New York City Premises Liability Lawyer
Everyone loves to walk around New York City, but there are times when property or land owners create or know about a dangerous or defective tripping condition. It is when the owners fail to correct the dangerous condition or warn people about it that someone gets seriously injured. These dangerous conditions can be found on public sidewalks, in crosswalks, in the street, and even in private commercial or residential buildings. We have handled all types of trip and fall accidents that have taken place on the public sidewalk, or on private property. As premier New York City premises liability lawyers, we have handled many different kinds of such accidents where people are injured due the carelessness of the owner or their contractor. We also handle Slip and fall cases when someone slips and falls due to a dangerous slippery condition either created or permitted by the owner or its contractor. We have handled many cases where a cleaner cleans a floor area leaving it wet and slippery but fails to warn anyone of its dangerous slippery condition. As a result, the person falls and sustains serious injuries.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you need a dedicated and experienced NYC premises liability lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal landscape. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. understands that slips, falls, and other premises-related accidents can lead to severe injuries, financial hardship, and emotional stress. At our firm, we’re committed to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout the five boroughs, ensuring that negligent property owners are held accountable for their actions or inactions.
Typical NYC Premise Accidents
As New York City premise liability lawyers, we have successfully handled many such cases. We have also handled plenty of cases where the building owner puts out rain mates to prevent tenants from slipping and falling. The owners frequently fail to properly secure the mats creating a tripping hazard for their tenants and their guests. We have also handled defective escalator and elevator cases that cause serious injuries either due to buckling, misleveling, dropping unexpectedly, or other mechanical issues that were known to the owner but which were never properly corrected.
We handle the following cases:
- Falling Debris
- Falling Snow & Ice
- Faulty Cellar Grate
- Inadequate Security
- Sidewalk Accident
- Slip, trip & fall accidents
- Elevator accidents
- Escalator accidents
- Staircase accidents
- Defective sidewalks
- Inadequate Security
- Ceiling Collapse
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common premises liability cases in New York City. These incidents occur when someone unexpectedly loses their footing due to a hazardous condition on another person’s property. Common causes include:
- Wet and slippery surfaces
- Torn or uneven carpeting
- Poorly maintained sidewalks
- Loose tiles or floorboards
- Inadequate lighting that makes it hard to see potential dangers
When a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, resulting in a guest or visitor being injured, they may be liable for any damages. Victims can face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. Securing proper representation is key to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Mopped and Freshly Cleaned Floors
New York City business owners often mop floors to maintain cleanliness, yet they frequently fail to post adequate warning signs. Freshly mopped surfaces are slippery and can cause sudden falls, broken bones, or head injuries. Simply putting up a small sign might not be enough, especially if the floor has been excessively soaked. Property owners must take extra precautions, such as:
- Using “Caution: Wet Floor” signs in multiple languages
- Placing barricades around freshly cleaned areas
- Ensuring that employees immediately clean up spilled liquids
- Using mats or other anti-slip solutions
If you were injured because a store or office did not properly warn you of a recently cleaned floor, you have a right to pursue compensation.
Uneven Sidewalks
Walking along New York City’s sidewalks should not be a dangerous activity, but uneven or cracked pavement can easily cause a nasty fall. Property owners, as well as the city itself, are responsible for keeping sidewalks in reasonable condition. Failing to maintain sidewalks can lead to twisted ankles, broken wrists, or serious head injuries. In order to build a strong claim, evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and expert assessments is vital. With the right legal assistance, victims can argue that negligence contributed to their injuries and recover fair compensation.
Broken or Defective Stairs
Defective stairs—those with missing railings, broken steps, or slippery surfaces—pose a serious risk. A minor misstep can lead to catastrophic injuries like spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries. If you’re a tenant or visitor, you have the right to expect that stairs will be reasonably safe. When they are not, holding the property owner or manager accountable is essential. Successful claims often require prompt action, so reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident can significantly improve the strength of your case.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevators and escalators are common in high-rise buildings, shopping centers, and transportation hubs across the city. Yet these devices can malfunction due to poor maintenance, inadequate inspections, or improper repairs. Some common issues include:
- Sudden drops or jolts in elevator cars
- Doors closing too quickly or forcefully
- Escalator steps becoming loose or unstable
- Faulty emergency brakes or sensors
In cases like these, multiple parties may share liability, from the property owner to maintenance contractors. A thorough investigation can identify who should be held responsible and ensure that the victim receives full and fair compensation.
Snow and Ice Conditions
New York winters are notorious for snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks, entryways, and parking lots. Property owners must take reasonable steps to remove snow and ice, or apply salt and sand to reduce slip risks. Failure to do so can lead to severe falls, especially for the elderly or those with mobility issues. If you’ve slipped on untreated ice or snow, keep any evidence you can—photos, witness information, and medical records. This information is invaluable when making a claim against a negligent property owner.
Ceiling Collapse and Structural Hazards
Although less common, ceiling collapses and other structural failures are particularly dangerous. Poor maintenance, water damage, and shoddy repairs can cause ceilings, balconies, or other structural components to fall. Victims of these incidents may sustain severe head, neck, or spinal injuries. Property owners who ignore signs of damage or fail to conduct necessary repairs can be held liable for the resulting harm. Securing a knowledgeable attorney is critical to navigating these complex cases, as you may need engineering reports, inspections, and expert testimony.
Other Common Premises Liability Situations
In a city as large and diverse as New York, the range of potential hazards is vast. From collapsing shelves in a grocery store to falling debris from construction sites, you never know when you might encounter a dangerous condition. Some additional scenarios include:
- Inadequate security leading to assault or robbery
- Toxic exposures in poorly ventilated areas
- Unsafe conditions at sports arenas, concert halls, and entertainment venues
Every premises liability claim is unique, and the key to success is a thorough investigation and a well-prepared legal strategy.
Common Locations of Accidents
Premises liability accidents can happen almost anywhere, including:
- Residential apartment complexes
- Commercial office buildings
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Restaurants and bars
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Transit stations and platforms
- Airports and ferry terminals
No matter where the incident occurs, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment. When they fail to do so, a knowledgeable attorney can help you fight back.
How New York Premises Liability Law Works
New York premises liability law is rooted in the idea that property owners have a duty of care to visitors. To succeed in a case, you must prove:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty by failing to maintain a safe environment.
- This breach directly caused your injury.
- You suffered actual damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you might still recover compensation, though it may be reduced proportionally.
Potential Compensation for Victims
Compensation in a premises liability case often includes:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications or adaptive equipment
Securing fair compensation requires skilled negotiation, as insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. With an experienced legal team, you can push back and ensure that your rights are respected.
Why You Need a Premises Liability Lawyer
Premises liability cases can be complicated. Evidence can disappear quickly, and building a persuasive case often requires expert analysis. A skilled lawyer can:
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence
- Identify all liable parties
- Consult with experts in engineering, medicine, and safety standards
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Prepare a compelling case for trial if a fair settlement is not offered
Without proper legal representation, you may struggle to obtain the compensation you deserve.
NYC Premises Injury Case We Handled
We recently tried a case to a jury verdict and recovered $2.3 million from the jury for our client. That case involved a 33-year-old man who slipped and fell on a wet soapy swirl that was created by a maintenance cleaner at the JFK International Airport’s Air Train walkway. The cleaner created the wet soapy swirl with his auto scrubbing cleaning machine and then failed to put out the required caution signs. A Port Authority police officer responded to the incident and prepared a written report which confirmed plaintiff’s version of events. Defense counsel told the jury that his clients were not liable as they did no cleaning and everything was subcontracted to another subcontractor. The jury found defendants 100% liable with no liability against the plaintiff. The plaintiff suffered multiple broken bones of the knee cap which required three complex open surgeries at New York Presbyterian Hospital with screws and wires and many physical therapy treatments. Plaintiff’s surgeon also told the jury that the plaintiff required multiple future knee replacement surgeries which involved knee amputations, had a broken and significantly diminished in size knee cap which was located on the right lateral side of his knee (out of his natural joint location), that he lost all cartilage, and that he had permanent arthritis in the knee joint. The jury decided all questions of liability and damages in favor of the plaintiff. On the issue of damages, the jury was unanimous except for juror #1 who wanted to award the plaintiff more than $2.3 million. All post-trial motions by defense were denied by the Court.
Serving Throughout New York City
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- The Bronx
- Staten Island
- Harlem
- Upper West Side
- Upper East Side
- Midtown
- Lower East Side
- Soho
- Tribeca
- Chelsea
- Astoria
- Long Island City
- Flushing
- Jackson Heights
- Williamsburg
- Park Slope
- Riverdale
How Michael Gunzburg, P.C. Can Help
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. brings extensive experience to the table, having represented numerous clients in premises liability cases. Our team understands the complexities involved and knows how to formulate a tailored strategy for each client. We keep lines of communication open so you always know what’s happening with your case. By choosing us, you’ll benefit from dedicated advocacy, skilled negotiation, and when necessary, tenacious litigation.
We employ a comprehensive approach to legal representation, including careful evidence collection, use of authoritative expert witnesses, and strategic negotiations. We fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive just compensation for your injuries and the hardship you’ve endured.
Contact a New York City Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you’ve been harmed due to a property owner’s negligence, it’s time to take the next step. Contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. to schedule a consultation with an experienced New York City premises liability attorney. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, fell due to a broken step, or were injured by a structural defect, our team stands ready to assist you. We’re committed to helping you move forward and securing the compensation you deserve.
If you want to speak directly with a New York City Premises Liability Accident Lawyer, please call us today at 212-725-8500. You have plenty of questions; we have the answers.
