Long Island Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and Fall Lawyer Long Island, NY

If you slipped, tripped, or fell on someone else’s property on Long Island and got hurt, you may be dealing with serious injuries that came out of nowhere. A wet floor in a grocery store. An icy sidewalk that nobody salted. A broken staircase in an apartment building. These accidents happen fast, and they can leave you with fractures, head injuries, chronic back pain, and months of recovery.

At Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP, we have more than 75 years of experience representing fall injury victims in New York. Our attorneys understand New York premises liability law, and we know what it takes to hold a negligent property owner accountable. We handle every slip and fall case on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. If you need a slip and fall lawyer Long Island, NY residents can count on, contact us for a free consultation.

Why Choose Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson for Slip and Fall Cases in Long Island, NY?

A Firm That Knows Premises Liability

Slip and fall cases are a core part of our practice. They aren’t side projects. Premises liability claims require a detailed understanding of property maintenance standards, notice requirements, building codes, and the specific rules that govern property owner responsibility in New York. Our Long Island injury attorneys bring that knowledge to every fall case we take.

Martin Schiowitz, our Founding Partner, has been trying premises liability cases for over 50 years. He co-founded this firm in 1978 and has litigated claims in Nassau and Suffolk County courthouses throughout his career. Martin earned his J.D. from New York Law School in 1972 and is recognized as a peer-selected Super Lawyer, a distinction limited to the top 5% of attorneys. He is a longtime member of the NYSTLA and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Jeremy Schiowitz, Partner, has over 16 years of experience handling complex injury and premises liability cases. Licensed in New York and New Jersey, he graduated from Brooklyn Law School and has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2014. Jeremy was also selected for the Top One Percent by the NADC and named one of the 10 Best Attorneys in New York by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. His years of defense-side work give him a clear understanding of how property owners, insurers, and defense lawyers try to avoid paying on fall claims.

Results for Fall Injury Victims

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients across all practice areas, with total recoveries exceeding $200 million. Premises liability and slip and fall cases represent a meaningful portion of that number. We’ve recovered substantial results for clients who were injured in stores, on sidewalks, in apartment buildings, and at commercial properties throughout Long Island and New York City.

No Upfront Costs. No Fees Unless We Win.

We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything to take your case. You don’t pay us anything while we’re working on it. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and if there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing. That is how it works.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“Jeremy Schiowitz was my lawyer for a Slip-and-Fall case. He was so patient with me and fought hard to get me the best compensation I can get. I would highly recommend them for there expertise, professionalism and experience.” — Moshe Hershkowitz

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle in Long Island

Fall injuries happen in many different settings, and the legal approach changes depending on where the fall occurred and what caused it. We handle slip, trip, and fall claims across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the broader Long Island area, including:

• Wet and slippery floor accidents. Spills in grocery stores, freshly mopped floors in restaurants, leaking pipes in office buildings, and condensation near freezer aisles. Property owners are required to clean up hazards promptly or post adequate warnings. When they don’t, they can be held liable for injuries that result.
• Sidewalk and parking lot falls. Cracked pavement, uneven surfaces, potholes, and broken curbs cause thousands of fall injuries across Long Island every year. In many cases, the property owner adjacent to the sidewalk is responsible for its maintenance.
• Snow and ice accidents. Long Island winters create dangerous walking conditions. Property owners have a duty to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm. When they fail to do so and someone falls, they can be held liable. New York’s “storm in progress” doctrine can create a defense for property owners during an ongoing weather event, but once the storm ends, the clock starts running on their obligation to make the property safe.
• Stairway and hallway falls. Broken handrails, loose steps, torn carpeting, poor lighting, and missing stair treads are common causes of serious fall injuries in apartment buildings, commercial properties, and public spaces. Landlords and building managers have a legal duty to maintain these areas.
• Store and building falls. Retail stores, malls, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings must keep their premises in safe condition for customers and visitors. Merchandise left in aisles, loose floor mats, damaged flooring, and inadequate lighting all create trip and fall hazards. We pursue claims against the businesses and property owners responsible.
• Construction site falls. If you fell at a construction site on Long Island, different rules may apply. New York Labor Law §§ 240 and 241 provide additional protections for workers injured in elevation-related and scaffolding accidents on construction sites.
• Elevator and escalator accidents. Malfunctioning elevators, sudden stops, misleveled floors, and escalator defects cause fall injuries in commercial and residential buildings. The building owner and the maintenance company may both bear responsibility.
• Nursing home falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury among elderly residents in care facilities. When a nursing home fails to provide adequate supervision, mobility assistance, or fall prevention measures, it can be held liable for injuries or wrongful death that results.

New York Legal Requirements for Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall cases in New York fall under premises liability law, and the rules that apply to these claims can determine whether you win or lose.

Under the standard established in Basso v. Miller, 40 N.Y.2d 233 (1976), property owners in New York owe a duty of reasonable care to all lawful visitors. The old system that classified visitors as invitees, licensees, or trespassers was replaced with a single standard: the property must be maintained in a reasonably safe condition. This applies to homeowners, landlords, commercial property operators, and government entities.

To win a slip and fall case, you must prove that the property owner either created the dangerous condition, knew about it and failed to fix it, or should have known about it through reasonable inspection and maintenance. This is the “notice” requirement, and it’s often the most contested element in a fall claim. Constructive notice means the hazard existed long enough that the owner should have discovered it. A puddle that formed five minutes before you fell is harder to prove than one that’s been there for hours.

The CPLR § 214. If the fall occurred on government-owned or maintained property, a notice of claim must be filed within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.

New York’s comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411 also applies. If the defendant argues you were partly responsible for your fall, such as by not paying attention or wearing inappropriate footwear, your recovery will be reduced by your share of fault. But you’re not barred from recovering. A slip and fall attorney on Long Island can help minimize any comparative fault argument.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Long Island Slip and Fall Cases?

If you can prove that a property owner’s negligence caused your fall, New York law allows you to recover damages for the full impact of your injuries. Slip and fall claims can result in substantial recoveries, particularly when the injuries are serious.

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses: emergency room treatment, hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medication, diagnostic imaging, and any future medical care you’ll need. Lost wages are included too. If you missed work during recovery or can’t return to the same job, lost earning capacity becomes a significant part of the claim. Other economic losses might include transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications if your mobility is limited, and the cost of household help during recovery.

Non-economic damages compensate for the impact on your life that doesn’t come with a receipt. Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of activities, anxiety about falling again, and the daily frustration of living with limitations all count. These damages often represent the largest portion of a slip and fall settlement. Fall injuries to the hip, back, knees, and head frequently produce long-term or permanent consequences that affect quality of life for years.

Punitive damages are available in rare cases where the property owner’s conduct was willful, wanton, or recklessly indifferent to safety. A landlord who ignores repeated written complaints about a broken staircase, for example, may face punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

What Steps Should I Take After a Slip and Fall on Long Island?

What you do immediately after a slip and fall can make a major difference in whether your claim succeeds. Evidence in these cases disappears quickly, sometimes within hours. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Report the incident. Notify the property owner, manager, or store employee right away. Ask them to create a written incident report, and get a copy if possible.
2. Call 911 if needed. If your injuries are serious, request emergency medical assistance. A police or EMS report creates an official record of the event.
3. Get medical attention the same day. Even if you think the injury is minor, go to a doctor or urgent care facility. Some fall injuries, including fractures and brain injuries, don’t produce full symptoms immediately. Early documentation ties your injury directly to the fall.
4. Photograph everything. Take pictures of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, lighting conditions, warning signs (or the lack of them), your footwear, and your visible injuries. Video is even better.
5. Identify witnesses. If anyone saw you fall or saw the condition that caused your fall, get their name and phone number. Witness testimony is often critical in premises liability cases.
6. Preserve your clothing and footwear. Don’t wash or discard the clothes and shoes you were wearing. They may become evidence.
7. Do not give a recorded statement. The property owner’s insurance company will contact you. Be cautious. Do not admit fault, and don’t provide a detailed recorded statement before consulting an attorney.
8. Keep a recovery journal. Write down your symptoms, pain levels, and limitations each day. Note what activities you can no longer do and how the injury affects your work, sleep, and daily routine.
9. Save all medical records and bills. Every treatment record, prescription receipt, therapy appointment, and medical bill should be organized and preserved.
10. Contact a slip and fall lawyer. The sooner you have legal representation, the more likely the evidence will be preserved. Surveillance footage gets erased. Hazards get repaired. A Long Island fall injury attorney can send a preservation letter to the property owner and begin the investigation while the evidence is still available.

Slip and Fall Statistics on Long Island

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the United States, and the numbers continue to climb. According to CDC fall data, over 14 million adults aged 65 and older report falling each year. About 37% of those who fall suffer an injury requiring medical treatment. Emergency departments across the country treat approximately 3 million older adults for fall-related injuries annually, and nearly one million are hospitalized.

The financial cost is staggering. A 2018 study published through the National Institutes of Health estimated that the direct medical costs of fall injuries among older adults exceeded $50 billion per year in the United States. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries in older adults and account for the vast majority of hip fracture hospitalizations.

On Long Island specifically, the combination of aging infrastructure, harsh winter weather, and a population that includes more than 500,000 residents over the age of 65 in Nassau and Suffolk Counties creates an environment where slip and fall accidents are frequent. Cracked sidewalks, icy parking lots, and poorly maintained commercial properties are a year-round issue across the island. According to the NYS Comptroller’s office, unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of death and hospitalization across the state, and falls are the single largest category within that classification.

Data from the NHTSA and the CDC confirm that falls account for over 56% of all unintentional injury deaths among adults 65 and older, more than motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, and every other category combined. These aren’t just statistics. They represent real people on Long Island who stepped on an icy walkway, tripped over a broken curb, or slipped in a store that didn’t clean up a spill.

Long Island Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQs

How much does a slip and fall lawyer on Long Island cost?

Nothing out of pocket. We work on contingency, which means our fee is a percentage of whatever we recover for you. If we don’t get you a result, you pay nothing at all.

How do I prove the property owner knew about the hazard?

Through actual or constructive notice. Actual notice means the owner was directly informed of the hazard. Constructive notice means the condition existed long enough that a reasonable owner would have discovered and fixed it through ordinary maintenance. Proving negligence often depends on maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and prior complaints.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in New York?

Three years from the date of the fall for most cases. If the fall happened on city, county, or state property, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. These deadlines are strict.

What if I fell on a public sidewalk?

It depends on the location. In New York City, property owners adjacent to sidewalks are generally responsible for maintenance under NYC Administrative Code § 7-210. Outside the city, the rules vary by municipality. In many Long Island towns, the municipality or the abutting property owner may be responsible depending on local ordinances.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the fall?

Yes. New York uses pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partially responsible, such as by not watching where you walked, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated.

What types of injuries are common in slip and fall cases?

Broken hips, wrist fractures, spinal injuries, herniated discs, knee damage, shoulder injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Many fall injuries require surgery and long recovery periods, and some result in permanent disability.

What if I fell in a store or restaurant?

The business has a legal duty to keep its premises safe for customers. If you fell because of a hazard the business created or failed to address in a reasonable time, you likely have a claim. Surveillance footage from the store is often key evidence.

Should I report the fall to the property owner?

Absolutely. Report it immediately and ask for a written incident report. This creates an official record that the fall occurred on their property. Without it, the property owner may later deny knowledge of the incident.

What if I slipped on ice and there was no salt or sand?

Property owners in New York have a duty to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm ends. If they failed to do so and you were injured, you may have a valid claim. The “storm in progress” doctrine protects owners during an active weather event, but not after.

How long does a slip and fall case take to resolve?

Cases with clear liability and well-documented injuries can settle within several months. More complex cases, especially those involving government property or disputed notice issues, may take one to three years. We move every case forward as efficiently as possible.

What is the “storm in progress” doctrine?

It’s a legal rule in New York that generally excuses a property owner from liability for snow and ice conditions while a storm is still happening. The owner’s duty to clear and treat the property begins within a reasonable time after the weather event ends.

Do I need to prove the property owner was negligent?

Yes. A slip and fall on someone’s property doesn’t automatically mean the owner is liable. You must prove the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn about it. That’s where an experienced attorney makes the difference.

What evidence is most important in a slip and fall case?

Surveillance video, photographs of the hazard, incident reports, maintenance logs, witness statements, and your medical records. Evidence of prior complaints about the same condition is also extremely valuable.

Can I sue my landlord if I fell in my apartment building?

Yes. Landlords have a duty to maintain common areas in safe condition. If your fall was caused by a defective stairway, poor lighting, loose flooring, or another hazard in the building, the landlord may be liable. This applies to both the landlord and the property management company. New York’s premises liability laws hold building owners to a clear standard of care.

Will my case go to trial?

Most slip and fall cases settle before trial. But having an attorney with trial experience matters, because insurance companies make better offers when they know the lawyer on the other side is prepared to go to court if necessary.

Most Dangerous Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents on Long Island

Slip and fall hazards exist across Long Island, but certain types of locations produce injuries more frequently than others.

Large retail stores and supermarkets are among the most common settings for fall injuries. Produce sections, freezer aisles, and areas near entrances where rain and snow get tracked inside are persistent hazard zones. Malls and shopping centers throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties see a high volume of fall claims, particularly during winter months. Parking lots and garages, where cracked asphalt, poor drainage, and icy patches create trip-and-fall risks, are another major source of claims.

Sidewalks and municipal walkways throughout Long Island are often in disrepair. Tree root damage, uneven pavement, and crumbling curb cuts are common in older neighborhoods across Hempstead, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, and Oyster Bay. Apartment buildings and rental properties are frequent sources of fall claims, particularly when landlords neglect common areas like lobbies, staircases, and outdoor walkways. Restaurants, bars, and hotels round out the list, with wet floors, dimly lit hallways, and uneven transitions between surfaces causing injuries regularly.

What Are Important Local Resources for Long Island Slip and Fall Cases?

If you’ve been injured in a fall on Long Island, the following resources may be helpful. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP.

• Nassau County Police Department — (516) 573-7000
• Suffolk County Police Department — (631) 852-6000
• NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island (Level 1 Trauma Center, Mineola) — (516) 663-0333
• Stony Brook University Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center, Stony Brook) — (631) 444-4000
• NYS Department of Health — Directory of designated trauma centers across New York
• New York State Courts — Information on Nassau and Suffolk County Supreme Courts

Contact Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson

A slip and fall may seem like a minor event until you realize the injury isn’t going away. If you’ve been hurt because a property owner on Long Island failed to maintain safe conditions, our firm can help. We offer free consultations, handle every case on contingency, and respond to our clients promptly throughout the process. Contact us today to speak with a slip and fall attorney about your case.