Trip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Holding property owners accountable for hazardous conditions in NYC
Experienced Trip and Fall Accident Representation
Trip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of serious injuries in New York City. Uneven sidewalks, potholes, debris in walkways, and poor lighting create dangerous conditions that can result in broken bones, head injuries, and permanent disabilities.
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions and warn visitors of known hazards. When they fail to meet this obligation and someone is injured as a result, they can be held liable for damages.
Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C. has extensive experience handling trip and fall cases throughout New York City. We understand the complexities of premises liability law, including special rules for suing the City of New York for sidewalk defects.
Common Trip and Fall Hazards
Sidewalk Defects
Broken, cracked, or uneven sidewalk pavement creating trip hazards
Uneven Flooring
Raised tiles, torn carpeting, height differences between floors
Potholes
Parking lot or roadway potholes causing pedestrians to trip and fall
Debris and Clutter
Boxes, cords, equipment, or other objects left in walkways
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting making hazards difficult to see
Stairs and Steps
Broken steps, missing handrails, uneven stair heights
Where Trip and Fall Accidents Occur
Trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they're particularly common in these locations:
Sidewalks and crosswalks
Parking lots and garages
Retail stores and supermarkets
Restaurants and bars
Hotels and resorts
Apartment buildings and lobbies
Office buildings
Shopping malls
Parks and public spaces
Construction sites
Special Rules for NYC Sidewalk Trip and Fall Cases
Sidewalk trip and fall cases against New York City have unique legal requirements:
90-Day Notice Requirement
You must file a Notice of Claim with the NYC Comptroller's Office within 90 days of your accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your case.
Prior Written Notice Law
The sidewalk defect must be documented in the city's records, or you must prove the city had actual notice. We know how to obtain and analyze these records.
Big Apple Maps
NYC maintains a database of sidewalk defects. We immediately check this database and gather evidence to support your claim.
Time is critical in NYC sidewalk cases. Contact an attorney immediately after your accident to ensure all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
What to Do After a Trip and Fall Accident
Seek Medical Attention
Get medical treatment immediately, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries aren't immediately apparent.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the hazard from multiple angles, get witness contact information, and note the exact location and time of your fall.
Report the Incident
Report the accident to the property owner or manager and get a copy of the incident report.
Contact an Attorney Immediately
Especially for NYC sidewalk cases, time is critical. An attorney can file the required Notice of Claim and begin investigating your case right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a trip and fall and a slip and fall?
A trip and fall occurs when your foot catches on an object or uneven surface, causing you to fall forward. A slip and fall occurs when you lose traction and fall backward or to the side. Both are premises liability cases, but they involve different hazards and evidence.
Who is liable for a trip and fall accident in NYC?
Property owners, landlords, business owners, and in some cases, the City of New York can be held liable for trip and fall accidents caused by hazardous conditions they knew or should have known about and failed to fix.
Can I sue the City of New York for a sidewalk trip and fall?
Yes, but NYC sidewalk cases have special rules. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. The sidewalk defect must be documented in the city's records, or you must prove the city had actual notice. These cases are complex and require experienced legal representation.
What compensation can I recover for a trip and fall injury?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, permanent disability or disfigurement.
How long do I have to file a trip and fall lawsuit in New York?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if you're suing a government entity like NYC, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Don't delay—contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C.?
NYC Sidewalk Case Expertise
We understand the complex rules for suing New York City and know how to navigate the prior written notice requirements.
Immediate Action
We act quickly to file required notices, document the hazard, and preserve evidence before it's repaired or lost.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Available 24/7
Available 24/7. Don't wait—call us immediately after your accident.
Time Is Critical—Contact Us Now
If you've been injured in a trip and fall accident, especially on a NYC sidewalk, contact us immediately. We're available Available 24/7.