Not all falls are accidents. Sometimes, they’re the result of negligence.
You’re walking through a store aisle or heading down the sidewalk—then suddenly, you’re on the ground. One second of distraction or poor property maintenance, and your day (or your life) changes.
According to the CDC, falls result in over 3 million emergency department visits annually in the U.S. In New York, the Department of Health warns that fall-related injuries are a major concern for the elderly. But when the fall happens on someone else’s property, liability can change.
Trip and fall accidents happen fast, but the consequences can linger. If you’ve been hurt because of unsafe conditions, you might be wondering: Is this just bad luck, or do I have a case?
Trip and fall accidents happen fast, but the consequences can linger. If you’ve been hurt because of unsafe conditions, you might be wondering: Is this just bad luck, or do I have a case?
What’s Inside This Guide
- What counts as negligence in a trip and fall case?
- What are the most common trip and fall hazards?
- Who’s responsible for a trip and fall injury?
- What if the property owner blames me?
- How much are most slip and fall settlements?
- Are slip and fall cases hard to win?
- How do you negotiate a trip and fall settlement?
- How much do most injury lawyers charge?
- What deadlines should I know about?
FAQs About Trip and Fall Accidents
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1. What counts as negligence in a trip and fall case?
In New York, trip and fall cases fall under premises liability law.
You must prove:
- A dangerous condition existed (cracks, spills, debris, etc.)
- The property owner knew or should have known about it
- They didn’t fix it or warn you in time
- You were injured as a result
That’s negligence, and it’s exactly what an experienced trip and fall lawyer looks for when building your case.
Ceiling collapses also fall under premises liability. Read our latest blog about it.
2. What are the most common trip and fall hazards?
Trip and fall accidents happen because of conditions like:
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Loose or missing floor tiles
- Wet floors with no warning signs
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Merchandise or cords blocking walkways
- Broken steps, railings, or handrails
- Snow or ice that wasn’t cleared properly
If any of these hazards caused your fall, you could have a strong claim. A trip and fall accident lawyer can help you investigate.
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3. Who’s responsible for a trip and fall injury?
Liability depends on where you fell:
- Store or business: The business owner or property manager is usually responsible.
- Public sidewalk in NYC:
- If in front of a commercial property → the property owner.
- If in front of a 1–3 family, owner-occupied home → the City of New York.
In New York City, Administrative Code § 7-210 makes property owners (not the city) responsible for maintaining sidewalks next to their property unless it’s a 1–3 3-family, owner-occupied home. A New York premises liability lawyer can help identify the right party and make sure your claim is filed correctly.
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4. What if the property owner blames me?
New York follows pure comparative negligence under CPLR § 1411.
Even if you were partly at fault—say, you were texting while walking—you can still recover damages.
Your compensation just gets lowered by your share of the blame.
Example: If you’re 25% at fault, you still recover 75% of your damages.
This is why it’s critical to work with a trip and fall lawyer who knows how to fight back against blame tactics.
5. How much are most slip and fall settlements?
Settlements often range between $15,000 and $200,000+, depending on:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Cases with serious injuries, surgery, or permanent disability tend to settle for higher amounts, like one of our recent $1.45 million settlements for a client who tripped on a busy NYC sidewalk that was misleveled by just a quarter inch.
6. Are slip and fall cases hard to win?
They can be challenging because you must prove the property owner was negligent.
However, with strong evidence (photos, witness statements, maintenance records) and an aggressive trip and fall lawyer, your chances of success go way up.
Important Note: While legitimate trip and fall injuries deserve serious attention, fraudulent claims are on the rise, too. A case from February in New York City caught a man staging a fake slip and fall on store security cameras. Insurance companies use cases like this to scrutinize real victims even more closely.
7. How do you negotiate a trip and fall settlement?
It takes:
- Gathering strong evidence
- Showing clear negligence
- Preparing the case as if it’s going to trial
- Pushing back against lowball offers
Insurance companies respect lawyers who show they’re ready to fight. That’s how you negotiate better settlements.
8. How much do most injury lawyers charge?
Most personal injury lawyers, including premises liability lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- You only pay if they win your case
- The typical fee is about 33% of your recovery
Call or send us a message to find out how much our founding lawyer, Ian Chaikin, charges.
9. What deadlines should I know about?
- In most trip and fall cases, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
- If you’re suing the City of New York, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.
Don’t wait. Deadlines come fast, and missing them can destroy your case. Call us for a free consultation!
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Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York. The response herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. The blog is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the question.
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