Long Island Slip and Fall Lawyer

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to address hazards like wet floors, broken steps, poor lighting, or icy walkways, serious injuries can occur out of nowhere. Thankfully, New York law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation when a property owner’s carelessness causes harm. Our Long Island slip and fall lawyer works with you to build a claim based on where the fall happened, what caused it, and how your injuries have affected your daily life, ability to work, and long-term health. Reach out to our firm today to tell us about your case and set up a free case evaluation.

Your Slip and Fall Lawyer in Long Island, NY

Slip and fall accidents are often dismissed as minor or unavoidable, but the injuries can be anything but. Falls frequently result in broken bones, head injuries, back trauma, and soft tissue damage that requires ongoing treatment. Many people do not start feeling the full extent of their injuries until days or weeks later, once pain worsens or mobility becomes limited. If this happens to you, you still have the right to explore your legal options for compensation.

Successful slip and fall claims come down to proving that a property owner knew—or should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it within a reasonable time. Insurance companies frequently argue that the hazard was obvious or that the injured person was at fault. Our slip and fall lawyer takes a careful and fact-driven approach to effectively counter those arguments.

From our Garden City office, we represent individuals across Long Island who were hurt on unsafe property and are now dealing with medical bills, lost wages from work, and physical limitations. From the first conversation, we focus on clear communication and realistic expectations, because you deserve to understand how your case is being handled and what steps are being taken on your behalf. Our firm is here to manage communication with insurance companies, gathers records, and tracks deadlines so you are not left trying to prove your case alone while recovering.

Put Our Experience in Your Corner

Our personal injury attorney has more than 35 years of experience advocating for injured individuals throughout New York. With multi-million-dollar settlements in our results portfolio, we know how to review accident details, address fault arguments, and present claims that clearly show how a property owner’s failure led to serious harm.

At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we build slip and fall claims using incident reports, photographs, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, witness statements, and medical documentation. When needed, we examine how long a hazard existed and whether proper inspections or repairs were performed.

Slip and Fall FAQs

Slip and fall accidents often leave people with more questions than answers. Between the stress of your current condition and uncertainty about what comes next, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people injured in slips, trips, and falls across New York.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In New York, most slip and fall claims must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. However, that timeframe can be much shorter if the fall happened on government-owned property, such as a sidewalk maintained by a city or a public building. In those cases, strict notice deadlines apply, sometimes within just a few months. Waiting too long can limit your options, especially if evidence disappears or witnesses become harder to track down.

What evidence is needed for slips, trips, and falls claims?

Strong evidence can make a big difference in a slip and fall claim. Photos or videos of the hazard that caused the fall are especially helpful, along with images of the surrounding area. Incident reports, witness contact information, and medical records showing how the injury occurred and how it affected you are also important. Maintenance logs or cleaning schedules may help show whether the property owner failed to address a known problem.

What’s the difference between a slip and fall & a trip and fall?

The difference between slip and falls vs trip and fall claims comes down to what caused the loss of balance. A slip and fall usually happens when a person loses traction, such as on a wet or icy surface. A trip and fall occurs when someone’s foot catches on an object or uneven surface, like a loose rug or cracked pavement. While the causes differ, both types of accidents can result in serious injuries and may involve property owner responsibility.

I fell and go hurt on a friend’s property, should I still sue?

This situation is more common than people expect, and it often feels uncomfortable. In many cases, a claim is handled through a homeowner’s insurance policy rather than directly against your friend or neighbor. These claims are about coverage and responsibility, not personal blame. Medical bills and lost income can add up quickly, and insurance exists for this exact reason. You can still maintain personal relationships while protecting your financial well-being.

When should I contact an attorney?

It’s a good idea to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible after a slip or fall, especially if you suffered more than minor injuries. Early involvement helps preserve evidence, identify responsible parties, and avoid mistakes when dealing with insurance companies. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, getting answers early can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

When You Need Help, We're Here

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but the impact can follow you for months or even years. Understanding your rights, deadlines, and options can help you make confident decisions for your personal and financial well-being. If you were injured due to unsafe conditions, speaking with a legal professional sooner rather than later can help you protect your interests and focus on recovery.