New York City Premises Liability Lawyer

It happens in an instant. The wet floor with no warning sign. The broken step nobody bothered to fix. The poorly lit stairwell. One moment, you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re in pain, facing mounting medical bills, missed work, and a future full of uncertainty.

These moments aren’t just accidents. They’re life-altering events that leave you hurt, scared, and wondering, “Who’s going to help me through this?” That’s where we come in. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our New York premises liability lawyer team has been the voice for people who’ve suffered an injury because property owners failed to keep their premises safe for more than 40 years.

For over four decades, we’ve been standing up for people just like you across New York. We’ve won over $1 billion for our clients and are not afraid to take on property owners, big corporations, or insurance companies to get you the justice you deserve.

Injured on someone else’s property? Let’s have a conversation about what happened to you. Contact our office at (212) 513-1000 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Finz & Finz, P.C.?

new york and long island personal injury law firm - Finz & Finz P.C.

Our team has extensive experience and an outstanding record of successful premises liability cases in New York. How do we stand out from other law firms?

Unparalleled experience and results: With more than four decades of experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, our track record speaks for itself. Our New York premises liability lawyers have handled countless complex cases, securing record-setting verdicts and settlements that have changed our clients’ lives.
Founded by a former judge: Our firm was established by a former New York State Supreme Court Justice who is peer-reviewed as one of the “Preeminent Lawyers of America.” This judicial insight gives us a unique perspective when building your case.
Skilled legal team: Our hand-selected team includes four former judges and accomplished litigators who have earned the highest peer-review ratings for ethics and legal ability. When you work with a premises liability lawyer in New York from our firm, you’re getting top-tier legal representation.
We never back down: We’ve built a reputation among judges, defense lawyers, and insurance companies as a firm that refuses to settle for less than our clients deserve. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers.
Client-centered approach: Our compassionate and seasoned support staff is committed to providing personalized attention and top-quality service throughout your case. We understand what you’re going through and will be by your side every step of the way.
No fee unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients pay us nothing unless we secure compensation for them. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

When property owners fail to maintain safe premises, and you suffer as a result, you need a law firm with the resources, experience, and dedication to fight for justice. The New York premises liability attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. are ready to be your advocates during this challenging time.

Premises Liability & Your Status on the Property

First things first, what exactly is premises liability? It’s the legal idea that property owners have a responsibility to keep their space safe—or at least warn you about dangers they know about. If they don’t, and you get hurt because of it, they can be held accountable. According to the New York City Bar Association, premises liability is defined as injuries due to owner negligence.

But here’s the catch: in New York, how much care they owe you depends on why you were there in the first place. The law splits this into three categories—your “status” as a visitor:

Invitee: You’re an invitee if you were welcomed onto the property for the owner’s benefit—like a customer in a store or a guest at a hotel. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. They have to regularly check for hazards (think wet floors or broken stairs), fix them fast, or put up clear warnings. If they slack off and you get hurt, our premises liability lawyers in New York can make a strong case against them.
Licensee: A licensee is someone allowed to be there, but not necessarily for the owner’s gain—like a friend dropping by your house or a delivery person. Owners don’t have to inspect the place for you; they do have to fix or warn you about dangers they already know about. If they ignore a wobbly railing they’ve known about for weeks and you fall, they’re in hot water.
Trespasser: Yep, even trespassers—people who aren’t supposed to be there—get some protection. Owners can’t set traps or intentionally hurt you, and they might have to warn about hidden dangers if they know trespassers sneak in often (like kids cutting through a vacant lot). But their duty is the lowest, so proving liability can be trickier unless the neglect was blatant.

Your status shapes the fight. A New York premises liability lawyer from Finz & Finz, P.C. can evaluate your specific situation, determine your status at the time of injury, and build a strong case based on the duty of care owed to you.

Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents

Accidents happen in all kinds of places, and they’re more common than you might think. Here’s a look at the ones we see most often—and how they can change your life in an instant:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven stairs can send you crashing down before you know it. Slip and fall accidents aren’t just embarrassing—they can leave you with broken bones or worse. Property owners who don’t clean up or warn you are the ones we hold accountable.

Fact: According to the National Floor Safety Institute, over one million emergency room visits yearly are attributable to slip and fall injuries.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are full of risks, such as falling tools, unstable scaffolding, or unmarked holes. If you’re a worker or even a passerby hurt by someone’s carelessness in a construction accident, you deserve answers and compensation for the harm done.

Grocery Store Accidents

Spilled juice in aisle five, a wobbly shelf, or a poorly lit parking lot. These everyday hazards can turn a quick shopping trip into a nightmare. We’ve seen too many people hurt because stores put profits over safety.

Dog Bites

A friendly visit turns terrifying when a dog attacks. Owners are supposed to control their pets, and when they don’t, our New York premises liability attorneys step in to ensure you’re not left to suffer alone after a dog bite incident.

Amusement Park Accidents

Thrilling experiences shouldn’t end with hospital visits. Broken rides, loose safety bars, or sloppy maintenance can ruin more than your day; they can ruin your life. We fight to hold parks accountable for amusement park accidents.

Building Collapses

A ceiling caves in, or a wall gives way, and suddenly, you’re buried under rubble. Shoddy construction or ignored repairs can turn a safe space into a death trap. We hold owners accountable for the devastation resulting from building collapses.

Building Fire

When smoke fills the air, exits are blocked, or sprinklers don’t work, a building fire can leave you burned or worse. If owners skipped safety checks or cut corners, we make sure they pay for your suffering.

House Fire

A cozy home can quickly turn into an inferno because of faulty wiring or ignored hazards. Losing everything—or someone—you love is heartbreaking, and we fight to get you justice when negligence is responsible for a house fire.

Fact: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residential fires are responsible for over 10,000 injuries and nearly 3,000 deaths annually.

Negligent Building Security

Broken gates or missing guards let danger walk right in. If you’re attacked because an owner didn’t bother with basic security, we’re here to demand they answer for negligent building security.

Playground Accidents

Playground accidents should never happen. Never. A rusted slide or shaky swing can turn playtime into a trip to the ER. Kids deserve safe spaces, and we take on owners who let hazards ruin their fun and your peace of mind.

School Injuries

Loose handrails, cluttered halls, or fights can hurt your child at school. It’s a parent’s nightmare, and we step in when those trusted with their safety fail to protect them, resulting in school injuries.

Sidewalk Accidents

Cracked pavement or hidden dips can cause you to fall and get injured. Cities and property owners have to keep walkways safe to prevent sidewalk accidents. When they don’t, we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Snow & Ice Accidents

Slippery steps or unshoveled paths can knock you flat in seconds. Owners who don’t clear winter hazards can leave you in pain, and we’re here to make them accountable for your damages resulting from snow and ice accidents.

Trip and Fall Accidents

A raised rug or cluttered floor can catch your foot, and down you go. Trip and fall accidents don’t always result in bruises or sprained ankles. They can lead to more serious injuries.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Drownings, slips on wet decks, or faulty drains—pools can be dangerous when owners don’t keep them safe. When swimming pool accidents happen, we help victims and their families seek justice.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

A sudden jolt, a stuck door, or a broken escalator misstep can seriously hurt you in an elevator accident. Owners have to maintain both elevators and escalators on their property, and when they fail, we make them pay.

Exposure to Hazardous Conditions

Toxic chemicals, mold, or asbestos lurking in a building can make you sick without you even knowing why. Property owners who ignore these dangers need to face the consequences.

Inadequate Security Measures

No cameras, broken locks, or dim lighting can invite crime (assaults, robberies, or worse). Our attorneys will fight for justice if a property owner didn’t protect you.

If you’ve suffered an injury in any of these scenarios, a premises liability lawyer in New York from Finz & Finz, P.C. can help determine if negligence played a role and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Compensation Under New York Premises Liability Law

When you’ve suffered an injury due to a property owner’s negligence, New York law allows you to pursue various types of compensable damages. The premises liability attorney in New York from Finz & Finz, P.C. will fight to secure all damages you’re entitled to receive, including:

Economic damages: These compensate for the quantifiable financial losses resulting from your injury, including current medical expenses, future medical costs, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and many more.
Non-economic damages: These are any non-monetary losses that impact your quality of life, including emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and others.
Wrongful death damages: If you’ve lost a loved one due to dangerous property conditions, additional damages may be available through a wrongful death claim, including pre-death medical care, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and more.

However, keep in mind that New York sets a time limit for personal injury and wrongful death cases. According to the official website of the New York State Unified Court System, the time limit, or the statute of limitations, is three years for claims involving negligence resulting in injury and two years for wrongful death claims.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., our New York premises liability lawyers work with economic experts, medical professionals, and life-care planners to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages. We understand that serious injuries affect every aspect of your life, and we’re committed to securing compensation that truly reflects your current and future needs.

How Our New York Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

We’re with you every step of the way. At Finz & Finz, P.C., we provide comprehensive legal representation to handle every aspect of your case:

Evaluate the case: We will hear your story and determine if you’ve got a solid claim at no cost (our initial consultations are free).
Conduct an independent investigation: We do it all: visiting the scene, talking to witnesses, and collecting evidence to build a strong case.
Assess your damages: We add up every cost, from bills to your pain, so nothing gets overlooked.
Gather proof: Photos, videos, records—it’s all on us to help strengthen your case.
Negotiate: We take on property owners and insurance companies, pushing for a fair deal.
File a lawsuit: We take it to court if they won’t budge. No backing down.
Represent you in court: With years of trial experience, we’re committed to fighting for you with everything we’ve got.

With Finz & Finz, P.C. managing your premises liability claim, you can focus on what matters most—your recovery—while we handle the legal matters and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call the New York Premises Liability Lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C.

You didn’t ask for this—someone else’s negligence or carelessness put you in the position you’re in, and now it hurts, and you don’t know what to do. But you don’t have to bear these burdens alone. At Finz & Finz, P.C., we’ve spent over four decades helping people like you get back on their feet. With over $1 billion won and a team that includes former judges and top-tier litigators, we’re ready to fight for you. Let’s make things right together.

Call us at (212) 513-1000 for a free case review.

How Can a New York City Premises Liability Lawyer Help?

When you’re injured on another person’s or business’s property – and a dangerous condition caused your injury – you can seek compensation for your damages and other losses. An experienced New York City premises liability attorney can maximize the case value of your premises liability claim. Our New York City premises liability lawyers can help you by:

Thoroughly investigating your accident. Premises liability cases can be factually complex. Property owners will dispute the existence of a dangerous condition or their knowledge of, and opportunity to correct, those conditions. We work tirelessly to collect evidence in your premises liability case.
Securing evidence. Substantial evidence, such as an accident/incident report or surveillance video, may be available when your premises liability accident occurs in a commercial establishment. Our attorneys ensure that evidence is preserved in the regular business course.
Identifying responsible parties and sources of compensation. Premises liability cases may raise the issue of which party bears responsibility for the victim’s injuries. Our attorneys can determine whether a property owner, business owner, or management company is to blame. We can also identify all available sources of compensation, including layered insurance policies.
Negotiating settlements and pursuing litigation. We aggressively pursue a settlement that provides you with complete and fair compensation. When payment isn’t possible, we tirelessly prepare your case to go to trial if necessary. We aim to ensure you obtain the highest financial recovery you deserve. For more than 35 years, we have done just that.

Why Choose Finz & Finz, P.C.?

If you have a premises liability claim in New York City, you have many attorneys and law firms to choose from. But how can you know which firm suits you and your case? Unfortunately, not all premises liability lawyers are created equal.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., our New York City premises liability lawyers bring the expertise, knowledge, and skill you need to successfully pursue compensation in your claim. For more than 35 years, our attorneys have litigated complex premises liability cases in New York City and beyond. Our firm exclusively focuses on personal injury law. As a result, we have in-depth experience and knowledge of the law governing premises liability cases, and we leave nothing to chance.
We are honored to have a hand-selected team of some of the most accomplished and experienced personal injury litigators in New York City, including four former judges. In addition, a professional, compassionate, client-focused support staff supports our legal team. We are committed to providing you with the top-notch service you need and deserve. We also have established partnerships with world-renowned experts to consult on complex medical, economic, and liability issues.

Our firm enjoys a long track record of helping injured clients obtain record-setting six-, seven-, and eight-figure settlements and verdicts. Those recoveries have allowed our clients and their families to get back on track following devastating injuries. Finz & Finz, P.C., is committed to obtaining the maximum compensation you are entitled to – we never settle for less.

Compensation for Personal Injury Victims in New York City

You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered injuries due to dangerous conditions on someone’s property. Damages in premises liability cases fall into two categories – economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages provide compensation for specific monetary losses, such as:

Loss of earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job or any gainful employment.
Lost wages if your injuries cause you to miss time from work.
Medical costs include hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medication, therapy, rehabilitation, or mobility assistance equipment.

Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective losses arising from your injuries, including:

Loss of consortium, which compensates your spouse for the loss of your intimate companionship and society.
Lost quality of life, brought about by disabilities, physical disfigurements, inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before your accident, or failure to take care of tasks of daily living.
Pain and suffering, or the physical and emotional anguish and distress brought about by your injuries.

In addition to damages arising from your injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for the damage you incurred in your accident, such as torn clothing, broken glasses, a broken watch or cell phone, etc.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Premises Liability Lawsuits in New York?

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property through no fault, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. This period is called the statute of limitations. Under New York law, the statute of limitations for premises liability lawsuits is three years from your accident and injury date. If you do not file a lawsuit in time, the court can permanently dismiss your lawsuit. Under certain circumstances, the statute of limitations can be extended or “tolled.” For example, a minor with a premises liability claim must file a lawsuit three years after their 18th birthday.

In addition to the statute of limitations, you must notify the government if your claim is against the state, a municipal government, or an agency. You have 90 days from your accident and injury to file a notice in the court of claims or relevant municipal court. Although the court may grant you leave to file a late notice if you demonstrate good cause, your case can be permanently barred if you do not file a notice promptly.

Common Places Where Dangerous Conditions Can Cause Accidents

Premises liability accidents frequently occur on properties where the public is invited to visit. Places where dangerous conditions may cause accidents to include: