Can you sue a New York City store if you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident?
Yes. If your fall resulted from the store’s negligence — such as failing to clean up a spill, remove hazards, or post warning signs — you could have grounds to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. New York law requires property owners and businesses to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors. Failing to do so can make them liable for any resulting injuries.
In New York City, slip-and-fall incidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims. You might be shopping for groceries, walking through a clothing store, or stepping into a café when suddenly, you lose your footing. Some incidents cause nothing more than embarrassment, but others lead to serious injuries, including fractures, concussions, or back trauma.
And while many New Yorkers are vigilant about salting their sidewalks or clearing icy patches to avoid accidents, what happens when you slip inside a store that should have properly managed slip-and-fall hazards? The good news is that the law provides clear pathways to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation.
What Should You Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in a Store?
The actions you take immediately after the fall can have a big impact on your claim, so make sure to prioritize these:
- Report the incident right away. Tell the store manager or an employee what happened and ask them to file an official report. Then request a copy or at least note the names of those involved.
- Take photos and videos. Document the area where you fell, including the hazard (such as a puddle or uneven floor), lighting conditions, and absence of warning signs.
- Gather witness details. Get the names and contact information of individuals who saw the incident or the circumstances leading to it.
- Seek medical care immediately. Even if you feel fine, sprains, head trauma, or any resulting injury can worsen over time. Medical records link your injuries directly to the fall.
- Contact a lawyer before talking to insurers. Stores and their insurance companies may try to limit liability. A slip-and-fall lawyer can help you avoid saying anything that could harm your case.
Pro tip: Keep the shoes and clothes you were wearing, as they can be used as evidence if your attorney needs to demonstrate how the fall happened.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in NYC Stores
In a busy city like New York, store-related hazards are everywhere. But with proper maintenance and attention, these hazards and the accidents they cause can be prevented.
| Hazard | How It Causes Accidents |
| Wet floors from spills or mopping | Shoppers slip when stores fail to warn or dry the area. |
| Cluttered aisles or misplaced products | Items block pathways, causing trips and falls. |
| Poor lighting | Dark areas make it harder to see hazards or uneven flooring. |
| Leaking refrigeration units | These may create slippery puddles near aisles and checkouts. |
| Rain, snow, or ice near entrances | Moisture gets tracked indoors, creating slick surfaces. |
A store that ignores or delays fixing these conditions puts customers at risk. Even a few minutes of inattention can lead to a serious injury.
Can You Sue the Store for Your Injury?
In most cases, yes, if negligence did cause your fall. Such cases fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners and businesses responsible for maintaining safe conditions.
For your claim to be successful, you must demonstrate that:
- The store was responsible for causing the dangerous condition, or was aware of it (or reasonably should have been aware), and
- The store neglected to resolve it or issue a timely warning.
Security footage, cleaning logs, witness statements, and other pieces of evidence can make a huge difference. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as you can because stores often overwrite surveillance footage within days.
Statute of limitations
You typically have three years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York, according to N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If the store is located on government-owned property (for example, inside a city-managed facility), the filing deadline may be much shorter, sometimes as little as 90 days.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful claim lets you recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your injury
Every case is different, and the value depends on the severity of your injuries and the store’s level of negligence.
Is It Worth Pursuing a Store Injury Case?
Some people hesitate to take legal action, worrying it might seem excessive or complicated. The truth is, pursuing a claim is mostly about protecting your right to recover from an injury that wasn’t your fault.
Even a seemingly minor slip-and-fall accident can lead to long-term injuries. A fractured wrist or back injury can mean weeks of missed work, costly therapy, and lasting pain. You shouldn’t have to shoulder those burdens, especially without financial aid, when it was someone else’s negligence that caused them.
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers recover compensation after serious falls in stores, restaurants, and other commercial spaces. Our legal team understands how to investigate these cases, deal with insurance companies, and build a strong claim on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, let us help. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward recovery. Contact our firm for a free consultation.
