Premises Liability Lawyer New York, NY
Property owners and occupiers in New York City—from landlords of high-rise apartment buildings in Midtown Manhattan to retailers in the Financial District—have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When a dangerous condition causes a slip and fall, trip and fall, or another injury, New York law allows the injured person to bring a civil claim for damages. These claims, known as premises liability actions, can involve complex questions about notice, comparative fault, and insurance coverage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals who have been hurt on another’s property in New York County, including after incidents in apartment buildings, office towers, retail stores, restaurants, and public spaces. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand New York’s pure comparative fault standard and the three-year statute of limitations under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If you were injured on someone else’s property in New York, NY, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Premises Liability Means in New York, NY
In New York, a premises liability claim arises when a person is injured because of a dangerous condition on property that the owner or occupier either created or should have known about. The duty of care owed to the injured person depends on the visitor’s status—invitee, licensee, or trespasser—but the analysis centers on whether the property owner acted reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm. For example, a grocery store in Chelsea that fails to clean a spilled liquid within a reasonable time may be liable if a customer slips and suffers a broken bone. A building owner in the East Village who neglects to repair a broken stair tread may bear responsibility for a tenant’s injury. The claim must be filed in the appropriate New York court, often the New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street.
New York applies a pure comparative fault rule under CPLR Article 14‑A, which means an injured person’s recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to that person—but the claim is not barred entirely, unlike in some other jurisdictions. This makes the factual investigation especially important: the extent to which the property owner’s negligence contributed to the injury, and the degree to which the injured party’s own conduct may have played a role, will directly affect the value of the claim. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles premises liability matters throughout Manhattan, including in neighborhoods such as Midtown, the Upper East Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Tribeca. The firm concentrates its personal injury practice on building a thorough factual record from the start, because the strength of that record often determines the outcome.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Premises Liability Cases
When Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team take on a premises liability matter, the first step is a detailed evaluation of the accident scene and the applicable New York law. The team identifies the responsible parties—property owner, managing agent, lessee, or maintenance contractor—and reviews any available incident reports, surveillance footage, and maintenance logs. If the claim involves a municipal defendant, the firm pays close attention to the 90‑day notice-of-claim requirement that applies to suits against the City of New York and its agencies. The team also works with medical professionals to document the nature and extent of the client’s injuries, because New York permits recovery for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
The firm’s approach to premises liability litigation is methodical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review the procedural rules of the New York County Supreme Court, where most significant personal injury actions are heard, and prepare each case as though it will go to trial. Many matters resolve through negotiation, but the team’s readiness to proceed in court—including its experience with the preliminary conference and compliance conference stages—strengthens the client’s position during settlement discussions. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed of developments and answer questions about the timeline, which varies based on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter. The firm does not charge a fee for its services in personal injury cases unless it recovers compensation for the client.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He brings a disciplined, evidence-focused perspective to civil litigation, honed through decades of courtroom experience. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team concentrate their personal injury practice on thorough preparation and a clear understanding of New York’s procedural and substantive law.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to every premises liability case the firm handles. Results may vary. The team includes attorneys who have handled civil litigation in New York state courts for many years, and the firm’s multi-state presence allows it to coordinate effectively with out‑of‑state parties, insurers, and attorneys. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains a New York location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Buffalo, NY 14202, and meets clients by appointment. All initial consultations on premises liability matters are free, and there is no fee unless the firm recovers compensation for the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a premises liability claim in New York?
A premises liability claim is a civil action for damages caused by a dangerous condition on real property. The property owner, manager, or occupier may be legally responsible if the injury resulted from a failure to use reasonable care. Common scenarios include slippery floors, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or lack of security. In New York, the claim is typically brought in Supreme Court and is governed by the state’s pure comparative fault rule, meaning the injured person’s recovery is reduced by his or her own percentage of fault. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in New York?
Under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5), a personal injury claim—including a premises liability action—must be filed within three years from the date the injury occurred. If the claim is against a city, county, or other municipal entity, a notice of claim must be served within 90 days of the incident. Missing the applicable deadline can permanently bar the claim, so it is important to speak with a lawyer promptly. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What kinds of damages can I recover in a New York premises liability case?
An injured person may seek compensation for economic losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, as well as non‑economic damages including pain and suffering. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. The amount of any recovery depends on the seriousness of the injury, the degree of fault of each party, and the available insurance coverage. Each case is different, and the result is not guaranteed. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall accident in New York City?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but premises liability claims involve procedural deadlines, evidence preservation, and negotiation with insurance carriers that can be difficult to manage without legal representation. An attorney can investigate the condition that caused the accident, identify responsible parties, and handle communications with insurers. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers a free initial consultation so you can learn about your options before deciding how to proceed. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Manhattan?
If you are physically able, report the incident to the property manager or store owner and request a written incident report. Take photographs of the scene and the condition that caused your fall, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Preserve the clothing and footwear you were wearing. Then consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and any applicable deadlines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can be reached 24 hours a day at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Who can be held responsible for my injury under New York premises liability law?
Responsibility may fall on the owner of the property, a commercial tenant, a managing agent, or a maintenance contractor—depending on who had control over the area where the injury occurred and who knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. In some cases, more than one party may share liability. Identifying all potentially responsible parties early is important because it affects the insurance coverage available to compensate you. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., reviews these issues as part of its initial case evaluation. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
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