Premises Liability Lawyer Ontario County, NY

If you were injured on someone else’s property in Ontario County—whether in a store in Canandaigua, a rental home in Geneva, or a public building in Victor—you may have a premises liability claim. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. When they fail to do so, and you suffer an injury as a result, New York law allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent injured people throughout the Finger Lakes region in premises liability matters. We work to hold property owners accountable. To discuss your situation with an experienced premises liability attorney, contact our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Premises Liability Means in Ontario County, NY

Premises liability is the area of personal injury law that addresses injuries caused by dangerous or defective conditions on property. In Ontario County, these claims are filed in the New York Supreme Court, which has unlimited civil jurisdiction over personal injury actions. The court is located at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua and serves communities including Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, Phelps, Hopewell, Seneca, and East Bloomfield. The statute of limitations for a premises liability claim is three years from the date of injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your case.

New York follows a pure comparative fault rule. Under CPLR Article 14-A, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—but you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident. For example, if a jury finds you were 20 percent at fault for not watching where you were walking, your compensation would be reduced by 20 percent. This makes it critical to build a strong liability case from the start. Our attorneys investigate the property condition, review maintenance records, and consult safety attorneys when necessary to establish the owner’s negligence. In premises liability claims, the key issue is often whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Premises Liability Cases

When you bring a premises liability matter to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the case begins with a thorough investigation. We gather incident reports, photographs, witness statements, and any available surveillance video. We identify the responsible parties—which in commercial settings may include the property owner, a property management company, or a tenant. In premises cases, proving notice of the dangerous condition is essential; we look for evidence such as past complaints, maintenance logs, or industry safety standards that show the owner should have addressed the hazard.

Our approach then moves to quantifying your damages. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with medical providers to understand the full extent of your injuries, from emergency treatment to ongoing therapy. We calculate lost income, estimate future medical needs, and document the impact on your daily life. New York does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases, so the focus is on presenting a complete picture of your losses. Many premises liability claims resolve through settlement negotiations before trial, but if the insurer refuses a fair offer, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to litigate your case in Ontario County Supreme Court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved in decision-making.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced personal injury law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor, which gives him insight into how opposing parties build their cases and allows him to anticipate defense strategies in premises liability litigation. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to each case. Our Of Counsel attorneys are engaged through Excella and work collaboratively with Mr. Sris on premises liability matters, ensuring that each client benefits from a team with broad litigation experience. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Ontario County, New York?

You generally have three years from the date of injury to file a premises liability lawsuit under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). This deadline applies to most slip‑and‑fall, trip‑and‑fall, and other premises‑related injury claims. If the claim is against a county, town, village, or other municipal entity, a Notice of Claim must be served within 90 days of the incident. Failing to meet either deadline can result in the court dismissing your case. Because evidence such as surveillance footage and witness recollections can deteriorate over time, it is wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your timeline.

Do I need a lawyer for a premises liability case in Ontario County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but handling a premises liability claim without legal representation can be risky. Property owners and their insurers often have experienced legal teams that work to minimize payouts or shift blame to you. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence of the owner’s negligence, and negotiate with insurance adjusters. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in Ontario County Supreme Court. Given New York’s comparative fault rule and procedural requirements, having an experienced legal team can help protect your right to full compensation.

How much does a premises liability lawyer cost in New York?

Most personal injury lawyers, including Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., handle premises liability cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If we obtain a settlement or verdict, the fee is typically a percentage of the recovery—commonly one‑third. You are still responsible for case expenses, which are often advanced by the firm and repaid from the recovery. During your initial consultation, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will explain the fee arrangement in detail so you understand exactly what to expect.

What damages can I recover in a premises liability claim in Ontario County?

You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Economic damages include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and income you lost because you could not work. Non‑economic damages address the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the injury. New York does not impose a cap on these damages in premises liability cases. However, under the state’s pure comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by any percentage of fault attributed to you. An attorney can help document the full extent of your losses to pursue maximum compensation.

What are common premises liability hazards in Ontario County?

Typical hazardous conditions include wet floors without warning signs, uneven or broken sidewalks, poorly lit stairways, loose carpeting, and snow or ice accumulations that property owners fail to remove. In the Finger Lakes region, winter slip‑and‑fall accidents on icy walkways are among the most frequent premises claims. Retail stores, apartment complexes, and municipal buildings in Canandaigua and Geneva all have a legal duty to inspect their premises and correct dangerous conditions. If you were injured because a property owner neglected this duty, you may have a valid claim. It is important to document the scene and seek medical attention immediately.

What should I do after a slip and fall or other premises accident?

Report the accident to the property owner or manager right away, and ask that an incident report be prepared. Seek medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor, because some conditions worsen over time. If you are able, take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall—such as a wet floor, broken step, or icy patch—and get contact information from any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. Preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing. Then contact a premises liability attorney to evaluate your case. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

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