New York City Premises Liability Lawyers
Injured on a Dangerous Property in New York? We Can Help.
Property owners in New York are legally obligated to keep their premises reasonably safe from hazards and warn visitors of potential dangers if a hazard cannot be immediately eliminated. When a person is injured due to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, they may be able to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the owner.
If you suffered injuries from a slip and fall, ceiling collapse, elevator accident, or any other accident caused by a property owner’s negligence, Sutton & Smyth can review your legal options and help you seek maximum compensation. Our New York premises liability lawyers are committed to holding responsible parties accountable. We will advocate for you every step of the way.
You can expect an attentive, results-oriented representation that puts our extensive experience and resources to work for you. We are available 24/7 and offer a free consultation to start your case, so don't wait to give us a call.
Not sure whether you have a premises liability case? Schedule a free initial consultation with a New York City premises liability attorney by calling (866) 935-1862 or contacting our firm online.
Let Our Firm Maximize Your Compensation
Our NYC premises liability lawyers are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. We are here to fight for your rights and provide you with the legal representation you need to move forward after a premises liability accident.
At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, we offer several key advantages:
- Extensive Experience: Our team of Manhattan premises liability lawyers has decades of combined experience representing clients in all types of premises liability cases. We understand the complexities of New York law and have a proven track record of success.
- Personalized Attention: We know that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific circumstances. You will have direct access to your attorney, ensuring that your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed.
- Resources: Sutton & Smyth, LLP has the resources needed to investigate your case thoroughly. We work with experts in various fields, such as engineering and medical experts, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are known for our aggressive and tenacious approach to advocating for our clients. Our goal is to maximize your compensation and hold negligent property owners accountable.
What Is Premises Liability and When Do I Have a Case?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners for any injuries that occur on their premises due to negligence. A property owner is negligent under New York premises liability law when they fail to address or warn visitors about a safety hazard the owners knew about or reasonably should have known about.
To win a premises liability case in NY, you must be able to prove the following elements:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care. A property owner owes you a duty of care when you enter their property as a patron or invited guest. In other words, when you enter most commercial stores, you are owed a duty of care. You are not owed a duty of care when you trespass on private property.
- The property owner failed to adequately address a safety hazard. A property owner breaches the duty of care owed to you when they do not rectify or warn you about a safety hazard they were aware of or reasonably should have been aware of. This can include anything from a slick surface to unacceptably poor lighting conditions.
- The safety hazard caused an accident. Your premises liability accident must be specifically caused by the safety hazard the property owners failed to address.
- The accident caused harm. If you were involved in an accident but suffered no demonstrable harm, you do not have a premises liability case, even if it can be shown that the property owner acted negligently.
Do not wait to get legal advice if you were injured on someone else’s property. Learn more about your rights and options by calling (866) 935-1862 or contacting us online to speak with a premises liability lawyer in NYC.
Where Does Premises Liability Occur?
Premises liability claims can arise in various locations where individuals have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Here are some common locations where such claims occur:
- Retail Stores: Slip and fall accidents are frequent in retail stores due to spills, uneven flooring, or obstacles in aisles.
- Restaurants and Bars: Similar to retail stores, slip and fall accidents are common in dining establishments. Additionally, there may be liability issues related to food poisoning or inadequate security leading to assaults.
- Hotels and Resorts: Guests may suffer injuries due to poorly maintained facilities, such as broken stairs, malfunctioning elevators, or slippery pool areas.
- Apartment Buildings: Landlords and property managers have a responsibility to maintain common areas like hallways, staircases, and parking lots. Failure to do so can lead to accidents and subsequent liability claims.
- Private Residences: Homeowners may be liable for injuries sustained by guests on their property, especially if they fail to address known hazards or provide adequate warnings.
- Public Parks and Recreation Areas: These places can present various hazards, such as uneven paths, inadequate lighting, or defective playground equipment.
- Workplaces: While workers' compensation typically covers workplace injuries, third parties may be liable if the injury resulted from negligence or unsafe conditions not directly related to employment duties.
- Construction Sites: General contractors, property owners, and subcontractors have a duty to maintain safe conditions for workers and visitors. Accidents on construction sites can lead to significant liability claims.
- Amusement Parks and Entertainment Venues: Injuries at amusement parks can result from ride malfunctions, inadequate safety measures, or poorly maintained premises.
- Sidewalks and Public Walkways: Municipalities may be liable for injuries caused by uneven pavement, potholes, or other defects in public walkways.
- Schools and Universities: These institutions have a duty to provide a safe environment for students, faculty, and visitors. Liability claims may arise from slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, or sports-related injuries.
- Sports Facilities and Gyms: Injuries can occur due to equipment malfunctions, improper supervision, or unsafe premises conditions.
No matter where you got injured and who owns the property, do not hesitate to let Sutton & Smyth, LLP take care of your case. We have experience handling premises liability related to a wide range of locations.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Many premises liability claims name private commercial property owners as defendants. Sometimes, a government entity like the City of New York may be liable for your injuries. Our talented litigators at Sutton & Smyth, LLP are open to these complex premises liability cases. As our lawyers seek the best possible outcome, we will leave no stone unturned.
Our New York City premises liability attorneys are prepared to represent you in cases involving:
- Elevator accidents: Property owners are responsible for ensuring that elevators on their premises are safe for use through regular inspections and maintenance. Suppose an elevator is improperly maintained or does not meet safety standards and consequently experiences an accident. In that case, the property owners may be found negligent and thus liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, broken stairs, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, and improperly stored items such as boxes or debris. Property owners may be liable for trips and falls if they fail to conduct regular assessments of their premises and do not resolve these hazards when they are discovered.
- Sidewalk slip and falls: Slips and falls on sidewalks can be more complicated than the average premises liability case due to the potential involvement of the City of NY. New York can only be held liable under particular conditions. Otherwise, you must take legal action against the adjacent commercial property owner if you slipped because of a safety hazard they knew or should have known about.
- Ceiling collapses: A ceiling can be triggered by a lack of building maintenance, shoddy workmanship during a building’s initial construction, or a byproduct of defective products that damage a building in a single event or over time. A building owner and/or property manager may be liable if they fail to conduct regular maintenance or ignore signs of damage before any accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on someone else's property due to negligence, you need an NYC premises liability lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, we are committed to representing the interests of those injured on poorly maintained or unsafe properties throughout New York, including Manhattan. With our extensive experience and dedication to achieving justice, we are the premier choice for anyone seeking legal assistance in premises liability cases in Manhattan and across the state of New York.
Call (866) 935-1862 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free case review.
Our Satisfied Clients
Read What They Say About Us
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“Highly recommend! Thank you!”
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“Leigh Sutton & Daniel Smyth made sure that his voice was heard and he was compensated to the max!”- Mari K. -
“I always felt like I was in great hands.”
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“I am an attorney that has referred a number of sensitive cases to the attorneys at Sutton & Smyth, LLP.”- Michael L. -
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“Extremely helpful counsel during a stressful time in my life!”- Kelly P.
REcent Case Victories
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations might be.
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$1.7 Million Property Damage Due to Fire
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$775K Motorcycle Accident
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$750K Ceiling Collapse in Rental Apartment
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$585K Bicycle Accident Involving Taxi
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$485K Sidewalk Trip & Fall
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
Compensatory damages in a premises liability case are divided into two categories: Economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover all the financial consequences you suffered from the accident. In contrast, non-economic damages refer to compensation for other losses that are more challenging to quantify, such as pain and suffering.
Our NY premises liability lawyers will fight to obtain compensation for all losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Our New York premises liability attorneys at Sutton & Smyth can help you and your family seek a fair settlement for a property owner’s negligence or carelessness. We can fight to ensure the responsible party is held accountable when you put our extensive years of experience to work for you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in NY?
Suppose your premises liability case does not involve the government. In that case, you must file a liability claim in New York within three years of the accident. If you intend to sue a government entity, you only have 90 days from the accident date to file a "notice of claim."
When someone suffers fatal injuries due to a property owner's negligence, certain immediate family members and the personal representative of their estate get two years from the date the victim passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
When you work with our premises liability attorneys in NYC, we can ensure your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires. We are knowledgeable in all areas of New York premises liability law and can help you understand your rights and legal options when you set up a free consultation. Call (866) 935-1862 to get started.