The Duty Property Owners Owe in New York
New York applies a single standard of reasonable care: a property owner must maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition in light of all the circumstances, including the likelihood of injury and the burden of avoiding the risk. To recover, an injured person generally must show the owner created the dangerous condition or had actual or constructive notice of it and failed to remedy it within a reasonable time. The specifics of notice and reasonableness are where these cases are won or lost.
Types of Premises Liability Claims
Slip, trip, and fall injuries; negligent security leading to assaults in poorly secured buildings, parking garages, or apartment complexes; inadequate maintenance causing ceiling collapses, falling debris, or stair failures; swimming pool and recreational injuries; dog bites and animal attacks; elevator and escalator accidents; and exposure to toxic substances like lead paint. Each category carries its own legal standards and evidence requirements, which we know how to satisfy.
Injured in New York? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your case review is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Negligent Security in New York
When a foreseeable criminal act — an assault, robbery, or shooting — occurs because a property owner failed to provide reasonable security (working locks, adequate lighting, functioning cameras, or security personnel where the risk warranted), the owner may be liable for the resulting injuries. These cases turn on foreseeability and prior similar incidents, and they demand careful investigation of the property's history, which we pursue aggressively.
Compensation in Premises Cases
Depending on the injury, you may recover medical expenses and future care, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and damages for permanent disability or disfigurement. In negligent-security and other egregious cases, additional damages may apply. We document the full scope of your harm and pursue every liable party and insurance policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally that the property owner created a dangerous condition, or knew or should have known about it and failed to fix it in a reasonable time, and that this caused your injury. Prompt evidence-gathering is critical to proving notice.
Yes, under negligent security law. If a foreseeable crime occurred because the owner failed to provide reasonable security measures, the owner may be liable. These cases hinge on foreseeability and the property's history of similar incidents.
Generally three years in New York, but only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim if the property is owned by a government entity such as the city or NYCHA. Contact us promptly to protect your rights.
Ready to talk to a New York attorney? Call 973-566-5599 any time, or request your free case review online. A legal specialist will reach out within the hour.