Introduction
Slips, trips, and falls send over 1 million people to emergency rooms annually in New York. Premises liability—a property owner’s legal responsibility for injuries occurring on their property—extends far beyond legal jargon. It’s about accountability. Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, or visitor, understanding these claims could prevent devastating financial consequences. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. has handled hundreds of premises liability cases across NYC. Here are the five most common claims we encounter.
The Legal Landscape in New York
New York’s premises liability laws center on one core principle: reasonable care. Property owners must maintain safe conditions for invitees (like customers) and licensees (social guests), though protections for trespassers remain limited. Plaintiffs must prove:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The owner knew or should have known about it
- The hazard directly caused injury
New York’s comparative negligence rule can reduce your compensation if you’re partially at fault. Miss a “Wet Floor” sign? That might shrink your settlement. More information on comparative negligence can be found on the New York Courts website.
#1 Slip and Fall Accidents (35% of Our Cases)
The classic icy sidewalk or grocery store puddle claim dominates NYC court dockets. Last winter alone, seven clients suffered injuries on uncleared Queens walkways. Key triggers include:
- Wet floors without signage
- Uneven pavement (those notorious NYC potholes!)
- Dimly lit stairwells
One client slipped on an unmarked spill in a Bronx bodega—her $145k settlement shows why prompt evidence collection matters. Property owners should document maintenance logs religiously. Resources from the National Safety Council highlight slip and fall prevention strategies.
#2 Inadequate Security (Rising in Urban Areas)
A Manhattan parking garage assault made headlines last month, highlighting a troubling trend. Property owners must provide reasonable security in high-crime zones. We typically see:
- Poorly lit apartment complex hallways
- Broken lobby locks in Brooklyn buildings
- Absent security in nightclubs
A recent client won $500k after an attack in a Queens building with three prior police reports. The owner ignored foreseeable risks completely.
#3 Defective Stairs and Handrails (The Silent Hazard)
Something as simple as a handrail can become lethal. NYC building codes mandate strict stair safety, yet violations persist:
- Wobbly or missing handrails
- Steps with inconsistent heights
- Decaying wooden stairs in brownstones
We handled a case where a tenant fell down rotted steps owned by a negligent landlord. The jury awarded $220k. Landlords must inspect those staircases quarterly!
#4 Falling Objects & Structural Collapses (Unexpected Dangers)
Ceiling tiles crashing down represents a legitimate concern. Claims spike after heavy snow or in aging buildings. Common scenarios include:
- Collapsing store shelving units
- Construction debris from overhead work
- Ceiling cave-ins in neglected apartments
A Williamsburg café paid $90k last year when faulty ductwork fell on a patron. Regular inspections aren’t optional.
#5 Elevator/Escalator Malfunctions (Mechanical Nightmares)
Elevator accidents in high-rises prove particularly terrifying. NYC requires monthly inspections, yet failures persist due to:
- Misleveling elevator cars
- Sudden escalator jerks and stops
- Entrapment incidents“`html
We represented a doorman trapped for hours in a faulty elevator—the case settled for $175k. Property owners shouldn’t skip maintenance contracts! The Department of Buildings provides guidelines for elevator safety.
Building Your Case: Practical Steps
If you suffer an injury:
- Document everything—photos, witness contacts, incident reports.
- Seek medical care immediately (records prove injury severity).
- Report to property owners—this creates a paper trail.
- Don’t delay! NY’s statute of limitations gives just 3 years to file.
Why Legal Help Matters
Insurance companies routinely lowball victims. A major retailer offered one client $15k for a fractured hip, but we fought for $200k. Experts like engineers or security consultants often make the difference between winning and losing.
Conclusion
Safe properties don’t happen by accident—they result from diligent ownership. If you’ve suffered an injury due to negligence, remember: You don’t pay unless we win your case. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. combines 20+ years of NYC premises liability experience with personalized advocacy.
Act Now: Injured in NYC? Call (516)-750-0595 for a free consultation. Let our expertise guide your recovery.
