidewalks adjacent to city property, and the NYCTA and other city agencies for subway stations and bus stops.
2. Breach of Duty
The property owner or its agents created the dangerous condition or knew or should have known of it and failed to remedy it within a reasonable time. We prove notice and reasonableness by examining maintenance logs, inspection schedules, employee training, and prior complaints.
If an unsafe condition resulted from an unfit or poorly supervised worker, negligent hiring or supervision claims may provide a separate basis for employer liability.
3. Causation
The dangerous condition was a proximate cause of your accident. Defense attorneys try to reduce the fault of the owner by arguing that the person who fell knew of the condition or failed to see the condition.
4. Damages
You suffered measurable losses: physical injuries, such as pain and suffering, disabilities, medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity. New York allows recovery for all damages caused by the fall from the time of the accident to the present time and all future damages.
Recent Slip and Fall Case Results in New York
$5.5 million – Construction worker fall at West 17th Street job site
A construction worker fell four stories at a Manhattan job site after the general contractor and building owner failed to provide a safe workplace. He suffered fractures of his shoulder, clavicle, ribs, and hip, along with internal injuries requiring multiple surgeries. The defendants argued the fall resulted from his own carelessness. We retained five separate medical and technical witnesses to document the extent of his injuries. He and his wife recovered $6.4 million. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
$5 million – Elevator shaft fall causing catastrophic head injury
A 49-year-old man fell down an elevator shaft when the doors to the elevator opened but the elevator cab was on a floor above. He suffered severe head injury and was rendered comatose. The case settled for $5 million after we demonstrated the building owner failed to maintain proper elevator safety mechanisms and warning systems.
$3.5 million – 30-foot scaffold fall at NYC construction site
An undocumented Mexican immigrant was working on scaffolding at a construction site when he fell 30 feet onto cement. He fractured his skull and vertebrae in his neck and back. At trial, the evidence showed that his employer failed to provide him with a safety line, which would have prevented the fall. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
$1.9 million – Fall through broken grate at Burger King drive-thru
A woman on her bicycle given the all clear from a NYC Police Officer to ride through the dark 65th Street transverse tunnel in Central Park rode into an unguarded excavation site and she struck a huge pothole causing her to fall from the bike and strike her face into the roadway. She suffered facial fractures, lacerations and dental injuries requiring multiple surgical procedures leaving her with permanent facial scarring. At trial, the City refused to admit fault. The jury disagreed and awarded $3.3 million after we proved the City failed to provide adequate warnings or barriers.
$1.2 million – Slip and fall on ice at commercial property
Frank N., a security guard, slipped on an icy ramp at a building owned by Metropolitan Life. Heating coils installed in the ramp to prevent icing were not operational. Building management took no steps to clear the ice or warn of the hazard. He sustained a fractured knee in the fall. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
$1 million – Trip and fall on rain mat at building entrance
A 60-year-old woman sustained a head injury after tripping on a rain mat at a building entrance. In a separate case, a 61-year-old professor of orthopedics fell on a sidewalk in front of a Manhattan hotel and suffered a chronic shoulder injury. Both cases resulted in $1 million recoveries for our clients.
Discuss Your Case with Experienced NYC Attorneys
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Evidence can disappear fast. Surveillance footage is often deleted quickly.
- Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Common Injuries From NYC Falls
Slip and fall accidents cause injuries ranging from minor bruises to catastrophic, life-altering trauma. According to CDC data, one in five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
Injuries We Handle:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, subdural hematomas requiring surgery
- Spinal cord injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
- Broken bones: Hips (especially in older adults), wrists (from bracing the fall), ankles (from twisting)
- Torn ligaments and tendons: ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, Achilles tendon ruptures requiring surgical reconstruction
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding
- Chronic pain: Post-traumatic arthritis, nerve damage, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Many victims suffer temporary or permanent disability, chronic pain requiring long-term medical care, inability to return to prior employment, emotional trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression), and loss of quality of life. In the most tragic cases, severe falls can result in wrongful death. When these injuries result from negligence, New York law may allow you to pursue compensation.
How Slip and Fall Claims Work in New York
- Free Consultation: We review your case, explain your rights, and discuss your claim. Attorney fees are contingent on recovery. Court costs and disbursements may apply regardless of outcome.
- Investigation: We gather evidence, including surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance logs, witness statements, and medical records.
- Discovery: We file a lawsuit and conduct depositions, document exchanges, and evaluations by medical and technical professionals.
- Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys on your behalf.
- Trial: If settlement offers are inadequate, we may present your case to a jury in the appropriate NYC Supreme Court.
NYC-Specific Challenges in Slip and Fall Cases
Notice of Claim for Government Entities
Falls on NYC government property (parks, sidewalks adjacent to city buildings, NYCHA buildings, subway and train stations) require an early notice of claim, followed by a lawsuit within a shorter deadline. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claims.
Comparative Fault Defense
Defense attorneys argue you were distracted (looking at your phone), wearing inappropriate footwear, or ignoring warning signs. Under New York’s pure comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Hypothetical example: If a jury finds you 30% at fault, a $100,000 verdict becomes $70,000. We respond to these defenses with witness testimony, video evidence, and professional analysis of the hazard.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
New York law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages in slip and fall cases.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses (surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, home health aides)
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity (if you cannot return to your prior job or work full-time)
- Out-of-pocket costs (transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for disabilities, assistive devices)
NYC juries award significant pain and suffering damages for permanent injuries. Our settlements reflect both economic losses and substantial compensation for permanent disabilities and lifelong mobility limitations.
If your slip and fall injuries were worsened by medical negligence during treatment, you may have additional claims. See our NYC Medical Malpractice Lawyer page for more information.
Why Evidence Matters: The First Days After a Fall
The moments after your fall matter. Property owners and their insurers begin investigating immediately—often before you’ve left the hospital. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- Surveillance footage deletion: Many NYC businesses delete video quickly. We send preservation letters right away.
- “Cleaned up” hazards: Wet floors get mopped, ice gets salted, debris gets removed—destroying proof the hazard existed.
- Witness memory fading: Bystanders who saw your fall forget details or become unreachable.
- Maintenance logs “corrected”: Suddenly, inspection records show the area was checked minutes before your fall.
What You Should Do Immediately:
- Seek medical attention (even if injuries seem minor—some symptoms appear days later)
- Take photos/video of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Preserve clothing and footwear (defense attorneys will claim inappropriate shoes contributed)
- Do NOT sign any documents from the property owner or their insurer without legal review
- Contact a NYC slip and fall attorney as soon as possible
Attorney Insight: Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly, often while you’re still in pain, hoping you’ll give a recorded statement minimizing your injuries or accepting blame. New York is a comparative fault state—anything you say can be used to reduce your recovery. Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney.
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Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into a low settlement
Why Choose Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP?
Our firm has recovered over $750 million for NYC injury victims since 1989. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our Manhattan office serves clients throughout New York County, Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island (Richmond County) and Nassau & Suffolk Counties.
Our Results Speak:
$7.8 million
Pedestrian struck by NYPD motor scooter in Battery Park
$5 million
Elevator shaft fall with severe head injury
$3.5 million
Subway derailment with permanent brain damage
$3.3 million
Central Park roadway defect causing facial fractures
$3 million
Pedestrian struck by bus with multiple surgeries
Client Commitment:
- Free consultations with attorneys (not only paralegals)
- Contingency basis: no attorney fee unless we recover. Court costs and disbursements may apply regardless of outcome.
- Prompt evidence preservation and investigation
- Direct attorney communication throughout your case
- Trial preparation on every file
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall in NYC
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in NYC?
Strict time limits apply to a slip and fall lawsuit, and they vary by defendant and case type. Claims against NYC government entities follow special rules: an early notice of claim is required and the lawsuit deadline is shorter. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, so contact an attorney as soon as possible after your fall.
THE TIME TO SUE CAN VARY FROM CASE TO CASE. ALWAYS CONSULT AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY TO DETERMINE THE TIME FRAME THAT APPLIES TO YOUR CASE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Any time limit or condition precedent, such as a notice of claim, mentioned on this page may not apply to your particular case. The time to bring a lawsuit and the conditions upon which it may be brought depend upon many factors including the age and mental capacity of the injured person, whether the party to be sued is a private person, partnership, corporation, government entity or other legal entity, the substance and type of claim that is being made, the place of the accident and other possible factors that may apply at the time of the accident or injury. You are advised to call to confirm the time limits and conditions that apply to your case as soon as possible.
What if I were partially at fault for my fall?
New York follows “pure comparative negligence.” Even if you were partially at fault (for example, texting while walking or wearing slippery shoes), you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Hypothetical example: If a jury awards $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. A key issue is whether the property owner’s negligence contributed to your fall.
Can I sue if I fell on a NYC sidewalk?
Yes, in many cases. New York City law makes most abutting property owners (not the City) responsible for maintaining sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition, with limited exceptions for certain owner-occupied residential properties. Separate City rules generally require owners to clear snow and ice within a set time after a storm ends. If you fell on a sidewalk adjacent to City-owned property (such as parks or public buildings), different municipal rules apply, including an early notice of claim and a shorter lawsuit deadline.
What if there was a “Wet Floor” sign?
A warning sign does not automatically defeat your claim. NYC courts evaluate whether the sign was adequate—was it visible, properly placed, in English and other relevant languages? If the hazard was unavoidable despite the sign (e.g., the entire hallway was wet with no alternate route), you may still recover. We’ve won cases where signs were present but inadequate.
Will my case go to trial?
Many NYC slip and fall cases settle before trial. Insurance companies often prefer negotiated settlements to avoid jury verdicts, which can be unpredictable and expensive. We prepare every case for trial while also negotiating on your behalf. If settlement offers are inadequate, we are prepared to try the case.
How do your attorney fees work?
Can I sue if I fell at work?
What if the property owner blames my shoes?
How do you prove the property owner “should have known” about the hazard?
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Undervalue Your Case
Related Legal Services
Our NYC personal injury practice includes:
- Construction Accidents: Scaffold Law and related safety cases for falls from heights, ladder accidents, and unsafe work sites
- Car Accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle collisions throughout NYC
- Pedestrian Accidents: Crosswalk accidents, hit-and-run cases, driver negligence
- Subway Accidents: NYCTA negligence, platform falls, train derailments
- Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, birth injuries, misdiagnosis, and hospital negligence
Start Your Free Consultation Today
(212) 732-2929No attorney fee unless we recover. Costs may apply.
Over $750 million recovered for NYC injury victims since 1989. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP
30 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10007
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island and Nassau & Suffolk Counties
Free Consultation | No attorney fee unless we recover. Costs may apply.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. This website is not intended to create, and viewing it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP (212) 732-2929 30 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10007 Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County