Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in New York: Who’s Liable, How to Prevent Them, and What to Do If You’re Hurt
Introduction
Published by Kari Law Group, PLLC
📍 Richmond Hill, NY | ☎️ (718) 395-1818 | ✉️ info@karilaw.com
🌐 www.karilaw.com
Slip and fall accidents happen more often than most people think — especially in a fast-paced city like New York. Whether it's a wet floor in a grocery store, a broken sidewalk in front of an apartment building, or an icy front step that should’ve been salted — these accidents can lead to serious injuries and even more serious legal questions.
So let’s clear things up.
Here’s what you need to know if you slipped, fell, and got hurt — or want to make sure it never happens again.
What Counts as a Slip and Fall Accident?
A “slip and fall” is exactly what it sounds like — you slip, trip, or lose your footing due to a hazardous condition, and get injured as a result. But just falling isn’t enough to have a case.
What matters is why you fell — and who’s responsible for the dangerous condition that caused it.
• Common examples include:
• Wet or freshly mopped floors with no warning signs
• Loose rugs or mats that slide underfoot
• Broken or uneven sidewalks
• Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells
• Ice or snow that hasn’t been properly cleared
• Clutter or debris in walking areas
• Broken steps or handrails
Who’s Liable for a Slip and Fall in New York?
In New York, the person or business who owns or controls the property is generally responsible for keeping it safe. That includes landlords, store owners, property managers, and even the city in some cases.
But here’s the key question:
Did they know (or should they have known) about the dangerous condition?
And did they fail to fix it in a reasonable amount of time?
If the answer is yes, they could be on the hook for your injuries.
Examples of Real Liability
✅ A grocery store employee mops the aisle but forgets to put up a warning sign. You slip and break your wrist. The store is likely liable.
✅ A landlord knows the stairwell light’s been out for two weeks. You trip and fall because you can’t see. That’s on them.
✅ You’re walking down the street and trip on a cracked sidewalk in front of a commercial building. The building owner may be responsible for maintaining that section.
What If the Fall Was Partially Your Fault?
Maybe you were looking at your phone. Maybe you didn’t see the caution sign. That doesn’t necessarily kill your case.
Just like with car accidents, New York follows a comparative negligence rule — meaning even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your award would just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example:
You’re found to be 20% at fault, and your damages total $100,000. You’d still receive $80,000.
That’s why it’s important not to make assumptions — talk to a lawyer first.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
1. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you “feel fine,” get checked out. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
2. Report the Incident. Tell a manager, landlord, or whoever’s in charge — and ask for a copy of the report.
3. Take Photos. Capture the scene, what caused your fall, and any injuries.
4. Get Witness Info. If anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact info.
5. Call a Lawyer. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a strong case.
