Slip and fall accidents are among the most common, and misunderstood, personal injury cases in New York. From slick grocery store aisles in Manhattan to icy sidewalks in Buffalo, even a single unsafe condition can cause devastating injuries. Yet insurance companies routinely deny responsibility, claiming victims “should have been more careful” or “the danger was obvious.”
At Cellino Law, our New York slip and fall lawyers have spent decades holding negligent property owners and insurers accountable. We know the common patterns behind these cases, and more importantly, how to counter the defenses that property owners use to avoid paying fair compensation.
This page breaks down the typical hazard types, how insurers defend against these claims, and how our firm builds strong, winning cases for victims across New York State.
Common Types of Slip and Fall Hazards in New York
New York law requires property owners, landlords, and businesses to maintain safe premises and fix hazards they know, or should know, about. When they don’t, these are the types of dangerous conditions that often lead to serious accidents:
1. Wet Floor Accidents
- Spills in supermarkets, restaurants, or lobbies that aren’t promptly cleaned
- Mopped floors without visible warning signs
- Leaks from refrigeration units or ceiling pipes
- Rainwater tracked indoors during bad weather
How Cellino Law handles it: We obtain cleaning logs, video footage, and maintenance records to prove how long the hazard existed and whether the business had time to fix it.
2. Trip Hazards and Uneven Surfaces
- Torn carpeting, loose tiles, or cracked sidewalks
- Exposed cords or misplaced objects in walkways
- Uneven floor transitions or broken steps without handrails
How Cellino Law handles it: We use photographs, building codes, and expert inspection reports to demonstrate that property owners failed to maintain a safe walking surface or comply with safety standards.
3. Icy or Snow-Covered Surfaces
- Poorly shoveled sidewalks, driveways, or parking lots
- Ice buildup due to poor drainage or roof runoff
- Failure to salt, sand, or clear ice after storms
How Cellino Law handles it: We review weather records, maintenance schedules, and municipal ordinances to prove the owner had reasonable notice and opportunity to remove the ice. New York’s “storm in progress” rule doesn’t excuse negligence, and we make sure insurers don’t misuse it to deny valid claims.
4. Poor Lighting and Hidden Hazards
- Dim stairwells, hallways, or parking garages
- Unmarked changes in elevation
- Blocked emergency exits or obstructed walkways
How Cellino Law handles it: We highlight how poor lighting prevented victims from seeing hazards that the owner should have corrected or properly marked.
How Insurance Companies Defend Slip and Fall Claims
Property owners and their insurers often rely on predictable tactics to minimize or deny valid claims. Common defenses include:
- “Open and Obvious” Condition: Claiming the hazard was visible and the victim should have avoided it.
- Comparative Negligence: Alleging the victim was partly to blame for not paying attention.
- Lack of Notice: Arguing the property owner didn’t know about the hazard or didn’t have enough time to fix it.
- Weather Defenses: Asserting a “storm in progress” or “natural accumulation” of ice absolves them of liability.
These defenses can be powerful, unless your attorney knows how to dismantle them.
How Cellino Law Counters Insurance Defenses
At Cellino Law, we’ve spent years studying these defense patterns and building strategies that turn the evidence in our clients’ favor. We:
- Investigate immediately: Our team secures surveillance footage, witness statements, and inspection reports before they disappear.
- Work with experts: Building code specialists, engineers, and meteorologists help us establish cause and notice.
- Prove notice: We demonstrate that the owner either created the hazard, ignored it, or failed to inspect the property regularly.
- Document injuries thoroughly: Medical experts connect the accident directly to the injuries, countering insurer claims of pre-existing conditions.
By combining investigative precision with courtroom experience, our personal injury lawyers regularly transform disputed claims into six- and seven-figure recoveries.
Damages Available in New York Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Hospital and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
In severe cases, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, Cellino Law collaborates with medical and economic experts to project lifelong care costs and pursue maximum compensation.
Local Resources for Slip and Fall Victims in New York
Victims of unsafe property conditions can use these official New York resources for documentation and recovery support:
- New York City Department of Buildings – check for property violations and maintenance records.
- NYC Comptroller – File a Notice of Claim – for accidents on city property.
- New York State Unified Court System – where civil injury lawsuits are filed statewide.
Why Choose Cellino Law
For decades, Cellino Law has been one of New York’s most trusted names in personal injury law. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, helping thousands of injured New Yorkers rebuild their lives after devastating falls.
We know how insurers operate, and we know how to beat them. Whether your accident happened in a Manhattan high-rise, a Buffalo parking lot, or a Long Island grocery store, our team has the experience, resources, and commitment to secure justice.
Contact Cellino Law Today
If you slipped on a wet floor, tripped over unsafe flooring, or fell on icy steps in New York, you don’t have to face insurers alone. Let our attorneys handle the legal fight while you focus on recovery.
Call Cellino Law today for a free consultation. Our slip and fall lawyers serve clients statewide, with offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Rochester, Melville, and beyond.
We’ll stand up to negligent property owners and fight for the full compensation you deserve.