Slip and Fall

New York City Slip & Fall Attorneys

Recovering Millions for Our Clients in Slip & Fall Cases

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability claims in New York, particularly in dense, high-traffic areas such as apartment buildings, retail stores, office properties, and public walkways. These incidents can result in serious injuries, unexpected medical expenses, and time away from work. In many cases, they raise important questions about whether a property owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe.

At Restivo & Murphy LLP, our slip and fall attorneys in New York represent individuals who have been injured due to hazardous conditions on public and private property. We help clients understand how New York premises liability law applies to their situation and whether a compensation claim may be available. Our role is to investigate what caused the fall, identify responsible parties, and guide clients through the legal process with clarity and care.

If you have questions about your rights after a fall, you can contact our office at (800) 997-9109 to discuss your situation.

Recovering Compensation After a Slip and Fall Accident

Under New York law, property owners and those responsible for maintaining property have a duty to take reasonable measures to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors. When a dangerous condition is allowed to exist and someone is injured as a result, the injured person may be entitled to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other related losses.

Slip and fall claims can arise from a wide range of circumstances, from hazards that develop gradually to conditions created suddenly by weather, spills, or construction activity. Whether compensation is available depends on several factors, including how the condition arose, how long it existed, and what steps, if any, the property owner took to address it.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in New York

In New York, property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their visitors, customers, and guests. At the very least, owners must post proper warning of unsafe property conditions when they know or should reasonably know about them. When such a dangerous condition exists, they should also take steps to correct it. When property owners fail to maintain safe premises, and it results in someone else slipping and falling, they may be held liable for that person’s injuries.

There are several legitimate causes of slip and fall accidents, including:

  • Uneven sidewalks
  • Potholes
  • Slippery floors
  • Broken handrails
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Extension cords
  • Ice and snow
  • Uneven steps
  • Debris on stairs
  • Failure to post warning signs

Establishing Liability in Your Slip & Fall Claim

To recover compensation in a slip and fall case, it is generally necessary to show that the property owner or responsible party was negligent. 

This typically involves demonstrating:

  • A dangerous or defective condition existed on the property
  • The condition caused the slip and fall and resulting injuries
  • The property owner or manager created the condition, or knew or should have known about it
  • Reasonable steps were not taken to fix the condition or warn visitors

Because many properties in New York are owned or managed by multiple entities, identifying the correct party is often more complex than it appears at first. Responsibility may rest with a building owner, management company, maintenance contractor, or another party depending on the circumstances.

Comparative Negligence Under New York Law

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means an injured person can still recover compensation even if they are found partially responsible for their fall. However, any recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

For example, if a court finds that a property owner was primarily responsible for an unsafe condition, but the injured person is determined to share some responsibility, the total compensation may be adjusted accordingly. Understanding how comparative negligence may apply is an important part of evaluating the potential value of a slip and fall claim.

Get Help from Our New York City Slip & Fall Lawyers

Proving that your slip and fall injuries are completely the fault of a property owner can be challenging. There are numerous complex laws that come into play with these types of cases. On top of that, insurance companies are known for not negotiating fairly with accident victims.

With Restivo & Murphy LLP on your side, you can maximize your ability to receive all the compensation that you deserve. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can get to work performing a thorough investigation of your claim to build a strong case for your recovery.

When you contact us after a fall on someone else’s property, we start by listening carefully to what happened, where it occurred, and what injuries you are facing. We can then help you preserve important evidence by acting quickly to request video footage, inspection records, and incident reports before they are lost or destroyed. Our attorneys are familiar with how property owners and their insurers defend these cases in New York County courts, and we use that insight to prepare you for each stage of the process, from the initial claim through potential litigation. Throughout your case, we stay available to answer questions and explain what to expect next so you can make informed decisions about your health, work, and family obligations.

When you work with our team after a fall, here are some of the ways we can assist you throughout the process:

  • Clarifying your legal options so you understand whether it makes sense to pursue a claim, what damages may be available, and how a slip and fall attorney New York County might approach a case like yours.
  • Handling insurance communications by responding to adjusters, requesting necessary documents, and helping you avoid statements that could be used to limit your recovery.
  • Coordinating with your medical providers to obtain records and bills that accurately reflect your injuries, treatment, and future care needs.
  • Preparing your claim for litigation by drafting filings, gathering witness testimony, and tracking deadlines in the appropriate New York County court if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Our attorneys review lease agreements, maintenance contracts, inspection records, and available video footage to help clarify who had control over the area where the fall occurred. Contact us today.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall in New York County

Knowing what to do in the hours and days after a fall can make a real difference in both your recovery and any legal claim you decide to pursue. Many people feel embarrassed and want to leave the scene quickly, but taking a few simple steps can help protect your health and preserve important evidence. These actions are especially important if your accident happens in a busy location in New York County, such as a grocery store, office lobby, or transit hub where conditions can change quickly.

If you are able, you should report the incident in writing to the property owner, manager, or security staff and ask for a copy of any incident report that is created. It can also be helpful to note the exact time and location of your fall and to keep any clothing or shoes you were wearing in the same condition, as these items may later help show how the accident occurred. Seeking prompt medical care at a local facility in Manhattan or returning to your own doctor not only supports your recovery but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the fall. Keeping a simple journal of your symptoms, missed work, and daily limitations can further document how the accident has affected your life over time.

How Our Firm Handles New York County Slip and Fall Claims

When you reach out to Restivo & Murphy LLP about a slip and fall, you are not just getting help filling out forms or making phone calls. We take a hands-on approach to building your case, drawing on decades of experience handling premises claims throughout the five boroughs and surrounding counties. From the outset, our goal is to relieve as much of the stress and uncertainty as possible so you can focus on your medical treatment and your family.

After our initial conversation, we obtain and review medical records, property records, and any available inspection or maintenance documentation tied to the location where you were hurt. Where appropriate, we may consult with safety professionals who can evaluate whether flooring, lighting, stairs, or snow and ice removal practices complied with applicable standards. We also communicate directly with insurance carriers on your behalf so you are not pressured to give statements or accept early offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. As the case progresses, we keep you updated on settlement discussions, court deadlines, and next steps, and we are prepared to file a lawsuit in the appropriate New York County court if that becomes necessary to pursue fair compensation.

Put our years of experience to work for you to secure the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Call (800) 997-9109 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip & Fall Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident in New York City?

If you experience a slip and fall accident in New York City, your first step should be to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Document the scene by taking photos of the area where the accident occurred, including any hazardous conditions that contributed to your fall. Collect contact information from any witnesses and report the incident to the property owner or manager. It is also crucial to keep records of all medical treatments and expenses related to your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to initiate legal action against the property owner for your injuries. However, it is advisable to start the process as soon as possible, as gathering evidence and building a strong case can take time. Delaying could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, especially if evidence is lost or witnesses become unavailable.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover From a Slip and Fall Accident?

Victims of slip and fall accidents in New York may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can include medical expenses for treatment related to your injuries, lost wages if you are unable to work, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, you may also recover costs for rehabilitation or long-term care if your injuries are severe. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the degree of negligence on the part of the property owner.

Hear It From Our clients

  • “The most caring, thorough, & professional attorneys I've ever met.”
    “I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart! RESTIVO AND MURPHY IS THE BEST!”
    - Taschia N.J.
  • “If you’re looking for legal representation after an accident, don’t think twice. You’ll be in the best hands possible.”
    “Despite the complexity of my case (due to pre-existing injuries), they fought tirelessly and ultimately secured the full policy limit for my settlement. They made a difficult and overwhelming process feel smooth and manageable. I always felt safe, heard, a”
    - Kelly J.
  • “They walked me through the process & made this easy.”
    “I'd highly recommend their services; in fact, I've already sent them a referral.”
    - Eric F.
  • “Very much appreciate what they did for me & would recommend them to others.”
    “Communication was always good, and they were careful to dot the I's and cross the T's so there would not be a problem.”
    - Lori S.
  • “Your professionalism & commitment gave us strength & reassurance during a very difficult time.”
    “We truly appreciate everything you’ve done, and we will always be grateful for the way you handled the case with care and integrity.”
    - Marian A.
  • “If you’re looking for an attorney who truly cares about his clients & delivers results.”
    “From our first meeting, Mr. Parise was compassionate, knowledgeable, and extremely thorough in explaining the legal process.”
    - Rose M.
  • “I was walked through every step & never felt like I was out of the loop or not informed of everything going on.”
    “Todd and Lonneke have been patient, understanding during my time of grief, and have always been attentive and available.”
    - Monique D.
  • “Communication with me was a 5/5, updates were provided without me asking for them.”
    “I would recommend Joseph Parise to anyone who needs legal assistance in the future.”
    - Billy P.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • $8,000,000 Fractured Pelvic & Urethral Injuries

    We've recovered a settlement for a 32-year-old bicyclist who was struck by a bus causing pelvic fractures and urethral injuries which required surgery.

  • $7,850,000 Neck, Back & Shoulder Injuries

    We've recovered a settlement for a woman who slipped and fell on snow and ice injuring her neck, back, and shoulder which required multiple surgeries.

  • $6,300,000 Fractured Foot & Amputation

    The verdict for a 47-year-old whose left foot was run over by a bus causing numerous foot fractures and the amputation of his big toe. The offer before trial was $1,050,000.

  • $4,250,000 Spinal Cord & Neck Injury

    We've recovered a settlement for a passenger involved in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer where the client sustained a spinal cord injury that required a neck surgery.

  • $4,025,000 Herniated Discs & Neck Surgery

    Resolution at the conclusion of trial for a 43-year-old who suffered herniated discs requiring neck surgery when his vehicle was struck by a school bus. The offer before trial was $75,000.

  • $3,700,000 Spinal Injuries

    We've recovered a settlement after a verdict in a liability trial for a 33-year-old construction worker who suffered spinal injuries in a work-related accident. The offer before the liability trial was $500,000.

  • $3,436,000 Neck Injuries

    A verdict for a 46-year-old man whose neck was injured by a falling traffic sign struck by a motor vehicle. The offer before trial was $325,000.

  • $2,850,000 Brachial Plexus Injury

    We've recovered a settlement in a motor vehicle accident case where the client sustained a brachial plexus injury with surgeries.

  • $2,500,000 Serious Injuries

    We've recovered a settlement after a verdict on liability in a motor vehicle accident case involving two clients who were passengers in an ambulette.

  • $2,000,000 Neck Injuries

    We've recovered a settlement for a 46-year-old woman whose prior neck condition was aggravated by a motor vehicle accident.

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  • Secured a Verdict That Was One of the Top 10 in the United States
  • Recovered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Injured Clients
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