Trip and Fall Lawyer New York County, NY

Every day, pedestrians navigate the sidewalks, store entryways, subway stairs, and apartment lobbies of Manhattan. A loose tile, an unmarked wet floor, a broken handrail, or an uneven sidewalk grate can cause a serious fall in an instant. When a fall results from a property owner’s or manager’s failure to maintain a safe environment, New York law may permit the injured person to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals pursuing trip and fall claims throughout New York County (Manhattan). We understand the local premises-liability standards, the procedural requirements of the New York County Supreme Court, and the insurance and litigation strategies that can affect the outcome of a trip and fall case. To discuss a potential claim, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Trip and Fall Injury Claims Mean in New York County (Manhattan)

A trip and fall claim is a type of premises-liability action. New York law imposes a duty on property owners, commercial tenants, and managing agents to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When a hazardous condition — an abrupt change in elevation, a concealed defect, a poorly maintained entrance mat, or debris left in a walkway — causes a visitor to trip and sustain injury, the responsible party may be liable for the resulting damages. The claim is civil, not criminal; the injured person seeks monetary recovery, not punishment of the property owner.

New York is a pure comparative-fault state under CPLR Article 14-A. That means even if the injured person bears some share of responsibility for the fall, they may still recover a portion of their damages, reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. For example, a visitor who was looking at a phone while walking may be found partially at fault, but that does not necessarily bar recovery. Trip and fall cases filed in New York County are typically brought in New York Supreme Court, the trial-level court of general jurisdiction at 60 Centre Street. The court serves all of Manhattan — from the Financial District to Washington Heights, and from the East Village to Chelsea. Our New York location serves clients across every neighborhood of New York County.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Trip and Fall Cases

Trip and fall litigation requires prompt action. Evidence of the hazard may be temporary: a spill is cleaned up, a broken step is repaired, or snow and ice are removed. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to secure evidence quickly. That can include photographs of the scene, witness statements, video footage from adjacent security cameras, and records of the property owner’s maintenance or inspection history. When necessary, the firm works with qualified accident reconstruction attorneys to help establish the conditions that caused the fall.

In New York, the law sets strict time limits. For a personal injury claim, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If a municipal entity or public agency owns or maintains the property where the fall occurred — for example, a New York City Housing Authority staircase or a sidewalk adjacent to a public building — a notice of claim may need to be served as early as 90 days after the incident. The firm’s approach includes a careful evaluation of each claim’s facts, an assessment of the applicable insurance coverage, and, when a fair settlement cannot be reached, preparation for trial in New York County Supreme Court.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who brings a litigation-focused perspective to personal injury claims. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, all with extensive legal backgrounds, work alongside Mr. Sris on trip and fall matters. The group draws on decades of collective courtroom experience to evaluate liability, negotiate with insurers, and present a plaintiff’s case effectively. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome — each matter depends on its own unique facts and the evidence available. Results may vary. In your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a trip and fall claim?

A trip and fall claim is a legal action seeking compensation for injuries caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. The claim is based on the legal theory of premises liability. The injured person must typically show that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct it, and that the hazard caused the fall and the resulting injuries.

How long do I have to file a trip and fall lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal-injury trip and fall claim is three years from the date of the injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If the fall occurred on property owned or controlled by a municipality or public agency, a notice of claim may be required within 90 days. Missing the deadline can result in the permanent loss of the right to seek compensation. An attorney can help determine which deadline applies to a particular accident.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for my fall?

Yes, New York follows a pure comparative-fault rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds the property owner 80% responsible and the injured person 20% responsible, the injured person may collect 80% of the total damages. There is no threshold at which a plaintiff’s fault completely bars recovery.

Do I need a lawyer for a trip and fall case?

Hiring an attorney is not legally required, but trip and fall cases often involve technical legal and evidentiary issues that make experienced representation valuable. An attorney can investigate the condition of the property, gather and preserve time-sensitive evidence, identify the correct defendants, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. These steps can be difficult for an injured person to manage alone, particularly while recovering from an injury.

How much does a trip and fall lawyer cost in New York?

Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, handle trip and fall claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning the attorney is paid a percentage of the recovery only if money is obtained for the client. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney’s fee. The exact percentage varies, and it is important to discuss the fee arrangement at the initial consultation. Costs associated with the case may be handled separately.

What should I do immediately after a trip and fall accident?

First, seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, because some conditions may not become apparent until later. If possible, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request that a written report be created. Take photographs of the area where you fell, including the hazard itself, the surrounding conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses. Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney.

Additional Personal Injury Offices Serving Nearby Communities:
Personal Injury Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn)
Personal Injury Lawyer Queens County (Queens)
Personal Injury Lawyer Richmond County (Staten Island)
Personal Injury Lawyer Nassau County (Long Island)
Personal Injury Lawyer Suffolk County (Long Island)

Official New York Legal Resources:
New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214 — Statute of Limitations
New York County Supreme Court, Civil Branch

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.