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A fall is only 'clumsiness' until someone checks the cleaning log. Slip and fall cases are won by proving notice: that the owner knew about the hazard, or that it was there long enough that they should have. That evidence disappears fast, which is why the first 48 hours of a fall case matter more than the next six months.
Generally 3 years. If the property belongs to New York City or another public body, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days or the case is likely lost.
Cases we handle
If it just happened
More detail in our after-an-accident guide.
How we build the case
Notice: cleaning and inspection logs, past complaints and how long the hazard was there
The hazard itself: camera footage requested within days, photos, site inspections and building-code checks
Causation: tying your injury to the fall, not to a 'pre-existing condition'
Compensation
Medical treatment, including future care
Lost income while you recover
Pain, suffering and permanent limitations
Home help and changes to your home in serious cases
Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a result. Our settlement calculator shows how claims are first estimated, with the math visible.
Who leads these cases
“They took photos of the staircase the day after I called. The landlord 'repaired' it three days later, too late. That's why you call fast.”
Example results
Example result Settled in mediation
$975,000
Illustrative amount, not a real case
Stairwell fall Slip & Fall Tone: Favorable
A home health aide broke her ankle in two places on a staircase tenants had complained about for a year. The building's HPD violation history proved the landlord knew.
Example result Settled before trial
$760,000
Illustrative amount, not a real case
Sidewalk defect Slip & Fall Tone: Favorable
A retired teacher shattered her wrist on a sidewalk that had been reported twice. The owner blamed the City, so we filed a protective notice of claim within 90 days while we proved otherwise.
Example result No recovery
No recovery
No fee and no costs owed
Store fall Slip & Fall Tone: No recovery
Store video showed the drink was spilled about forty seconds before the fall, too soon for staff to have known. Without notice, New York law did not support the claim.
We explained why in writing, closed the file and charged nothing.
Example results for a sample website, not real cases. Past results never guarantee a future outcome.
Common questions
Possibly. An incident report helps but isn't required. What matters is evidence: photos, witnesses, your medical records and anything showing the owner knew about the hazard. Report it in writing as soon as you can, and talk to us before giving anyone a recorded statement.
Not always. New York's 'storm in progress' rule gives owners time to clear snow and ice while a storm is still going and for a reasonable time after. But ice left for days, or ice from a leaking gutter or drain, is a different story. Timing and weather records decide these cases.
In New York City, the owner of the property next to a sidewalk is usually responsible for keeping it safe. There are exceptions for some small owner-occupied homes, where the City may be responsible and the 90-day notice clock applies. Sorting out who is responsible is something we do in week one.
More answers on our FAQ page. General information for New York, not legal advice about your situation.
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