New York Parking Lot Trip & Fall Accident Lawyer
Whether in New York City, Long Island, or elsewhere in New York State, parking lots and garages are often overlooked when it comes to safety. Hazards such as icy patches, potholes, poor lighting, broken steps, or spilled liquids can quickly turn a routine errand into a life-altering accident.
If you were injured in a New York parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our attorneys fight to hold negligent property owners, businesses, and municipalities accountable.
Duty of Care in New York Parking Lots
Under New York premises liability law, property owners and operators, including retail stores, landlords, businesses, and local governments, are required to maintain safe parking areas for their visitors. This duty includes:
- Conducting regular inspections
- Repairing potholes, cracks, and broken pavement promptly
- Clearing snow and ice within a reasonable time after storms
- Installing and maintaining handrails, steps, and wheel stops
- Providing adequate lighting in lots and garages
- Posting warnings or restricting access to unsafe areas
Failure to do so may constitute negligence under New York law.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in New York
New York’s harsh winters, heavy traffic, and constant wear and tear make parking facilities prone to hazardous conditions. Frequent hazards include:
- Snow, ice, and slush left untreated after storms
- Cracks, potholes, and uneven pavement
- Slippery surfaces from spills, oil, or water
- Poor or broken lighting in garages or stairwells
- Broken steps, missing handrails, or defective wheel stops
- Debris or obstructions, such as trash or shopping carts
- Standing water and poor drainage
- Unmarked ramps, speed bumps, or broken utility covers
- Inadequate security in areas with known crime risks
Winter Hazards: The “Storm in Progress” Rule
New York courts recognize the storm in progress doctrine. Property owners are not responsible for clearing snow or ice while a storm is ongoing; however, once the storm ends, they must act within a reasonable timeframe. If you don’t do it, you can be liable.
Common Parking Lot Fall Injuries in New York
Parking lot falls often occur on unforgiving asphalt or concrete, leading to severe injuries such as:
- Broken bones (hips, ankles, wrists, spine)
- Traumatic brain injuries (concussions, TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Torn ligaments, sprains, and soft tissue injuries
- Severe bruising, cuts, and scarring
- In tragic cases, wrongful death
Even moderate injuries may result in long-term disability, medical bills, and time away from work.
Proving Negligence in New York
To recover compensation, you must prove:
- Duty of Care – The property owner was responsible for safe conditions.
- Breach of Duty – The owner failed to correct or warn of hazards.
- Causation – The hazard directly caused your accident.
- Damages – You suffered medical, financial, or emotional losses.
New York law allows recovery if the owner had actual notice (i.e., knew of the hazard) or constructive notice (i.e., should have known).
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partly at fault – such as being distracted – you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
Municipal Parking Lot Accidents in New York
Accidents in city-owned or municipal parking lots follow stricter rules:
- A Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.
- A lawsuit must be filed within 1 year and 90 days.
By comparison, private property claims in New York have a three-year statute of limitations. Missing deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Steps to Take After a New York Parking Lot Accident
Protect your health and your legal rights by:
- Getting immediate medical treatment and keeping records.
- Reporting the accident to the property manager or owner.
- Photographing the hazardous condition and the surrounding area.
- Collecting witness names and contact information.
- Preserving footwear and clothing as evidence.
- Contacting a New York slip and fall lawyer before speaking with insurers.
Compensation Available in New York Parking Lot Accident Claims
If negligence caused your fall, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (past, ongoing, and future care)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability or long-term care
- Property damage (clothing, glasses, phone)
- Punitive damages for extreme negligence
Why You Need a New York Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
Parking lot accident claims are often contested. Property owners may argue hazards were “open and obvious” or deny responsibility. Insurance companies typically attempt to minimize payouts.
An experienced New York premises liability attorney can:
- Investigate and document the hazardous condition
- Obtain security footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements
- Identify all liable parties (owners, contractors, managers)
- Work with experts to calculate full damages
- Negotiate with insurers and reject low offers
- Take your case to trial if needed
Speak With a New York Parking Lot Accident Attorney
A parking lot fall is often more than “just an accident” – it may result from negligence. If you or a loved one was injured in a New York parking lot accident, act quickly to protect your rights.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
- Convenient office locations across New York State, including Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Local Harlem office serving New York clients directly
- Our Fee Guarantee – No fee unless we win
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials
- Attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- Exclusive focus on New York personal injury law
Firm Motto: Don’t Be a Victim Twice.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today to speak with a top-rated New York parking lot slip and fall lawyer and begin your path to justice and compensation.