Sidewalk & Parking Lot Accident Lawyer in New York & Long Island

From cracked sidewalks in Midtown to icy parking lots outside Long Island shopping centers, outdoor fall accidents happen every day in New York. Our NYC sidewalk fall lawyers have helped countless people recover compensation after serious injuries caused by neglected walkways, unshoveled snow, or hidden hazards. We know the local laws inside and out—and we know how to hold property owners and, when necessary, the city, accountable.

Person walking on crosswalk.

Outdoor Falls Are More Serious Than Most People Think

A quick trip on uneven pavement or a slip on black ice can result in broken bones, head trauma, or lasting mobility problems. In New York City, property owners—whether residential, commercial, or municipal—have a legal duty to keep sidewalks and parking areas safe. When they fail, they can be held responsible for the harm caused.

Who’s Responsible for Sidewalk Accidents in NYC & Long Island?

Many people assume the city is always to blame, but that’s not the case. Under NYC law, most property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk directly in front of their building. The city may only be liable if the sidewalk is adjacent to city-owned property or certain one- and two-family residences.



Parking lot accidents typically fall under the responsibility of the lot owner—whether that’s a business, landlord, or municipality. If the accident involves a city-owned lot, strict deadlines apply for filing a Notice of Claim (just 90 days).

Hazards That Lead to Serious Falls

  • Uneven or broken sidewalk slabs.

  • Loose bricks or missing tiles.

  • Potholes at crosswalk entrances or in parking areas.

  • Snow or ice left uncleared beyond the legally required timeframe.

  • Oil slicks, poor lighting, or debris in parking lots.
Empty parking garage with pink columns, yellow speed bumps, and overhead lighting.

Proving Negligence in Sidewalk & Parking Lot Cases

Our team gathers the evidence needed to prove your claim—photos of the defect, witness statements, weather reports, and property maintenance records. We may bring in experts to show the hazard existed long enough that the owner knew or should have known about it.

What to Do After a Sidewalk or Parking Lot Fall

  • Take photos of the hazard immediately.

  • Get contact information for any witnesses.

  • Report the injury to the business owner, landlord, or city via 311 if applicable.

  • Seek medical attention right away.

  • Contact a lawyer quickly—especially if city property is involved, because of the 90-day deadline.
Two overlapping speech bubbles, one with a question mark.

Sidewalk & Parking Lot Injuries in NYC & Long Island

  • If I tripped on a city sidewalk, can I sue the city?

    Only if the city owns the property next to the sidewalk. Most sidewalks are the responsibility of private owners

  • How long do I have to file a claim against the city?

    You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, followed by a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days.

  • Can I recover damages if I wasn’t paying attention when I fell?

    Yes, but your compensation may be reduced under New York’s comparative negligence law.

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Free Consultation – Act Fast

If you’ve been hurt on a sidewalk or in a parking lot anywhere in New York City or Long Island, don’t wait. The sooner we investigate, the stronger your case. Call us for a free consultation—we’re available 24/7 to help.