Slip and Fall Accidents in New York: Your Rights and How The Bongiorno Law Firm Builds Winning Cases

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury across New York City and Long Island. These incidents often lead to emergency room visits, lost wages, and long-term medical care. What many people don’t realize is that slip and fall cases are complex, and New York law requires proof of several legal elements before a victim can be compensated.  

As experienced New York slip and fall lawyers, The Bongiorno Law Firm builds strong, evidence-driven claims designed to hold negligent property owners accountable and maximize financial recovery for our clients. 

You may also find our article on What Is a Free Consultation in a NYC Personal Injury Claim? helpful — it explains what to expect during an initial consultation with our firm. 

The Legal Duty of Property Owners in New York 

Under New York premises liability law, property owners, landlords, tenants, and managing agents must keep their property safe and free from dangerous conditions. This obligation includes residential, commercial, and public spaces, such as: 

• Apartment buildings 

• Private homes 

• Supermarkets and grocery stores 

• Restaurants, cafés, and bars 

• Office buildings and commercial lobbies 

• Parking lots, driveways, roadways and outdoor walkways 

• Public parks and amusement parks  

• Shopping malls and retail stores 

• Hotels, motels, and resorts 

• New York City sidewalks governed by (NYC Administrative Code §7-210) 

External link to law: 
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-4164 

Failure to maintain property in a safe condition may result in the property owner being legally responsible for your injuries. 

If you’d like to read more about similar claims regarding unsafe property conditions, see our Trip and Fall practice area page. 

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents 

Slip and fall accidents often occur because of: 

• Wet or recently mopped floors 

• Spilled liquids or food 

• Leaks from refrigeration units or plumbing 

• Excessive floor wax or polish 

• Snow and ice accumulation 

• Grease, oil, or cleaning chemicals 

• Moisture tracked in during inclement weather 

• Smooth or worn flooring or steps that lack traction 

• Loose mats or soaked carpeting 

• Condensation from air conditioning systems 

Why Identifying the Exact Cause of the Fall Is Essential 

New York courts require proof of what caused you to slip and fall. You must identify: 

• The substance or condition (water, oil, ice, soap, grease, wax) 

• The location of the condition 

• The size, shape, and appearance of the condition  

• Whether the condition appeared dirty, old, fresh, melting, or discolored 

• The type of flooring (tile, concrete, marble, carpet, wood, metal) 

• Whether the surface was worn, uneven, or lacked proper friction 

Key Legal Elements of a Slip and Fall Case in New York 

To win a slip and fall case, the injured person must prove: 

1. A slippery, dangerous condition existed. 

2. The property owner created the condition or had notice of it. 

3. The dangerous condition caused the fall. 

4. The fall caused the injuries being claimed. 

Creation 

A defendant creates a hazardous condition when their actions make the surface unsafe — such as mopping without warning signs or improperly applying floor wax. 

Notice 

• Actual notice: the property owner knew about the danger and ignored it. 

• Constructive notice: the hazard existed long enough that they should have discovered and fixed it. 

Sidewalk Slip and Fall Liability under NYC Administrative Code §7-210 

In New York City,  property owners must maintain adjacent sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition. Under NYC Admin Code §7-210, owners can be liable for injuries caused by: 

• Snow and ice 

• Slippery algae or moss 

• Ponding water 

• Leaking gutters that form slick surfaces 

• Cracked, uneven, or poorly maintained sidewalks 

 External link to law: 
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-4164 

This law is especially important when a slip and fall occurs on public walkways or sidewalks rather than inside a building. 

Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Accidents and the Espinal Rule 

Snow and ice cases require immediate investigation and expert analysis. While property owners must clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm ends, many hire snow removal contractors — and the Espinal rule limits when those contractors can be sued. 

A snow removal contractor is liable if they create the slippery condition that causes you to slip and fall.  For example, if they remove the snow from a parking lot but fail to apply sand and salt to the surface.   

These cases often overlap with construction, maintenance, or contractor-liability case matters, areas where The Bongiorno Law Firm also handles claims. 

Slip and Fall Injury in New York 

Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of emergency department visits, hospitalizations and serious injury among New York residents.  

Fall-related injuries remain a leading cause of fractures, head trauma, and long-term disability. 

How The Bongiorno Law Firm Builds Strong Slip and Fall Cases 

Our attorneys use a methodical, evidence-driven approach to uncover the cause of the fall and prove negligence. We move quickly to secure and preserve evidence before it disappears. 

Our investigation includes: 

• Photographing and documenting the hazardous condition 

• Obtaining incident reports 

• Securing surveillance video before its erased  

• Interviewing witnesses and employees 

• Collecting cleaning, inspection, and maintenance records 

• Sending evidence preservation letters 

• Reviewing weather reports for snow and ice claims 

• Consulting with engineering, flooring, and safety experts 

• Documenting injuries through your medical providers 

What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident 

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident: 

1. Report the incident immediately. 

2. Take photos or video of the slippery condition. 

3. Get names and contact information for witnesses. 

4. Keep your shoes exactly as they are. 

5. Seek prompt medical attention. 

6. Avoid speaking with insurance companies. 

7. Contact The Bongiorno Law Firm as soon as possible. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With The Bongiorno Law Firm

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident anywhere in New York, The Bongiorno Law Firm is here to help you fight for justice and compensation.

We care. We fight. You win.
Call for a Free Case Review today: 516-741-4170

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