A fall might seem like a small thing at first. But one moment of lost footing on a wet floor, icy sidewalk, or broken step can lead to weeks—or years—of pain. In New York City, slip and fall accidents happen every day in apartment buildings, grocery stores, subway entrances, and construction zones.
If someone failed to keep their property safe, and that failure caused your injury, a New York City slip and fall accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation.
Why Choose The Perecman Firm, PLLC as Your New York City Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?
Not all slip and fall accidents are the same. And not every firm knows how to handle the complex laws that govern premises liability in a city this large. The Perecman Firm, PLLC has handled thousands of injury cases involving property owners, landlords, and city agencies across all five boroughs.
Here’s why you should consider us the right choice for your fall injury claim:
- Over 40 years of results in New York premises liability cases
- Deep knowledge of building code violations, sidewalk laws, and lease disputes
- Track record of high-value settlements for fall injuries
- Detailed investigations with site visits, photos, and maintenance history
- Experience suing both private businesses and government entities
- Client-focused approach with clear communication at every step
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City?
Slips and falls happen quickly, but the causes are usually easy to trace once someone takes the time to investigate. Many of these injuries are caused by one simple thing: someone failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition.
Wet or slippery floors
Spills in grocery stores, freshly mopped hallways, and leaking refrigerators often leave puddles behind. If there were no warning signs and the property owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard, they may be responsible.
Uneven or cracked sidewalks
New York City sidewalks are the responsibility of both the city and adjacent property owners. If you tripped on a lifted slab, sunken patch, or broken curb, the key is identifying who should have repaired it and when the hazard first appeared.
Snow and ice buildup
During the winter months, property owners are required to clear snow and treat ice within a specific time after a storm. Failure to do so can lead to dangerous walkways. Many slip and fall cases happen the morning after a snowstorm, when nothing has been shoveled or salted.
Poor lighting
Inadequate lighting in stairwells, lobbies, and outdoor walkways makes it hard to spot hazards. Tenants and visitors may fall simply because they couldn’t see a missing step, uneven surface, or spilled liquid.
Loose handrails and broken stairs
Buildings across the city are filled with aging infrastructure. A loose banister or broken step can easily throw someone off balance. Landlords maintain staircases, especially in apartment buildings and commercial properties.
Debris or clutter
Boxes in aisles, tools on a jobsite, and trash on walkways create tripping hazards. These are especially common in stores, restaurants, and construction zones where safety procedures aren’t followed properly.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Slip and Fall Cases?
Falling doesn’t just cause bruises. For many people, especially older adults or those with preexisting conditions, a fall can mean long-term disability or even life-threatening injuries.
Broken bones
Wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures are among the most common injuries. These often require surgery, physical therapy, and time off work.
Back and spinal injuries
A hard fall can damage vertebrae, discs, or nerves. Some people experience chronic pain, numbness, or limited mobility long after the accident.
Head injuries
Even a short fall can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, and memory problems. Many victims don't realize the seriousness of their head injury until days later.
Soft tissue damage
Torn ligaments, strained muscles, and joint injuries can lead to months of discomfort. While these injuries may not always show up on scans, they can still seriously limit your ability to work or care for yourself.
Long-term mobility issues
A fall may mark the beginning of lasting physical limitations for older adults or those with previous injuries. In these cases, the goal of compensation isn’t just healing—it’s preserving independence.
What Should You Do in the Weeks After A Slip and Fall?
The decisions you make in the days and weeks after your accident can shape your ability to file a strong claim. Taking the right steps early puts you in a better position to recover full compensation.
Seek medical care and follow up
Always visit a doctor, even if your pain seems minor. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Following your treatment plan shows that you’re taking your recovery seriously and helps document your condition.
Document the location and conditions
If possible, take photos or ask someone to go back and take them. Document what the surface looked like, whether there were warning signs, and if there were cameras nearby. These details are often lost quickly.
Report the incident
Notify the property owner, store manager, or building superintendent. Ask them to create an incident report and get a copy. If the fall happened in public, such as a city park or on an MTA property, report it to the relevant agency.
Keep all records
Save medical bills, doctor’s notes, insurance correspondence, and any communication with the property owner. These help prove the timeline and seriousness of your injuries.
Contact a law firm familiar with NYC fall cases
There are time limits on filing claims—especially against government entities. A New York City slip and fall accident lawyer can help preserve evidence, meet filing deadlines, and begin building your case before it’s too late.
What Compensation Can You Recover in A Slip and Fall Accident?
A fall can disrupt your ability to work, care for yourself, or enjoy daily life. New York law allows victims to recover compensation for losses caused by a property owner’s failure to keep the premises safe.
Medical expenses
This includes emergency care, follow-up visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, and physical therapy. If your injury leads to lasting limitations, you can also seek compensation for ongoing care or mobility aids.
Lost income and reduced earning ability
If your injury forces you to take time off or change jobs, you may recover those lost wages. In more serious cases, your lawyer may work with professionals to calculate how your injury affects your future income.
Pain and suffering
These damages reflect the physical pain, discomfort, and limitations caused by your injuries. Chronic pain, loss of movement, and the frustration of dealing with an injury can all be considered.
Loss of independence
If you need help at home, can no longer drive, or must rely on others for daily tasks, your compensation may reflect this loss of autonomy.
Out-of-pocket expenses
This includes things like transportation to medical appointments, home medical supplies, and help with tasks you can no longer perform alone.
The Hard Reality of Sidewalks and Store Floors
In a fast-paced city like New York, the sidewalks never sleep—and neither do the legal hurdles that follow a fall. NYC has its own unique rules about who’s responsible for sidewalks.
In many cases, the adjacent property owner must repair and maintain the sidewalk, not the city. Knowing which law applies can make or break your case.
Falls in stores, restaurants, or commercial buildings often involve surveillance footage, but this can be erased within days.
The sooner someone investigates the site, the more substantial the evidence. Public falls on city-owned buildings, parks, or transit areas require you to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. This legal document must include specific information and go to the right agency. If it’s late or incomplete, your case may be thrown out.
That’s why having a lawyer who knows how New York City’s legal system works is so important.
Why Is It So Hard To Get Fair Compensation from Insurance Companies?
They’ll Clean the Floor—Then Clean Their Hands
You’re not just dealing with a landlord or store owner when you file a claim after a slip and fall. You’re dealing with their insurance company. And their job is to pay out as little as possible.
How they respond to injury claims
Insurers often try to blame you for not watching where you were going. They may argue the hazard was obvious or that you weren’t wearing proper shoes. Some adjusters will say your injury was minor, even when you’re still in treatment.
Others may try to settle fast, before you know the full cost of recovery.
Why the process takes more than a few phone calls
Insurance companies have lawyers and investigators on their side. Without help, getting pressured into a settlement that doesn’t cover even basic expenses is easy. Many victims don’t know what their case is really worth until it’s too late.
What If I Fell at a Friend’s or Relative’s Home?
Not every fall happens in a store or public place. Many people get hurt while visiting friends, attending family dinners, or helping someone with errands. If you slipped on loose flooring, fell down a damaged staircase, or tripped on clutter in someone’s home, you might hesitate to take action.
But you don’t have to choose between your health and your relationships.
The claim is against insurance, not the person
Most homeowners and renters carry liability insurance that covers injuries on their property. If you file a claim, it doesn’t mean your friend or relative is writing you a check, it means their insurance provider may be responsible for covering your medical bills and other losses. These policies exist to protect everyone involved, including guests who get hurt.
Falls can lead to real injuries
Even if you don’t want to make a big deal out of the accident, your body might not give you that choice. A fractured ankle, torn ligament, or back injury can disrupt your job, your daily routine, and your finances.
If you avoid treatment or delay getting help, your condition can get worse—and the cost can grow quickly.
You’re not accusing anyone of doing something wrong
Most people don’t realize they have a hazard in their home until someone falls. Filing a claim doesn’t mean blaming your loved one; it means addressing the situation and getting recovery support.
The legal team and insurer handle the process professionally and respectfully, not through personal conflict.
You can still preserve the relationship
Handled correctly, a fall claim doesn’t have to damage your connection. Many friends and relatives are relieved to know their insurance can help. They may want you to be okay, and filing a claim is one way to make that possible without putting them in a difficult position.
How The Perecman Firm, PLLC helps you level the field
The firm takes the burden off your shoulders. They gather evidence, speak to medical providers, review surveillance footage, and fight back when adjusters lowball your claim. Their legal team knows how to handle insurance companies, city agencies, and private property owners—so you don’t have to.
One Step Closer to Recovery
A fall may have knocked you down, but you don’t have to stay there. Call The Perecman Firm, PLLC at (212) 977-7033 to speak with a New York City personal injury lawyer today.
Get answers, get support, and get the compensation you deserve. Let them help you take the next step.