Premises Liability Lawyers in New York City

Every day across New York City, people are injured because property owners neglect their responsibilities. A wet floor without a warning sign, a broken staircase in an apartment building, or inadequate lighting in a parking garage can lead to serious injuries that change lives forever.

At Douglas & London, we understand how quickly an unexpected accident can derail your life. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work. Pain affects your daily activities. And property owners and their insurance companies often try to avoid responsibility.

Our premises liability attorneys fight for New Yorkers who’ve been hurt on someone else’s property. We hold negligent property owners accountable and help injured people rebuild their lives.

What Is Premises Liability in New York?

Premises liability means property owners must keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors. This responsibility applies to both private property owners and businesses throughout NYC.

When property owners know about dangerous conditions but fail to fix them or warn people about them, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries. This legal principle protects people from negligence in places they visit.

Premises liability cases happen in many locations across New York City:

  • Apartment buildings and residential complexes
  • Retail stores, malls, and shopping centers
  • Supermarkets and grocery stores
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Hotels and nightclubs
  • Office buildings
  • Public parks, schools, and playgrounds
  • Construction sites
  • Private homes and residences

Common Premises Liability Accidents in NYC

Our legal team handles all types of premises liability cases throughout the five boroughs:

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

These common injuries happen when property owners fail to address wet floors, uneven surfaces, torn carpeting, poor lighting, or icy walkways.

Inadequate Security

Property owners must provide reasonable security measures. When they don’t, and people are assaulted or robbed as a result, the property owner may share responsibility for the harm.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Pool owners must maintain safe conditions and adequate supervision. Drownings, near-drownings, and other pool accidents often result from negligent maintenance or supervision.

Falling Objects

Items falling from shelves, construction materials dropping from heights, or ceiling fixtures coming loose can cause serious injuries.

Elevator and Escalator Failures

Malfunctioning elevators and escalators cause thousands of injuries annually. Building owners must maintain these systems properly.

Fire and Electrical Hazards

Faulty wiring, blocked fire exits, or missing smoke detectors can lead to devastating injuries when emergencies occur.

How These Accidents Change Lives

Premises liability accidents often cause serious injuries that require extensive medical care and time away from work:

  • Broken bones that may require surgery and physical therapy
  • Head trauma that can include traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage leading to partial or complete paralysis
  • Severe cuts requiring stitches and potentially leaving permanent scars
  • Burns that cause intense pain and permanent disfigurement
  • Psychological trauma including anxiety, depression, and PTSD

These injuries don’t just cause physical pain—they create financial hardship and emotional suffering that affects entire families.

Compensation for Premises Liability Injuries

When someone is injured due to a property owner’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs related to the injury
  • Lost Income: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning ability if the injury affects long-term career prospects
  • Pain and Suffering: Recognition of the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury and recovery process
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal belongings damaged during the accident
  • Home Care and Assistance: Coverage for help with daily activities when injuries prevent self-care

Every case is unique, and the compensation available depends on the specific circumstances and severity of injuries

How Our NYC Premises Liability Attorneys Make a Difference

Proving a property owner’s negligence requires skilled legal representation. Insurance companies work hard to minimize payments or deny claims entirely.

At Douglas & London, we level the playing field by:

Conducting Thorough Investigations

We gather key evidence before it disappears—interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, taking photographs, and securing maintenance records that show negligence.

Working with Expert Witnesses

We consult with medical specialists, safety experts, and accident reconstruction professionals who help explain how and why the accident occurred.

Calculating Full Damages

We ensure all current and future costs are accounted for, including ongoing medical care and how injuries will affect your life long-term.

Negotiating Aggressively

We handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing them from using tactics that devalue your claim.

Preparing for Trial When Necessary

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, strengthening our negotiating position and ensuring we’re ready if court becomes necessary.

Contact Douglas & London Today

Our personal injury attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case. We’ll answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you understand the best path forward.

Douglas & London handles cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent property owners accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.