Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City Commercial Properties: Who is Liable? 

At David Resnick & Associates, our New York City personal injury attorneys know slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. Still, they’re particularly common in New York’s bustling commercial properties, including office buildings, shopping malls, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Determining who is liable when these accidents result in injuries can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. Understanding how liability works in slip-and-fall cases within commercial properties is crucial for injured victims seeking compensation, and we can help.

What is Considered Premises Liability in New York?

Premises liability is a legal principle that requires property owners and occupiers to maintain safe conditions for those legally on their premises. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured, they may be liable for damages.

In the context of commercial properties, this responsibility extends to various entities, including owners, tenants, and even maintenance contractors. Proving liability for a slip and fall involves establishing that the responsible party was negligent in maintaining a safe environment.

Who Are the Potentially Liable Parties in New York City Commercial Slip and Fall Cases?

Determining liability in a New York commercial property slip-and-fall accident can involve several parties, each of whom may have contributed to causing or failing to prevent the accident.

They include, but are not limited to:

• Commercial Property Owners

Property owners have a duty to ensure their buildings are reasonably safe for visitors. This includes conducting regular inspections, making necessary repairs, and addressing known hazards. The owner can be held accountable if a slip and fall accident occurs due to poor maintenance, such as cracked flooring or inadequate lighting.

• Business Owners and Tenants

Tenants operating businesses within commercial spaces often share liability, especially if the accident happens within areas under their control. For example, if a restaurant tenant fails to clean up a spill in their dining area or leaves boxes obstructing walkways, they could be held responsible for any injuries.

• Property Managers

Property managers oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance of commercial buildings. They are often responsible for ensuring common areas are safe and following maintenance protocols. If negligence in managing the property leads to an unsafe condition, the property manager may share liability for the slip and fall.

• Maintenance and Cleaning Companies

Commercial property owners often hire third-party maintenance or cleaning companies to manage upkeep. If a maintenance crew fails to adequately address a hazard, such as neglecting to place caution signs after mopping, they could be liable for resulting injuries.

• Landlords

In some cases, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural aspects of commercial properties, like stairs, elevators, or roofs. If the slip and fall results from issues like a leaking roof that leads to wet floors, the landlord could be held liable.

Proving Liability in a New York City Commercial Slip and Fall Case

To win a slip and fall claim in New York, the injured party must establish the following elements of negligence:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party owed a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors.
• Breach of Duty: The party failed to meet that duty by not addressing or warning about an unsafe condition.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the slip and fall accident.
• Damages: The injured person suffered measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Navigating a slip and fall claim in a commercial property can be complicated, mainly when multiple parties are potentially liable.

Our experienced slip-and-fall attorneys in New York City can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, identifying all liable parties.
• Gather crucial evidence, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation or represent you in court if necessary.

Contact Our New York Personal Injury Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C.

Contact the New York personal injury law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case. We serve clients throughout New York City, in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Long Island.

You can connect with our experienced New York City injury attorneys for a free consultation with no obligations. If your case is accepted, we’ll manage every detail from beginning to end without upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. You won’t pay anything for our top-tier personal injury legal services unless we achieve a successful outcome for you. That’s our commitment to our New York City communities.

Author: David Resnick

Founder of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a New York personal injury law firm in charge of providing exceptional and personal service to each of our clients in various areas including car accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, construction accidents, and premises liability. David Resnick founded the firm in 1998 after working in large law firms where he saw a need for greater client communication and more personal care.