Premises Liability Lawyer New York County, NY
If you suffered an injury on someone else’s property in Manhattan—whether a slip-and-fall in a Midtown office building, a trip-and-fall on a broken sidewalk in the Financial District, or an assault in a negligently secured apartment complex in Harlem—you may have a premises liability claim. Premises liability law in New York holds property owners, landlords, and commercial tenants responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. When they fail, and a visitor, tenant, or passerby is hurt as a result, the injured party may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals and families in premises liability matters throughout New York County, from Lower Manhattan to Washington Heights. For a consultation about your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Premises Liability Means in New York County
Premises liability claims in New York County arise when an injury occurs on property that is not maintained in a reasonably safe condition. Common scenarios include wet floors without warning signs, cracked or uneven walking surfaces, missing handrails, inadequate lighting, snow and ice accumulation, and negligent security that leads to an assault. New York law requires property owners and occupiers to exercise reasonable care to keep their premises safe for those lawfully on the property. The duty extends to tenants, invitees, and in some circumstances even trespassers under certain conditions.
In Manhattan, premises liability cases are generally filed in New York Supreme Court, New York County, located at 60 Centre Street. The court is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction, with no monetary cap on damages. New York applies a pure comparative fault rule: an injured person’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault, but even if they are primarily at fault, they may still recover for the portion attributable to the defendant. This makes the fact-gathering and investigation stages critical, because any assertion that you contributed to the accident may reduce your compensation. Our firm’s New York location represents clients in Manhattan courts; we handle all case preparation, including gathering security footage, maintenance records, and witness statements, to build a strong factual foundation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Premises Liability Cases
Every premises liability case begins with a detailed evaluation of the circumstances: the condition of the property at the time of the injury, the owner’s knowledge of the hazard, and the steps taken—or not taken—to correct it. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with engineering and safety attorneys when necessary to reconstruct accident scenes and evaluate whether a property owner’s conduct fell below the standard of care. They also identify all potentially liable parties; a slip-and-fall at a commercial building, for example, may involve the building owner, a managing agent, a tenant, and a maintenance contractor.
Once liability is assessed, our team focuses on damages. New York allows recovery for economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. There is no statutory cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. While many premises liability claims resolve through settlement negotiations with insurance carriers, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare every case as though it will go to trial. This approach often leads to more favorable settlement offers, because the opposing side knows the matter is trial-ready.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who now devotes his practice to representing individuals in personal injury and other civil matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They concentrate on personal injury law and are familiar with the procedural landscape of New York County Supreme Court, including its differentiated case management system and the requirements for filing a Note of Issue to place a case on the trial calendar.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive experience in civil litigation, insurance coverage disputes, and negotiation. Together, the team works collaboratively to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each claim, making strategic decisions about experienced attorney retention, discovery, and motion practice. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state firm, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in New York County?
You generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York, including premises liability claims. This three-year limitations period is set by N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). Failing to meet these deadlines can result in the court dismissing your case regardless of its merits, so prompt investigation is essential.
What must I prove to win a premises liability case in New York?
You must show that the property owner or occupier failed to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition, that this failure caused your injury, and that you sustained damages as a result. New York law requires that the defendant had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition—meaning they either knew about it or should have discovered it through reasonable inspection. Evidence such as maintenance logs, incident reports, and surveillance footage is central to establishing notice. Because New York applies pure comparative fault, even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation reduced by your share of responsibility.
What types of damages can I recover in a New York County premises liability case?
You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future care costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. The value of your claim depends on the severity of the injury, the duration of recovery, the impact on your ability to work, and the permanency of the harm. While no two cases are alike, a thorough presentation of medical records and expert testimony helps establish the full scope of your losses.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall claim in Manhattan?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, premises liability claims involve complex issues of notice, causation, and damages that benefit from experienced legal guidance. Insurance companies often offer settlements that do not fully account for future medical needs or pain and suffering. An attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, prepare your case for trial. For a no-obligation consultation about your premises liability matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do immediately after a slip-and-fall accident in New York County?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor; report the accident to the property owner or manager; document the scene with photos; and obtain contact information for any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Preserve the clothes and shoes you were wearing, as they may be relevant. Early documentation is critical because conditions can change quickly—a wet floor may be mopped, a crack filled, or lighting improved—and the evidence may be lost.
Can a landlord be liable for an assault that occurs in a New York County apartment building?
Yes, a landlord may be liable under a theory of negligent security if the criminal act was foreseeable and the landlord failed to take reasonable steps to protect tenants and visitors. New York courts consider factors such as the crime history of the area, prior incidents on the property, and the presence—or absence—of security measures like functioning locks, lighting, cameras, and security personnel. Each case is highly fact-specific; an experienced attorney can evaluate whether the property owner’s actions met the applicable standard of care.
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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.