Premises Liability Lawyers in Queens
Injuries caused by unsafe buildings, walkways and grounds across New York City. Free consultation, and no fee unless we win.
What an owner owes you
A property owner in New York owes a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe for people who are lawfully there. That is not a guarantee against every accident. A claim generally requires a dangerous condition, and proof the owner created it or knew about it — or should have known — with a reasonable opportunity to put it right.
"Should have known" is often where these cases are won or lost. Prior complaints, repair records, violation histories and earlier incidents at the same location are frequently what establishes it, and those records exist with landlords, managing agents and City agencies.
Report the incident in writing and keep a copy. Photograph the condition before it is repaired. If there are cameras, ask for the footage in writing straight away — most systems overwrite within days.
How Davidov & Cohen can help
We take the administrative weight off you and put the case on a footing where the other side has a reason to deal with it properly.
We establish notice
Prior complaints, repair records, violation history and earlier incidents. This is usually the heart of the case.
We preserve the evidence early
Records, photographs, camera footage and witness accounts. Footage is often overwritten within days, so this starts immediately.
We document the full injury
We work with your treating doctors, and specialists where a case calls for one, so the record reflects what the injury actually costs you.
We prepare it as a trial case
Most claims settle. They settle for more when the file is built as though it will be tried, and the other side knows it.
Property cases we handle
- Falls in lobbies and hallways
- Broken stairs and handrails
- Ceiling and structural collapse
- Inadequate building security
- Assaults due to poor lighting or locks
- Elevator and escalator injuries
- Fires and smoke injuries
- Lead paint exposure
- Swimming pool accidents
- Falling objects and debris
- Failure to clear snow and ice
- Defective doors and glass
How long you have to file
The general deadline is three years. If the property belongs to the City, NYCHA or another public body, a notice of claim within 90 days is usually required and the lawsuit must begin much sooner. Identifying the owner early therefore matters as much as the injury itself.
Common questions
What if I was a guest rather than a tenant?
A duty of reasonable care is generally owed to anyone lawfully on the property, including guests and visitors. Your status can matter at the margins but it does not normally defeat a claim.
The landlord fixed the problem right after. Does that help or hurt?
Evidence of a subsequent repair is treated carefully by the courts, but the fact of the repair often helps establish that the condition existed. It is another reason to photograph things before they change.
Can I claim if I was assaulted in a building?
Sometimes. Where a landlord failed to provide reasonable security — broken locks, no working door, prior incidents ignored — a claim may lie against the owner as well as the assailant.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
New York uses pure comparative negligence. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the fault rather than barred outright, so even someone substantially at fault may still recover. It is worth having someone look at it before you assume otherwise.
What does it cost to hire you?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, so our fee comes out of a recovery and there is no fee if there is no recovery. The consultation is free.
Tell Us What Happened
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. We'll get back to you the same day.
Millions Recovered for Injured New Yorkers
At Davidov & Cohen Law, we are proud to have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. Our dedicated legal team has successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, construction site injuries, and more.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an injury can take, which is why we fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve. Through aggressive negotiation and skilled litigation, we hold negligent parties accountable and help our clients rebuild their lives.
Every case we take on is pursued with determination and personalized attention. When you choose Davidov & Cohen Law, you are choosing experienced advocates committed to achieving justice for you and your family.
What Our Clients Say
After losing hope, I had the good fortune of getting in touch with David & Ben. They treated me as family with genuine personal care. Their knowledge & expertise exceeded my expectations.
This firm handled my case so quick and efficiently. They were able to get me the max settlement in only 3 months after my accident.
Excellent attorneys. Transparent and professional. Got my settlement for full policy within 4 months of my accident. Thank you David. Highly recommend!!!