SSKB News

Understanding Premises Liability in New York

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury claims in New York. Whether it happens in a grocery store, apartment building, or parking lot, a fall can lead to serious and lasting injuries. But what exactly makes a property owner legally responsible?

In New York, these types of cases fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions. This article explains the legal standards for slip and fall liability, and what injured individuals need to know about protecting their rights.

When Is a Property Owner Legally Liable?

A property owner in New York may be held legally responsible for a slip and fall injury if:

• They caused the hazardous condition, such as spilling a substance or leaving debris
• They knew about the hazard and failed to fix it, or
• They should have known about the hazard through regular maintenance or inspections

This is known as the “reasonable care” standard—owners must take reasonable steps to keep their property safe for guests, tenants, and customers.

Common Conditions That Lead to Slip and Fall Lawsuits

Some of the most common causes of fall-related injury claims include:

• Wet floors without warning signs
• Icy or uncleared sidewalks
• Loose or torn carpeting
• Broken handrails or steps
• Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
• Spilled merchandise or debris in stores

These conditions can exist in both public and private spaces, from retail stores and offices to apartment buildings and restaurants.

What You Need to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case

To successfully recover compensation, a slip and fall victim must prove:

1. The property owner owed a duty of care (e.g., they invited you onto the property as a customer or tenant)
2. There was a dangerous condition that caused your injury
3. The owner knew or should have known about the hazard
4. The owner failed to fix or warn about it
5. You suffered damages as a result (medical bills, lost wages, pain, etc.)

Photographs, incident reports, witness statements, and medical records are all helpful forms of evidence.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’re injured on someone else’s property, here are the key steps to take:

• Report the accident to the manager or property owner immediately
• Take photos of the scene and any visible hazards
• Get medical attention and keep all records
• Collect witness names and contact info, if available
• Avoid giving statements to insurance companies until you’ve consulted an attorney

Acting quickly can make all the difference in proving liability later on.

Statute of Limitations in New York

Under New York law, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the accident occurred on public property (such as a sidewalk maintained by the city), the timeline may be as short as 90 days to file a notice of claim.

Slip and fall injuries can have serious consequences—especially when they involve head trauma, fractures, or long-term mobility issues. Understanding your rights and how property owner liability works in New York is the first step toward securing the compensation you may be entitled to.

If you believe a property owner’s negligence contributed to your injury, it’s worth discussing your options with an experienced personal injury attorney.