Injured While Shopping in New York City? We Can Help.
A routine shopping trip shouldn’t end with a trip to the emergency room. Yet every year, thousands of New Yorkers are seriously injured in supermarkets, retail stores, shopping malls, and department stores across the city. From slippery supermarket floors and falling merchandise to poor lighting and broken stairs, these hazards cause life-changing injuries.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City premises liability lawyers fight for victims hurt by unsafe store conditions. We help clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a preventable store accident.
We offer free consultations and no upfront fees – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
When You Can Sue a Store for Injury in NYC
Under New York premises liability law, property owners, landlords, and business operators are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for customers. You can sue a store for your injuries if:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The store or landlord knew or should have known about the hazard
- They failed to fix it or warn customers
- That negligence directly caused your injuries
Our job is to prove the store breached its duty of care – and that its negligence caused your harm.
Common Causes of Store and Supermarket Accidents in New York City
Unsafe conditions in NYC retail spaces can arise anywhere, from grocery store aisles to mall escalators and parking garages. Common causes include:
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards
- Spilled liquids or produce in supermarket aisles
- Water or ice tracked in from outdoors
- Leaking refrigerators or pipes
- Uneven floors, torn carpets, or broken tiles
- Wet floors without visible warning signs
Falling Merchandise and Unsafe Displays
- Overloaded or unstable shelving
- Poorly stacked boxes or items stored too high
- Unsecured signs or promotional materials
Unsafe Maintenance and Building Conditions
- Broken steps or missing handrails
- Faulty elevators and escalators
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Cracked pavement or icy sidewalks outside
Security and Parking Lot Negligence
- Poorly lit or unsupervised parking areas
- Lack of cameras or trained security
- Broken curbs or potholes
Even minor hazards, such as a small puddle or loose mat, can lead to devastating injuries when stores fail to take action.
Common Injuries in New York Store Accidents
Our NYC injury attorneys have represented clients suffering from:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder, hip, and knee damage
- Deep cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma following violent incidents
Many victims require ongoing treatment and lose significant income – and our firm fights to recover every dollar they deserve.
What to Do After a Store Injury in New York City
Taking the proper steps immediately after a store or supermarket injury can strengthen your legal claim:
- Get Medical Care Immediately – Call 911 or visit an emergency room to document your injuries.
- Report the Incident to Management – File an incident report and request a copy.
- Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the hazard, your injuries, and any signage (or lack thereof).
- Collect Witness Information – Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Avoid the Store’s Insurance Company – Don’t provide statements or sign anything before consulting an attorney.
- Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Our lawyers will preserve surveillance footage, gather evidence, and build your case immediately.
Proving Negligence in a New York Store Injury Case
To recover compensation, our NYC store injury lawyers must prove:
- Duty of Care – The store had a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
- Breach of Duty – The store failed to act reasonably (e.g., ignoring a spill).
- Causation – That negligence directly caused your injury.
- Damages – You suffered measurable losses such as medical expenses or lost income.
We use surveillance footage, inspection logs, witness statements, and expert analysis to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Store Injury in New York?
Depending on the situation, several parties may share legal responsibility for your injuries:
- Store owners and franchise operators
- Landlords or property owners (for structural issues)
- Maintenance or cleaning companies
- Security firms or staffing contractors
Our attorneys identify every potentially liable party to pursue the full compensation available under New York law.
Damages You Can Recover in a New York Store Injury Lawsuit
Victims of store negligence can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills, hospitalization, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses such as medication and transportation
- Property damage (e.g., broken eyeglasses or phones)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases of reckless or gross negligence, our firm may also pursue punitive damages to hold the business fully accountable for its actions.
Comparative Negligence in New York City
New York uses a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
If you were 25% responsible for your accident, you can still recover 75% of your total damages. Our lawyers work to minimize your share of fault and protect your right to full compensation.
How Long Do You Have to Sue a Store in New York?
Under New York’s statute of limitations, most store injury lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of the accident.
If the injury occurred on a city-owned property, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
Because stores often delete surveillance footage within days or weeks, it is essential to contact a lawyer immediately to preserve vital evidence.
Defenses Retailers Use – and How We Counter Them
Store owners and their insurers often try to deny valid claims using tactics such as:
- “Open and Obvious” Defense: Claiming the hazard was visible and avoidable.
- “Trivial Defect” Argument: Suggesting the danger was too minor to matter.
- Comparative Fault: Blaming you for your own injuries.
Our attorneys have decades of experience defeating these defenses and securing strong results for injured New Yorkers.
Other Types of Retail Injury Cases We Handle
Our firm represents clients in all types of New York premises liability cases, including:
- Negligent Security (assaults, robberies, or trampling incidents)
- Escalator and Elevator Accidents
- Defective Products Sold in Stores
- False Arrest, Detainment, or Discrimination Claims
Every case is unique – and we tailor our strategy to maximize your financial recovery.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Top-rated New York City personal injury law firm
- Free consultations and no fees unless we win
- Decades of experience in NYC premises liability law
- Offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Bilingual legal services available
- Hundreds of positive reviews and proven results
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
“Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) – the consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a store for slipping and falling in New York City?
Yes. If your accident was caused by an unsafe condition that the store knew or should have known about, you may be entitled to compensation.
What if I were partly at fault?
You can still recover damages under New York’s comparative negligence law, though your percentage of fault may reduce your award.
Can I sue the landlord instead of the store?
Yes, if the accident was caused by a structural defect or poor maintenance controlled by the property owner.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Typically three years from the date of injury – shorter for municipal or government properties.
Do I need a lawyer for a store injury case?
Yes. Insurance companies often deny responsibility or offer low settlements. An experienced NYC premises liability attorney ensures you get the full value of your claim.
What does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
Contact Our New York City Store Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a store, supermarket, restaurant, or shopping mall in New York City, don’t face corporate insurers alone.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we’re here to protect your rights, uncover the truth, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
We proudly serve clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
No fees unless we win – guaranteed.