Slip and Fall Lawyers in Queens
Falls on stairs, sidewalks, wet floors and poorly maintained property across New York City. Free consultation, and no fee unless we win.
What makes a fall case work
A property owner is not automatically responsible because you fell on their property. The question is whether a dangerous condition existed, whether the owner created it or knew about it — or should have known — and whether they had a reasonable chance to fix it before you were hurt.
That is why the first hours matter more than people expect. Photograph the condition before it is cleaned, repaired or gritted. Report the fall to a manager or superintendent and ask for it to be written down. Keep the shoes you were wearing. If a store or building has cameras, footage is often recorded over within days.
In New York City, responsibility for a sidewalk generally sits with the owner of the adjoining property rather than the City, with exceptions for one, two and three-family owner-occupied homes. Which rule applies changes who the claim is against and how long you have to bring it.
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 preserve the evidence early
Records, photographs, camera footage and witness accounts. Footage is often overwritten within days, so this starts immediately.
We establish notice
The heart of a fall case is proving the owner knew or should have known. We look for prior complaints, repair records, inspection logs and earlier incidents.
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.
Falls we handle
- Wet and recently mopped floors
- Broken or uneven stairs
- Missing or loose handrails
- Cracked and raised sidewalks
- Snow and ice on walkways
- Poor or failed lighting
- Torn carpet and loose mats
- Potholes in parking lots
- Construction debris on walkways
- Escalator and elevator falls
- Supermarket and store spills
- Building lobby and hallway hazards
How long you have to file
The general deadline is three years. A fall on City property, in NYCHA housing or on a public sidewalk maintained by a public body usually requires a notice of claim within 90 days — a far shorter window that catches many people out. Identifying the correct owner early is often the difference between a claim that can be brought and one that cannot.
Common questions
I did not report the fall at the time. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. A late report makes the claim harder because the other side will argue the condition was not there, but it does not end it. Photographs, medical records showing when you sought treatment, and witnesses can all help establish what happened.
What if I was not looking where I was going?
It may reduce what you recover but it does not automatically bar the claim. New York's comparative negligence rule apportions fault rather than using it as a complete defence.
The insurer already offered me money. Should I take it?
Speak to a lawyer first. Early offers usually arrive before the full extent of an injury is known, and accepting one normally means signing a release that ends the claim — including for treatment you have not had yet.
Who is responsible for snow and ice?
New York City generally allows property owners a period after snowfall stops before they must clear the walkway, so timing matters a great deal. Weather records are often decisive, and we obtain them early.
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!!!