A serious injury on someone else’s property can throw your entire life into chaos. You might be dealing with pain, medical bills, and the anxiety of not knowing how you’ll support your family or get your life back on track.
Property owners in Queens have a legal responsibility to keep their buildings, sidewalks, and spaces safe. When they fail to do that and someone gets hurt, they should be held accountable.
At The Perecman Firm, our experienced Queens premises liability lawyers focus on helping people in your exact situation. With nearly a billion dollars recovered for injured New Yorkers, our team has a long track record of delivering meaningful results.
We understand what you’re going through, and we know how to build the kind of strong, fact-based claim that secures real compensation. We bring decades of experience and relentless focus to every case we handle.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property in Queens? We’re Here to Help.
You didn’t ask to be in this situation, so you shouldn’t have to fight so hard to get out of it. At the Perecman Firm, that’s our job. We take on the fight for you so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back in order. We dig deep, fight hard, and always put your needs first. How do you prove premises liability? We gather evidence showing the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it.
Whether your accident happened at a residential building in Jackson Heights, a shopping center in Flushing, or an office complex in Long Island City, we’re ready to step in and help.
Recognized for results
We’re not afraid of big corporations, insurance companies, or government agencies. We’ve recovered nearly $1 billion for injury victims—including $19 million for a worker struck by a falling steel beam and $1.85 million for a woman who suffered serious injuries when her wheelchair hit a 3-inch pothole in a parking lot and ejected her.
Client-centered, compassionate representation
Our clients aren’t numbers or case files. You’ll get personal attention and fierce protection from day one. We treat your case like it’s our own—and that means going the extra mile when it matters most.
No-win, no-fee guarantee
We work on a contingency-fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations so you can understand your options without pressure.
A relentless team fighting for your future
Our award-winning attorneys are consistently ranked among the top trial lawyers in New York.
Trial-Ready
We settle most of our caseload out of court through fierce negotiation and legal clout. But if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair deal, we’re ready to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
What is premises liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners have to keep their spaces safe. Under New York law, landlords, business owners, and even city agencies must fix or remove known hazards or at least warn visitors about them. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can be held financially accountable.
To bring a valid premises liability claim, your premises liability attorney must prove:
- The property owner had a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment
- They failed to address or warn about a dangerous condition
- That failure caused your injury
- You suffered damages as a result
That might sound straightforward, but these cases often require deep investigation, extensive documentation, and a law firm that won’t back down. That’s where we come in.
Common Property Accidents and Injuries We Handle
There’s no limit to the types of hazards that can cause a premises liability injury. Even routine places—like an apartment hallway, a restaurant entrance, or a stairwell at work—can become dangerous when they’re not properly maintained. Protecting yourself and your rights means documenting the scene, seeking immediate medical attention, and speaking with a lawyer who can advise you on the next steps.
If you were injured because someone didn’t take reasonable steps to fix or warn about a hazard, you may have a premises liability claim. These are examples of just some of the cases our team at The Perecman Firm handles:
Slip and fall accidents in Queens
Falls may sound minor, but many are serious, even life-threatening. They’re the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in New York City and one of the leading causes of other serious injuries, especially among construction workers, building residents, and pedestrians navigating slick or uneven surfaces. One momentary loss of balance can result in broken bones, spinal cord damage, or even a traumatic brain injury.
We’ve seen clients suffer life-altering harm from:
- Wet or waxed floors with no warning signs
- Broken tiles, cracked sidewalks, or uneven stair treads
- Ice and snow buildup at building entrances
- Loose handrails or missing guardrails
- Debris or construction materials left in walkways
Whether your fall happened in a Forest Hills apartment building, a subway station, or the loading area behind a commercial property, we know how to investigate these incidents and hold the responsible parties accountable. While many claims resolve through settlement, some slip and fall cases go to trial—especially if the property owner or their insurer refuses to accept responsibility.
Building or ceiling collapse injuries
Injuries from a collapsing building or ceiling often result from years of neglected maintenance, leaking pipes, or water damage that was ignored for too long.
Falling building or ceiling debris can cause:
- Severe head trauma
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Lacerations or broken bones
- Permanent nerve damage
If a building or ceiling collapse injured you, you deserve a law firm that understands how to prove landlord negligence and secure full compensation.
Elevator and escalator accidents
Queens is filled with high-rise apartment buildings, office towers, and public transportation hubs. Elevators and escalators are part of daily life, but they can become incredibly dangerous when they’re not maintained or inspected regularly.
Common injuries include:
- Getting caught in doors that don’t properly sense obstructions
- Tripping over misaligned platforms
- Sudden drops or stops during transit
- Falls due to lack of handrails or jerky motion
When an elevator or escalator malfunctions, the blame may lie with the property owner, a building manager, or the maintenance company that failed to make timely repairs. We work to uncover what went wrong and who’s responsible.
Negligent security injuries
No one should have to worry about being assaulted or attacked in a place that should feel safe. Property owners in Queens are legally bound to provide adequate security, especially in areas known for crime or high foot traffic.
Negligent security cases may involve:
- Poor lighting in stairwells, parking garages, or alleyways
- Broken entry doors or locks in residential buildings
- Lack of security cameras or on-site personnel
- Failure to respond to known threats or recent incidents
If you were attacked in or around a property due to these failures, you may be able to hold the property owner accountable for not taking reasonable steps to enhance security on their premises.
Unsafe staircases and walkways
Stairs and walkways may seem harmless until a missing handrail or an uneven step causes a fall that results in devastating injuries. These accidents are especially common in older buildings throughout Queens, where stairwells may not meet modern safety standards or building codes.
We’ve handled cases involving:
- Collapsing steps or loose concrete
- Missing or broken railings
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells
- Slippery or worn-out flooring
These cases are often linked to poor maintenance or ignored repair requests, especially in rental properties. If you were injured in a stairwell or hallway, don’t assume it was your fault. Let us review the facts and help you determine if the property owner may be liable.
Swimming pool accidents
Swimming pools are a source of recreation and sport, but they also carry serious risks, especially when safety measures are missing. Property owners must take steps to prevent drowning, slips, and other injuries around pool areas.
Dangers we see in these cases include:
- Unfenced pools accessible to children
- Slippery tiles or missing warning signs
- Lack of supervision or posted safety rules
- Defective pool equipment or drains
Whether the pool was at a Queens hotel, gym, private residence, or apartment complex, we’ll investigate whether negligence played a role in your injury.
Dog bites and animal attacks (limited focus)
While our focus is on more serious injury cases, we do handle dog bite claims under certain circumstances—especially when they result in significant injuries, infections, or long-term scarring. New York law holds pet owners responsible if they fail to properly secure or control their animals, particularly if the dog has a known history of aggression.
Who can be held liable in a Queens premises liability case?
When someone is seriously hurt on dangerous property, often it’s not just one person or company. Property ownership and maintenance duties are often split between multiple parties, and identifying each one is critical to building a strong case.
Landlords and property managers
In Queens, residential property owners and building managers are legally required to maintain safe conditions in common areas like stairwells, lobbies, and hallways. That includes fixing broken lights, securing loose tiles, shoveling snow, and making timely repairs when tenants report hazards.
We hold negligent landlords accountable when they:
- Ignore repeated complaints from tenants
- Fail to inspect for safety hazards
- Delay necessary repairs
- Cut corners on maintenance to save costs
If your injury happened in an apartment building, whether in Astoria, Ridgewood, or Jamaica, we’ll investigate whether the building owner or management company violated their legal duties.
Business owners and commercial property operators
Retail stores, restaurants, gyms, and office buildings have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers and employees. That includes removing hazards, cleaning spills promptly, and providing warnings when dangers can’t be fixed right away.
Common issues in these settings include:
- Wet floors with no warning signs
- Poor lighting in stairways and exits
- Blocked emergency routes
- Construction zones with no safety barriers
If you were injured in a commercial setting, we’ll help determine whether the business owner, property manager, or a third-party contractor may be liable. We also help clients understand how preventing accidents at home and work—through basic maintenance, hazard awareness, and timely repairs—can reduce future risks and support a safer environment overall.
Government entities (in limited cases)
Injuries on public property, such as city parks, sidewalks, or subway stations, may involve claims against government agencies. These cases are more complicated due to shorter filing deadlines and specific notice requirements, but they are still viable if handled correctly.
Our team has experience holding city agencies accountable in cases involving:
- Broken or cracked sidewalks
- Ice and snow left untreated on public walkways
- Defective lighting or stairs in municipal buildings
If your injury happened on government-owned property, reach out to us immediately so we can preserve your right to file a claim.
Contractors and maintenance companies
Sometimes, the party that owns the property isn't the one who created the danger. In cases involving construction zones, janitorial services, or maintenance vendors, a third party may be to blame for your injury. We know how to uncover these connections and pursue all avenues for compensation.
Damages in Queens Premises Liability Cases
A serious injury affects more than just your health. It can derail your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy daily life. At The Perecman Firm, we fight for full compensation—not just for what you’ve already lost but for the impact this injury will have in the months and years to come.
Below are the types of damages we fight to recover for our clients:
Economic damages
These cover the tangible financial losses you’ve experienced, including:
- Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Follow-up treatment, therapy, and prescriptions
- Costs for mobility aids or home modifications
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
Non-economic damages
These damages focus on the personal, emotional, and long-term consequences of your injury, such as:
- Physical pain and chronic discomfort
- Emotional suffering, anxiety, or trauma
- Loss of independence or ability to enjoy daily life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
Wrongful death damages
If a loved one passed away due to a premises liability incident, we help families pursue:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s income and household contributions
- Emotional loss, companionship, and support
No two cases are exactly alike. That’s why we take the time to fully understand your situation and calculate damages that reflect the true extent of what you’ve lost.
A serious injury affects more than just your health. It can derail your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy daily life. At The Perecman Firm, we fight for full compensation—not just for what you’ve already lost but for the impact this injury will have in the months and years to come.
What to do after a premises injury in Queens
After receiving medical attention, there are a few important steps you can take to protect your right to file a claim. If possible, report the accident to the property owner, store manager, or superintendent and ask for a written incident report. It helps to take clear photos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and your injuries before the site is cleaned or repaired. If anyone witnessed what happened, try to collect their names and contact information.
You don’t need to gather everything perfectly, but even a few pieces of documentation can make a difference. When you contact The Perecman Firm, we take over from there. Our team will investigate the conditions that led to your injury, secure additional evidence, and deal directly with the insurance companies on your behalf. While you focus on getting better, we make sure your claim stays on solid legal ground.
Frequently asked questions about premises liability in Queens
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in New York?
Generally, under New York’s statute of limitations, you have three years from the date of the injury, but exceptions exist that may affect the timeline of your case.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire The Perecman Firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Plus, your consultation is 100% free and confidential.
How long will a premises liability case take?
Every case is different, so how long your case takes to resolve depends on its complexity, how cooperative the property owner is, and whether a trial is necessary. Many cases settle within months, but some may take longer if litigation is involved.
Speak with a Queens premises liability lawyer today
If an insurance adjuster tries to contact you after you were injured on someone else’s property, contact an experienced Queens premises liability lawyer with The Perecman Firm. We have the skill, resources, and leverage to protect you from lowball settlement offers and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation for you and your family. We can’t undo all the harm that’s been done, but we can investigate your claim, determine all of your damages, and pursue the full value of your losses.
Call us at (718) 587-0108 or schedule your free consultation online. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help make things right.