Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident Lawyer
SLIP AND FALL LAWYER BROOKLYN, NY
A slip, trip, or fall can happen in seconds – on a wet floor, a broken sidewalk, an icy walkway, or a dark stairwell – and leave you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income. Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail, they can and should be held accountable.
Our Brooklyn attorneys have fought for injured New Yorkers since 2008, helping slip and fall victims recover the full compensation they deserve. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. You pay nothing unless we win, and we’re with you every step of the way.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Brooklyn
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Your health is the top priority. See a doctor the same day, even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious conditions – including concussions, spinal damage, and soft tissue tears – do not show full symptoms immediately. A timely medical record also creates critical documentation for your legal claim.
Document the Scene
If you are able to, take photos immediately – the wet floor, cracked pavement, broken step, icy walkway, missing handrail, or any other hazard that caused your fall. Capture multiple angles and note whether any warning signs were present or absent. This evidence can disappear quickly once a property owner is aware of your claim.
Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, store manager, landlord, or supervisor right away. Ask for a written incident report and request a copy for your records. Do not sign any documents or give a recorded statement without speaking with an attorney first – insurance companies will use it against you.
Gather Witness Information
Collect the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed your fall or observed the hazardous condition beforehand. Witness testimony can be decisive in proving that the property owner had notice of the danger.
Call Cherny & Podolsky
Contact our office as soon as possible. Surveillance footage can be deleted within days, hazards can be repaired, and evidence can be lost. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case. We begin building your claim from day one, preserving evidence and dealing directly with the insurance company on your behalf.
Common Causes
Common Causes of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in Brooklyn
Wet and Slippery Floors
Spills, freshly mopped surfaces, and leaking refrigeration units without adequate warning signs are among the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Brooklyn grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops.
Uneven or Broken Sidewalks
Cracked, raised, or sunken sidewalk panels create serious tripping hazards throughout Brooklyn. Property owners adjacent to defective sidewalks may share liability with the City of New York depending on the circumstances.
Defective Stairs and Handrails
Broken steps, loose or missing handrails, and poorly lit staircases are common in older Brooklyn buildings and apartment complexes, and frequently give rise to serious fall injury claims.
Snow and Ice Accumulation
New York property owners are required to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm ends. Failure to do so can result in significant liability for any injuries that occur on their premises.
Inadequate Lighting
Dim or broken lighting in stairwells, parking lots, hallways, and building entrances conceals hazards and dramatically increases the risk of a serious fall. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe lighting conditions.
Cluttered or Obstructed Walkways
Merchandise, electrical cords, boxes, or debris left in store aisles, exits, or public pathways create foreseeable trip hazards that property owners have a duty to identify and remove promptly.
Injuries We Handle
Brooklyn Slip and Fall Injuries We Represent
Slip and fall accidents can cause injuries ranging from painful soft tissue damage to catastrophic, life-altering harm. Our attorneys represent clients who have suffered the full range of injuries – no case is too minor or too severe.
- Broken bones and fractures
- Hip fractures (especially in elderly victims)
- Knee injuries and torn ligaments
- Herniated and bulging discs
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions and head trauma
- Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears
- Wrist and ankle fractures
- Soft tissue and muscle injuries
- Nerve damage and chronic pain
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Wrongful death of a family member
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
New York premises liability law allows injured victims to pursue compensation from negligent property owners. Depending on the circumstances of your fall, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Home care and personal assistance costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Slip and Fall Law Firm Since 2008
Established in Brooklyn Since 2008
We are not a national call center. We are a Brooklyn law firm with a physical office at 2681 East 14th Street and attorneys who know the local courts, judges, and the specific landscape of premises liability law in New York.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. We have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for slip and fall victims and other personal injury clients throughout Brooklyn and greater New York.
Aggressive Evidence Preservation
We act immediately to secure surveillance footage, maintenance records, prior complaint logs, and incident reports before they are lost or destroyed by the property owner or their insurance company.
Multilingual Staff
Our team serves clients in English, Russian, Spanish, and other languages, ensuring every client fully understands their rights and what is happening with their case at every stage.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing unless we recover compensation for you. No upfront costs, no financial risk to you.
Direct Attorney Access
You will work directly with your attorney – not a paralegal or case manager. We maintain close relationships with every client from the first call to the final resolution.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if your fall occurred on a New York City sidewalk, public transit property, or any government-owned premises, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Missing this critical deadline can permanently bar your case. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What do I have to prove in a slip and fall case?
To succeed in a premises liability claim, you generally need to establish that: (1) a dangerous condition existed on the property; (2) the property owner created the condition or knew – or reasonably should have known – about it; and (3) the owner failed to repair it or warn visitors within a reasonable time. Our attorneys gather critical evidence including surveillance footage, maintenance records, prior complaints, and expert testimony to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your accident. Your award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 25% at fault, you can still recover 75% of your total damages. Do not assume that shared fault eliminates your claim – contact us to evaluate what your case is truly worth.
Can I sue the City of New York for a sidewalk fall?
Potentially, yes. Under New York’s Sidewalk Law, property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property. However, in some cases – particularly near government-owned properties or under certain exceptions – the City of New York may bear liability. These claims require strict compliance with Notice of Claim filing deadlines, often as short as 90 days. Our attorneys have experience handling City claims and will act quickly to protect your rights.
How much is my slip and fall case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost income, the degree of negligence of the property owner, and the available insurance coverage. Cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or elderly victims often result in significantly higher compensation. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and give you an honest, realistic assessment of its value.
How long does a slip and fall case take in Brooklyn?
Many slip and fall cases settle within 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of liability, the severity of your injuries, and the responsiveness of the insurance company involved. Cases that proceed to trial may take longer. Our attorneys will give you a realistic timeline based on the specific facts of your case and will keep you informed and supported throughout the entire process.
Do I need a lawyer if my injuries seem minor?
Yes. Even in cases that initially appear minor, insurance companies routinely undervalue claims and may attempt to close your case quickly before the full extent of your injuries is known. Some injuries – including disc herniations and soft tissue damage – worsen over time. Having an attorney costs you nothing upfront and ensures you do not settle for far less than your claim is actually worth.
Injured in a Brooklyn Slip and Fall Accident?
Every day you wait, important evidence may slip away. Surveillance video gets overwritten, property owners fix the hazard, and witnesses lose memory of what they saw. The sooner you call, the better your chances of building a strong claim and getting the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
