Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City: Your Rights, Resources, and Next Steps
Let’s be real—walking around New York City isn’t always smooth. Uneven sidewalks, wet subway stairs, busted tiles in apartment buildings—these things are just part of city life. But they’re also accidents waiting to happen.
Slip and fall incidents are incredibly common here. One moment you’re out grabbing lunch or heading into your building, and the next, you're flat on the ground wondering what just happened. And while some falls are just dumb luck, others? They’re the result of someone else not doing their job.
Sometimes, It’s Not Just a Fall—It’s Negligence
Property owners—landlords, store managers, even the city—are supposed to keep public and private spaces reasonably safe. We’re talking basic stuff here: salting icy walkways, fixing loose tiles, putting up signs when floors are wet.
But here’s the thing—they don’t always do it. And when they don’t, and someone gets hurt, that’s not just bad luck. That’s negligence, as strongly emplasized by a New York City Slip and Fall Lawyer.
Okay, So You Fell. Now What?
Step one: take care of yourself. Even if you think you’re fine, go get checked out. Some injuries—like concussions or hairline fractures—don’t show up until hours or days later.
Next? Take pictures. Seriously. Snapshots of whatever caused your fall—cracked pavement, a spill, bad lighting. If anyone saw it happen, ask for their info. And make sure to report it. Talk to whoever’s in charge: a manager, the super, a store employee—whoever owns the space.
All of this could be super helpful later on, especially if you end up filing a claim.
Deadlines Are a Big Deal
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: you don’t have forever to act. In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But if the fall happened on city property, like a sidewalk or subway platform, you may have only 90 days to file a notice.
The clock starts ticking the moment you fall, so don’t wait around hoping the pain goes away. Talk to a lawyer and find out what you need to do next.
Do These Things Always Go to Court?
Not always. In fact, a lot of these cases get settled out of court. But whether you’re negotiating or suing, you’ll still need to prove:
Someone had a duty to keep the area safe.
They failed at that.
Their failure is why you got hurt.
If you can show those things, there’s a good chance you could get money for your medical bills, lost time at work, maybe even pain and suffering.
Helpful Resources (Because NYC Isn’t All Bad)
This city can be tough, but it also has support. The Office of Victim Services can help with medical costs or therapy after an injury. And if you're a senior, there are community programs that do home safety checks and even give out free fall prevention tools like handrails or bath mats.
Got Hurt Visiting NYC? You Still Have Rights
Just visiting? Doesn’t matter. If you were injured here, New York laws apply to you, too. Whether you're from Jersey or Japan, you can still file a claim. Just make sure to talk to a local attorney who knows how to navigate the system here.
The Bottom Line
A slip and fall might not sound like a big deal, but it can mess up your life in ways you didn’t expect. Medical bills, missed work, lingering pain—it adds up fast.
If your fall happened because someone didn’t take care of their property the way they should’ve, they could be responsible for covering those costs.
So don’t brush it off. Don’t assume you have to just deal with it. Talk to David Resnick & Associates, P.C. They’ll help you figure things out and work toward the best outcome.
