Getting hurt on someone else’s property can change your life in just one moment. Whether it happens at a store, in a parking lot, or at a rented home, these accidents can lead to serious injuries and expensive medical treatment. Many people don’t realize that the property owner may be responsible for keeping the place safe. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for the harm they cause.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers helps injured clients understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve. Our law firm handles many types of premises liability cases across Staten Island, and we make sure negligent parties are held accountable.
We offer legal support to accident victims who suffered injuries due to unsafe conditions on public or private property. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a right to file a personal injury claim and seek full financial recovery.
Table of Contents
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal rule that says a premises owner or business owner must keep their property in a reasonably safe condition. If an accident occurs because of a dangerous situation, they may be held liable for the injuries. Whether the property is public or private, the person in charge has a legal duty to protect people who visit or live there.
When Property Owners Are Held Responsible
Property owners may be at fault when they ignore broken steps, loose handrails, wet floors, or other hazardous conditions that cause an injury. If the owner knew or should have known about the danger and did nothing, they can be held legally responsible for the accident.
In many premises cases, compensation depends on proving that the liable party acted with carelessness or negligent maintenance.
Duty of Care to Visitors, Tenants, and Customers
Landlords, store managers, and property owners have a legal duty to protect tenants, shoppers, and anyone legally allowed on the property. This means they must fix problems, warn people about risks, and prevent dangerous situations from causing harm.
When a manager's negligence leads to injury, a liability attorney can help you file a claim and seek compensation for medical bills, pain, and other losses.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
There are many ways someone can get hurt on someone else’s property. Each case depends on where the accident happened and what caused it. Some people slip on wet floors, while others trip over broken steps or fall in dark hallways.
Our Staten Island lawyers help clients in all types of premises cases, especially those that cause severe injuries.
1. Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and falls are one of the most common reasons people get hurt on else’s premises. These accidents often happen when floors are wet, slippery, or uneven. A fall lawyer can help prove that the owner failed to fix the problem or give a warning before someone got hurt.
2. Trip and Falls Due to Poor Lighting or Loose Flooring: People also get injured by tripping on torn carpets, broken tiles, or steps they can’t see due to poor lighting. If a business owner or landlord ignores these risks, they can be held responsible for any injuries caused. These cases often involve broken bones or even internal injuries that require long-term medical treatment.
3. Injuries Caused by Falling Objects or Unsafe Conditions: Items falling from shelves or construction areas can cause head injuries or other harm. Unsafe storage, heavy equipment, and crowded spaces are all examples of dangerous situations that put people at risk. In these cases, the accident scene and your medical records can help show how bad the injury is.
4. Negligent Security Leading to Assault or Theft: If a property does not have proper security and a person is attacked or robbed, the premises owner may be responsible. Poor lighting, broken locks, or no cameras can make it easy for crimes to happen. A liability attorney can review the facts and explain how to hold the liable party accountable.
5. Dog Bites or Animal Attacks on Private Property: Property owners must keep pets and animals under control. If a dog bites someone on private property, the owner may need to pay for the injuries. These cases can cause physical pain, emotional trauma, and expensive medical treatment, especially for children or older adults.
Where Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Staten Island
Premises accidents happen in many different places. Whether you are shopping, walking to work, or visiting a friend, a simple fall or injury can happen anywhere in Staten Island. When someone else fails to keep their property safe, you may be able to file a claim and seek compensation for the harm done.
Grocery Stores, Malls, and Retail Shops
Stores must keep walkways clean, dry, and free of clutter. When someone slips or trips in these places, the store owner may be at fault. Our personal injury lawyers can help with accident reports, witness statements, and proving the liable party failed to act.
Apartment Complexes and Rental Properties
Landlords have a duty to keep apartments and shared areas safe. Accidents in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas can be caused by broken lights, cracked sidewalks, or missing handrails. We represent tenants and visitors who were injured due to the manager’s negligence.
Sidewalks, Parking Lots, and Public Spaces
Some injuries happen in places owned by the city or a government agency. These cases follow different rules and strict deadlines. A liability attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you can hold a government agency responsible for your injuries.
Construction Sites and Commercial Properties
Workers and visitors are often injured at construction zones and large properties. Poor signs, open holes, or falling tools are common problems. Our law firm has helped many injured clients in Staten Island win cases against negligent parties.
New York Premises Liability Laws You Should Know
New York law decides who is at fault, how much you can recover, and how long you have to file a claim. Working with attorneys who understand state law is important. It helps protect your rights and gives you a better chance of a full financial recovery after an accident.
Comparative Negligence in NY Personal Injury Cases
New York uses a rule called “comparative negligence.” This means more than one person can be blamed for the accident. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still win money. Your total compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you had.
Legal Status of the Visitor
The law treats people differently based on why they were on the property. For example, a customer in a store has more legal protection than someone trespassing. A liability attorney can explain how your visitor status affects your personal injury claim.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
New York has strict time limits called “statutes of limitations.” You must file your personal injury claim within a certain number of years, or you lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s best to speak with a lawyer quickly after your injury.
In New York, the statute of limitations for premises liability is 3 years from the date of the accident under CPLR § 214(5)
FAQs
1. How do I know if I can get a fair settlement after my injury?
To get a fair settlement, it’s important to understand how badly you were hurt, how much you spent on medical treatment, and whether the injury caused lost wages. Our attorneys look at every detail of your case to help you get what you truly deserve. We also explain your rights and help you deal with the insurance company, which may try to offer less than what your case is worth.
2. What should I do if I was hurt in a Staten Island slip and fall accident?
If you had a Staten Island slip and fall, get medical help right away and report the accident to the property owner. Try to take pictures of where the accident happened and keep track of all your expenses. These steps help your lawyer prove what happened and build a strong case. We can go into greater detail during your free case evaluation.
3. What does it mean to work with a lawyer on a contingency fee basis?
Working on a contingency fee basis means you don’t pay anything upfront. You only pay if we win your case. This makes it easier for injured clients to get legal help without worrying about the cost. You can also start with a free initial consultation to see if we are the right fit for your needs.
4. Can I still file a claim if I was hurt at a public location like the Staten Island Ferry terminal?
Yes. If your injury happened at a public place like the Staten Island Ferry, the city or another government agency may be responsible. These cases have different deadlines and rules, so it’s important to speak to a lawyer quickly. We can explain your legal options in a no obligation consultation.
5. What if my injuries caused permanent disabilities or other life changing problems?
If your injuries caused permanent disabilities or made a life changing impact on your health or work, you may be able to recover more money. This can include lost wages, future medical care, and support for changes to your daily life. A lawyer can help explain your rights and make sure your case is valued properly by the insurance company.
Contact Our Staten Island Premises Liability Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you care about was hurt on someone else’s property in Staten Island, don’t wait to take action. Property owners and business owners must keep their places safe. If they fail and someone gets hurt, they should be held responsible. Whether your accident happened in a store, apartment, or public space, you may have the right to file a claim and get compensation.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers gives every client the time, care, and support they need. We offer a free initial consultation, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our attorneys have helped many injured clients recover money for their medical treatment, lost wages, and pain. We handle every part of the case so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. There’s no risk, no pressure, and absolutely no obligation consultation. We are here to help you move forward.
