New York Slip and Fall Attorneys

Under New York law, property owners and managers have a legal duty of care to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors, tenants, and customers. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for resulting damages.

To successfully pursue a slip and fall claim, an injured person must generally establish that:

• They were lawfully on the property
• A dangerous condition existed (such as a wet floor, broken step, or icy sidewalk)
• The property owner or manager caused the condition or had actual or constructive notice of it
• The owner failed to repair or warn of the hazard within a reasonable time
• The unsafe condition directly caused the injury

Actual notice means the owner knew about the hazard, while constructive notice applies when the condition existed long enough that the owner should have discovered and corrected it through reasonable inspections.

Slip and fall liability can also differ depending on the type of property involved. Commercial properties (such as stores, restaurants, and office buildings) are generally held to higher safety and inspection standards than residential properties. In New York City, sidewalk falls raise additional issues under the NYC Administrative Code, which places sidewalk maintenance responsibility on most adjacent property owners rather than the City itself.

Common hazards include wet or slippery floors, uneven sidewalks, broken stairs, loose carpeting, poor lighting, snow or ice accumulation, and cluttered walkways.

Slip and fall accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. Our attorneys frequently represent clients suffering from:

• Fractures and dislocations
• Head injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

These injuries often require ongoing medical care and can lead to lost income and long-term impairment. We ensure all physical, emotional, and financial consequences are fully evaluated in your claim.

Pardalis & Nohavicka conducts thorough, early investigations to preserve evidence and build strong liability arguments. Our legal team gathers and analyzes:

• Surveillance video and photographs of the scene
• Witness statements (when available)
• Maintenance, cleaning, and inspection records
• Incident reports and medical documentation

How Insurance Companies Defend Slip and Fall Claims

Property owners and their insurers aggressively defend slip and fall cases. Common tactics include:

• Claiming the injured person “wasn’t paying attention”
• Arguing the hazard was “open and obvious”
• Denying notice of the condition
• Selectively using or misinterpreting surveillance footage
• Delaying investigations to weaken evidence

Our attorneys anticipate these strategies and counter them with documented proof, expert analysis, and litigation readiness.

Victims of slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term care or disability-related expenses

Our goal is to pursue full and fair compensation that reflects both current and future losses.

With decades of combined experience handling personal injury and premises liability claims, Pardalis & Nohavicka LLP has successfully represented slip and fall victims throughout New York. We are known for detailed case preparation, strategic negotiation, and effective litigation against property owners, insurance carriers, and corporate defendants.

How long do slip and fall cases take in New York?

Timelines vary depending on liability disputes, injury severity, and whether litigation is required. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer if trial is necessary.

What if there were no witnesses?

Witnesses are helpful but not required. Surveillance footage, maintenance records, photographs, and expert testimony can still establish liability.

Can I sue New York City for a sidewalk fall?

In many cases, sidewalk responsibility lies with the adjacent property owner under NYC law. Claims directly against the City involve strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

What if the hazardous condition was temporary?

Temporary hazards can still result in liability if the owner had sufficient time to discover and address the condition.

Do surveillance cameras help or hurt my case?

They can do both. Proper legal analysis ensures footage is preserved, accurately interpreted, and not selectively used against you.