Premises Liability Attorney in New York City for Injury Victims

Protecting Your Rights After Injuries on Property in New York

If you have suffered an injury on someone else's property, the owner may be responsible for your injuries and losses. Property owners rarely offer injured parties fair compensation without legal action. Often, it takes strong litigation or the legitimate threat of a lawsuit for a property owner to pay proper compensation. If you suffered injuries on someone else's property in New York, you need representation from a skilled, experienced legal team.

New York County property accidents can happen in apartment complexes, office buildings, restaurants, and public spaces like Central Park or subway stations. Local ordinances and city codes often impact the duties that property owners must uphold for visitors and tenants. Because of this, working with attorneys who have detailed knowledge of local requirements and a presence in the New York County legal community can help ensure the strongest possible case for your recovery.

Call (800) 997-9109 or contact us online to receive reliable legal advice from our New York County premises liability lawyers.

Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents in New York County

Accidents on property in New York County can arise in many ways, all governed by state and local codes. Slip-and-falls remain among the most frequent types of incidents, often occurring on icy sidewalks, wet floors in commercial buildings, or neglected stairwells in apartment complexes. Tripping hazards, such as broken pavement or uneven flooring, contribute to many injury claims. Faulty elevators, inadequate lighting in stairwells, missing handrails, and falling debris in construction zones also frequently lead to incidents that cause serious injuries.

In addition, New York County's dense environment creates risks unique to the area. Crowded subway stations, busy public lobbies, and high-rise residential buildings place residents and visitors in proximity to hazards that may result from a property owner's failure to meet legal duties. Local city ordinances and the Administrative Code require property owners to maintain stairways, sidewalks, and public entrances. Landlords and commercial property managers must routinely inspect and repair common areas to comply with these regulations. When they fail to do so, accidents are more likely to occur, often with severe consequences for the injured party.

Premises liability can also include cases of inadequate security, especially in high-traffic venues or residential complexes where property owners are responsible for providing reasonable safety measures. Assaults or robberies may lead to claims if evidence shows that a property owner failed to maintain proper security, locks, or lighting. To pursue compensation, claimants must demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known of a dangerous condition but did not address it promptly.

How New York County Laws Impact Premises Liability Claims

New York County falls under the jurisdiction of both New York State law and specific local ordinances imposed by the city and county. Property owners have additional responsibilities outlined by the New York City Administrative Code, which may be more detailed than state law alone. For example, Section 7-210 of the Administrative Code makes property owners—and in some cases, lessees—liable for sidewalk maintenance, including snow, ice, holes, and cracks.

The location of your accident impacts how the law applies to your case. Claims involving municipal property, such as city-managed parks or government buildings, involve strict notice requirements and short deadlines enforced by local agencies and the courts located at 60 Centre Street—the main courthouse for New York County. Failure to comply with these municipal rules can derail a case before it starts, making knowledge of local law critical for anyone seeking compensation.

Civil litigation in New York County also involves procedural rules unique to its courts. Judges may require detailed pre-trial discovery, the use of local building codes as evidence, and compliance with city-specific case management practices. Parties must also consider the dense population and frequent turnover in rental properties, which can complicate finding witnesses or gathering key facts. With our firm’s extensive background in New York County, we help clients anticipate local challenges and prepare their claims for success.

What to Do After a Property Injury in New York County

If you are injured on property in New York County, certain practical steps can help protect your legal rights and support your claim. First, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries appear minor. Medical records create an essential link between the accident and your injuries, which local courts look for during litigation. Notify the property owner or manager of your injury in writing, and ask for a copy of any incident report they complete. If you cannot do so immediately, contact them directly as soon as practical after the event.

While still at the scene, document the surrounding area. Take photos of any hazardous conditions, including broken stairs, debris, poor lighting, or weather hazards. Collect names and contact information for witnesses, as their statements can become critical later, particularly in busy neighborhoods where memories fade quickly. If your accident happened in a publicly maintained space or government building, note any city signs, maintenance logs, or staff on site. These details can impact how the claim is handled and which parties may be responsible.

Preserve any physical evidence, like damaged shoes, torn clothing, or receipts showing your presence at the property. Save all correspondence with insurers, property owners, or city agencies. These materials help establish the facts and timeline. Taking swift action can make a significant difference when presenting your case to insurance companies or, if necessary, to the New York County Civil Court. Our team at Restivo & Murphy LLP guides clients through these steps to help them avoid common mistakes and strengthen their chances for a fair recovery.

Maximizing Your Compensation for Property Injuries

At Restivo & Murphy LLP, we represent individuals who have suffered serious injuries in property-related accidents. Our lawyers regularly travel to meet clients throughout New York City's five boroughs, Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. We provide the support you need wherever you are in the region.

With a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements, we have built a reputation for maximizing our clients' compensation in premises liability and other personal injury matters. We do not settle for less than you deserve—our goal is to ensure that you receive the full award available for your losses.

We recognize that every premises liability case is different. Certain injuries, such as those caused by unsafe stairwells or poor building maintenance, may require specialized medical evaluations or analysis on local code violations. We take the time to develop customized strategies based on the facts of each incident. Our experience handling complex claims throughout New York County allows us to pursue compensation thoroughly, even when claims involve large property owners or corporate defendants.

We can help you recover money for a range of damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering

Property accident claims often demand detailed documentation of expenses and future needs. We work closely with your healthcare providers to capture the full extent of your recovery, from initial emergency care to rehabilitation or necessary modifications to your home or work. Our team builds clear, compelling claims that reflect all harm suffered, negotiates with consideration for the unique challenges of the New York County court system.

Proving Negligence in New York Premises Liability Claims

To obtain compensation for a premises liability claim, you must prove that the harm you suffered resulted directly from the property owner's negligence. Under New York law, an owner acts negligently when failing to exercise reasonable care to keep guests safe from preventable harm. You must show the owner bears more likely than not responsibility for your injuries, meeting the preponderance of the evidence standard.

A successful premises liability claim starts with gathering evidence of how the accident occurred. In New York County, building codes, surveillance footage, and city inspection records can play a crucial role in establishing whether a property owner met their obligations. For example, our legal team investigates if a building owner failed to fix broken steps or left a hazardous spill unaddressed. We also look for any prior complaints or violations on record with city agencies, which can strengthen your case.

Our legal team stands ready to help you prove every part of your claim, including:

• The defendant controlled or occupied the property
• You were lawfully present on the property
• Hazardous conditions existed on the property
• The property owner knew, or should have known, about the unsafe conditions but failed to address them
• The owner's negligence caused your injuries

Our approach in New York County includes building a claim supported by credible witnesses, photographs of unsafe conditions, and, when appropriate, guidance from engineers or building safety professionals. These efforts aim to show exactly how an owner’s lapse in care led to your injury and to meet the standards that local judges and juries expect for these claims.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Premises Liability

In some cases, a property owner may claim comparative fault. Under comparative fault laws, if a judge finds you partially at fault for the incident, your award will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if your losses total $50,000 and you are found 50% at fault, your recovery would be $25,000. Our attorneys will help you challenge allegations of comparative fault to protect your compensation.

Comparative fault defenses often arise in busy settings like New York County, where property owners may argue that a visitor ignored warnings or failed to watch for hazards. Local courts carefully evaluate whether property owners took reasonable action to maintain their premises, like posting clear signage or quickly removing known dangers. Clear evidence about the actions on both sides can make a significant difference in how fault gets assigned and how much compensation you ultimately receive.

Handling Complex Property Accident Claims in New York

While we handle all types of slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall injuries, attorneys from our firm focus on more complex, catastrophic property cases.

For example, we represent clients injured in accidents on municipal properties, including:

• Accidents in city buildings
• Accidents on city construction sites
• Public sidewalk accidents

New York County presents special challenges for property accident claims because of the dense mix of commercial, municipal, and residential properties. Our attorneys are well-versed in the procedural steps specific to these cases, and we leverage our familiarity with local agencies and courthouse practices to guide clients through each stage effectively.

Get Legal Help from Our New York City Premises Liability Lawyers

You pay no attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.

Our team offers consultations tailored to the unique concerns of New York residents, including those injured in historic buildings, busy retail corridors, and public parks. We meet with clients where it is most convenient, whether at home, in the hospital, or at our local office. Restivo & Murphy LLP assists in multiple languages to serve the county’s diverse communities. We strive to keep you informed and supported throughout the legal process, answering questions about claims, court timelines, or municipal requirements as they arise.

Contact us online or call (800) 997-9109 to schedule your free initial consultation with our New York County premises liability attorneys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit in New York City?

In New York State, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability lawsuit. Claims against a municipality or city agency require notices of claim within much shorter deadlines, often as little as ninety days after the incident. Failing to take action within these timeframes can prevent you from seeking compensation.

Can I Sue a Landlord or Building Owner for an Accident in My Apartment Building?

If you suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions in your apartment building, you may bring a claim against your landlord or property manager. You must show that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to make repairs. Local housing codes and prior complaints help establish responsibility in these cases.

What If I Was Partly Responsible for My Own Injury?

New York follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a judge finds you 30% responsible, you can still recover damages but will receive a smaller award. Courts review the actions of all parties based on the facts specific to each case.