New York City
Trip and Fall Attorney

Trip and fall accidents happen every day in New York City. If you were injured in a fall on a sidewalk, stairway, or another property, The Silbowitz Firm is here to help. As a local New York City trip and fall lawyer team, we understand how dangerous these accidents can be and how much they can impact your health, income, and future. Our lawyers fight for people injured on unsafe property and work to hold property owners, businesses, and municipalities accountable. Call us at (516) 375-6692 for a free case review.

Understanding Trip and Fall Accidents in New York

New York is one of the busiest cities in the world, with more than 8.5 million residents and millions more commuting in and out every day. Whether you are walking through Times Square, rushing down subway stairs, or crossing a cracked sidewalk in Brooklyn, hazards can appear when property owners fail to keep their spaces safe.

Trip and fall accidents usually happen because of:

• Uneven sidewalks
• Broken stairs or missing railings
• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Potholes in parking lots or roadways
• Poor lighting in hallways, staircases, or parking garages
• Loose tiles, floorboards, or carpeting

Even small hazards can lead to life-changing injuries when someone trips and falls. Property owners in New York have a legal duty to inspect their property, repair unsafe conditions, and warn visitors of dangers.

Common Injuries from Falls in New York

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States. According to the CDC, over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year because of fall injuries, most often due to hip fractures or head injuries. In New York, these accidents are especially dangerous for older adults, as falls are a leading cause of injury-related death for people over 65.

Victims of trip and fall accidents often suffer from:

• Broken wrists, ankles, or legs
• Hip fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Torn ligaments or muscle damage
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions

The recovery process can be long and expensive, requiring surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Our lawyers work to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.

New York Laws on Property Safety

New York City has strict rules about building and property safety. Property owners must comply with the New York Property Maintenance Code for commercial and multi-unit buildings or the Residential Code for one- and two-family homes. These rules include requirements such as:

• Stair railings at least 30 inches in height
  
• Guardrails along open stairways
  
• Clear stairways free of debris or obstructions
  
• Proper lighting in stairwells and common areas
  

If a property owner violates these codes and someone gets hurt, those violations can be used as proof of negligence in a lawsuit. Our lawyers investigate every detail of the accident scene, review safety codes, and gather evidence to hold responsible parties accountable.

Sidewalk and Street Hazards in New York City

New York is famous for its sidewalks, stretching over 12,000 miles throughout the five boroughs. These sidewalks are the lifelines of the city, connecting people to subways, restaurants, offices, and landmarks like Central Park, Wall Street, and Yankee Stadium. But when sidewalks are broken, uneven, or covered in ice and snow, they can cause serious falls.

Under New York City law, the property owner adjacent to the sidewalk is usually responsible for maintaining it. That means if you trip on a broken slab outside a store in Queens or stumble over a hole in front of a Brooklyn apartment building, the property owner could be held liable. There are exceptions for city-owned sidewalks near public schools and some municipal buildings, but in most cases, private owners are responsible.

Who Can Be Liable in a Trip and Fall Accident

Several different parties may be responsible for a trip and fall accident in New York:

• Property owners
• Landlords or management companies
• Businesses operating on the property
• Municipal agencies (for government-owned sidewalks or buildings)

Liability often depends on whether the responsible party created the hazard, knew about it and failed to fix it, or should have reasonably discovered it through inspection.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partly at fault for your accident, you may still recover compensation. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault for not noticing a hazard but the property owner 80% at fault for failing to repair it, your award will be reduced by 20%.

Our team builds strong cases to limit fault placed on you and maximize your recovery.

Damages Available in a Trip and Fall Lawsuit

Victims of trip and fall accidents in New York may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity

Non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In severe cases, such as spinal cord or brain injuries, damages may also include the cost of long-term medical care and home modifications.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in New York

The statute of limitations for filing a trip and fall lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if the case involves a government agency, the timeline is much shorter. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and then file the lawsuit within one year of that notice.

Waiting too long can cost you your right to seek compensation, which is why it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

Where Trip and Fall Accidents Happen in New York

Trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere in the city, from tourist spots to neighborhood streets. Some of the most common locations include:

• Subway stations and stairways
• Apartment buildings and condos
• Grocery stores and shopping malls
• Restaurants and bars
• Public parks and playgrounds
• Sidewalks outside stores or homes
• Parking lots and garages
• Construction sites
• Hotels near landmarks like Times Square and Central Park

Every borough, from the Bronx to Staten Island, has busy public spaces where hazards can appear if safety rules are ignored.

Our Process for Helping Clients

When you call The Silbowitz Firm, we listen to your story and begin a thorough investigation. Our process often includes:

• Visiting the scene of the fall and taking photos
• Reviewing building codes and safety laws
• Interviewing witnesses
• Gathering medical records and bills
• Consulting with experts to understand the long-term impact of injuries

We then build a case to pursue full compensation, whether through negotiation with insurance companies or taking the case to trial.

Why Choose The Silbowitz Firm

Our firm has years of experience representing injury victims across New York City. We know the streets, the buildings, and the local courts. From the historic steps of Federal Hall to the crowded platforms of Penn Station, we understand how hazards in this city can put lives at risk. We fight aggressively for our clients while providing the personal attention and communication they deserve.

Contact Our New York City Trip and Fall Lawyers

If you were hurt in a trip and fall accident, you do not have to face the process alone. The personal injury lawyers at Silbowitz Firm is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (516) 375-6692 for a free consultation.