Can You Sue for a Trip and Fall on Public Property in New York City?

Brian Magnosi | Personal Injury,Trip & Fall Injuries | March 26, 2025

If you’ve suffered a trip and fall on public property in New York City, you could be entitled to significant compensation. New York City mandates that property owners maintain their property and warn of any hazards, but this regulation also holds the city accountable when injuries occur on public property.

In this article, we’ll explore how to establish negligence, navigate the legal process, and prove your injuries to make sure you get the maximum compensation after a trip and fall injury in New York City.

Establishing Negligence After a Trip and Fall 

To sue for an injury on any property, you’ll need to prove the owner’s negligence contributed to your damages. In this case, the property owner is New York City. Just like all property owners, the city is obligated to maintain a safe environment. This means mitigating hazards on all government-owned property and property they are responsible for, such as:

• Sidewalks
• Streets
• Parks
• Libraries
• Schools

If the city fails to uphold this requirement, and a preventable hazard causes you to trip and fall, you could be entitled to compensation. For example, if a library fails to place a warning sign near a wet floor, someone might slip and injure themselves. Because the library did not properly address the hazard, this person could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, distress, or even lost wages.

However, to build a strong case and receive compensation, you’ll have to prove that this negligence caused your injury. That’s where we come in. An experienced trip and fall attorney can investigate the incident, establish negligence, and guide you through the legal process. 

Navigating the Legal Process After a Trip and Fall in NYC

If you’ve been injured in a trip and fall accident, it is, of course, imperative that you receive immediate medical attention. Make sure to call 911 to obtain emergency medical help. While it may be difficult due to your injuries to get the vital information you need to document your case, taking photographs and obtaining witness names and contact information are critical. 

After receiving any necessary medical attention, make sure to:

1. Report the Incident
2. Take photographs and get the names and contact information of witnesses
3. Consult Your Attorney

Report the Incident

If you haven’t already, report the incident to local authorities. You can do this either in person or by dialing 311 to reach the non-emergency hotline. After explaining the fall, you’ll need to request the legal record of the incident, which is crucial when building a case. 

Photos and Witnesses: Document Any Evidence

Document the location of the incident and any hazards that may have contributed to your fall by taking photographs. Remember to collect the contact information of any witnesses. If there were no cameras in the area, these testimonies are crucial to supporting your claim. 

Consult Your Attorney

With this information, you can consult a trip and fall attorney to begin building your case. Share all reports and evidence with your attorney, and they’ll begin identifying liability, calculating compensation, and building a case. 

Understanding Potential Compensation After a Trip and Fall

The potential compensation after a trip and fall can vary greatly. Some might only experience mild bruising, while others might spend months in a cast and out of work. 

While it’s difficult to put an exact monetary value on any injury, we can classify your potential damages into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic costs are the direct costs incurred from an injury, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Non-economic damages are the injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress you suffer after an accident

As your attorney builds your case, they’ll help determine and advocate for a financial award that covers all damages, both physically and mentally. At Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C., we’ve helped our clients collect millions of dollars for trip and fall incidents in New York City, and we’re ready to help you seek your maximum compensation. 

Seeking Compensation After Your Trip and Fall Accident

If you’ve suffered a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, it’s important to act quickly. Get in touch with a NYC trip and fall attorney to hold the city accountable for your damages. It’s essential to work with an experienced lawyer when seeking compensation from the city, so be sure to research the best lawyer in your area.

If you live in NYC, you don’t have to look far. At Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C., we’re ready to guide you through the compensation process with clarity and confidence. Our team understands the complexities of trip and fall injuries, and we’ll fight for your rights every step of the way. If you or a loved one is grappling with the ramifications of a slip and fall, give us a call at 212-227-4000 or get in touch through our contact page.