A slip and fall accident in New York can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. When a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions, you may have the right to pursue compensation under New York premises liability law.
At the law office of Michael LoGiudice, LLP, we represent individuals injured in slip and fall accidents across New York City, Westchester, and the surrounding areas. We build cases that focus on liability, preserve key evidence early, and pursue full compensation for the harm you have experienced.
Why Work With Michael LoGiudice, LLP
Slip and fall claims often come down to timing, evidence, and how the case is presented. We approach each case with a clear strategy and keep you informed at every stage.
- Proven results, including significant recoveries through settlements and verdicts
- Selected to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for civil plaintiff trial attorneys in New York
- Direct access to your attorney throughout the case
- No upfront fees; you only pay if we recover compensation
- Willingness to take cases to court when insurers do not negotiate fairly
What Do You Have to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and fall claims are based on negligence. To recover compensation, we must show that the property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
This typically requires establishing:
- A hazardous condition existed
- The owner knew or should have known about it
- The condition was not corrected in a reasonable time
- The hazard caused your injury
New York follows comparative fault rules. Even if you share some responsibility, you may still recover compensation, though your recovery may be reduced.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are usually caused by unsafe property conditions that were not addressed in time. These incidents can occur in a wide range of settings, including stores, apartment buildings, sidewalks, and workplaces.
Common hazards include wet floors, icy walkways, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and damaged stairs or flooring. In many cases, liability comes down to how long the condition existed and whether the property owner took reasonable steps to fix it.
Can You Sue a City or Government Agency?
Yes, but these claims follow a different process than cases against private property owners. If your fall occurred on public property, such as a sidewalk or government building, you must file a written Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
This filing formally alerts the municipality to your claim and triggers specific procedural steps, including the opportunity for the government to investigate. These cases involve strict requirements, so early action helps ensure everything is handled correctly from the start.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Slip and fall claims are subject to legal deadlines that depend on who owns the property.
- Private property claims: generally must be filed within three years of the accident
- Claims involving public entities: follow a shorter overall timeline after the initial filing requirements
Even when the deadline seems far off, waiting can weaken your case. Conditions are often repaired quickly, and evidence becomes harder to preserve over time.
What Compensation Is Available?
Slip and fall injuries can affect your health, finances, and daily life. Compensation is designed to account for both financial losses and personal impact.
You may recover:
Economic damages
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Medical equipment or assistive devices
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health impacts
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life
Serious injuries such as fractures, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries may require long-term treatment and should be fully evaluated in your claim.
How We Help Strengthen Your Case
Slip and fall claims are often contested. We focus on building a case that clearly establishes liability and damages.
Our approach includes:
- Investigating the accident scene promptly
- Preserving photos, reports, and witness statements
- Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
- Working with medical providers to document injuries
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
We prepare every case with the expectation that it may proceed to litigation.
Take Action After a Slip and Fall Injury
A fall can affect your ability to work, move comfortably, and manage daily responsibilities. Taking action early gives you a stronger position when pursuing a claim.
If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, we can evaluate your case and explain your options. Contact Michael LoGiudice, LLP to schedule a consultation and take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a slip and fall accident?
Document the scene if possible, report the incident, seek medical care, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before getting legal advice.
Does it matter where the accident happened?
Yes. Liability can vary depending on whether the property is residential, commercial, or public, but all property owners owe a duty of reasonable care.
What if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover compensation under New York’s comparative fault rules, though your recovery may be reduced.
Do I have to pay up front to hire your firm?
No. We handle slip and fall cases on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.