Slip and Fall Accident Attorney for the Elderly in New York City
Dedicated Representation for Injured Seniors Across NYC
A slip and fall accident can change anyone’s life, but for seniors, it is often far more than a temporary setback. A single fall can lead to a broken hip, traumatic brain injury, surgery, months of rehabilitation, or the loss of independence that so many older New Yorkers fight hard to maintain.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City slip and fall attorneys represent injured seniors and their families after serious falls caused by unsafe property conditions. Whether the fall happened in an apartment building, nursing home, hospital, grocery store, restaurant, subway station, or on a damaged sidewalk, we are ready to pursue accountability and fight for the compensation you need for medical care, long-term support, and recovery.
We proudly help elderly slip-and-fall victims across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, with convenient offices throughout New York.
Free Consultation: Call a New York City Slip and Fall Lawyer for Seniors
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury in New York City, do not wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies often begin working immediately to protect themselves.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a FREE consultation.
The call is free. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.
We can help even if you cannot travel.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Are More Dangerous for Seniors
A fall that might be manageable for a younger adult can be life-changing for an older New Yorker. Seniors are more vulnerable to serious injuries, and recovery is often slower and more complicated.
Falls Can Cause Loss of Independence
Many elderly slip-and-fall victims do not recover quickly. A serious fall can cause:
- Reduced mobility and difficulty walking
- The need for a walker, wheelchair, or in-home aide
- A move into assisted living or a nursing facility
- Long-term pain and rehabilitation
- Declining health after hospitalization and bed rest
Older Bones Break More Easily
As we age, bone density and strength often decrease. Osteoporosis and arthritis make fractures more likely, even from a short fall. Hip fractures are prevalent and frequently require:
- Emergency hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Nursing home care or long-term supervision
- Permanent mobility limitations
Blood Thinners Make Head Injuries More Dangerous
Falls are a significant cause of traumatic brain injuries for seniors. Many older adults take blood thinners, which increases the risk of internal bleeding and delayed hemorrhage. These injuries can be catastrophic without prompt medical care.
Recovery Takes Longer, and Complications Are Common
Elderly fall victims face a higher risk of complications such as:
- Infection after surgery
- Blood clots
- Weakness and muscle loss after immobility
- Reduced independence that can become permanent
Common Places Where Seniors Fall in New York City
New York City has unique hazards that frequently lead to slip-and-fall accidents involving older people. Our law firm handles senior fall injury claims involving unsafe conditions in:
Sidewalks, Streets, and Outdoor Walkways
- Cracked or broken sidewalks
- Uneven pavement and trip edges
- Loose cellar doors, grates, or maintenance hole covers
- Poor lighting at building entrances and sidewalks
- Snow, ice, and slush that was not properly cleared
Apartment Buildings, Co-ops, and Condos
- Broken stairs and missing handrails
- Wet lobby floors and poor cleaning practices
- Loose carpeting and torn mats
- Unsafe thresholds and poorly maintained entryways
- Neglected repairs and repeated complaints were ignored by management
Grocery Stores, Retail Stores, Restaurants, and Supermarkets
- Spills or wet floors with no warning signs
- Slippery tile or waxed floors
- Cluttered aisles and merchandise on the ground
- Poor lighting in stairwells, aisles, or bathrooms
Subway Stations and Transit Areas
- Uneven platform surfaces
- Poorly maintained stairs and landings
- Unsafe station conditions and broken escalators
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
A fall in a nursing home may be a warning sign of preventable neglect, especially when it involves:
- Inadequate supervision
- Improper staffing
- Unsafe flooring and walkways
- Failure to assist residents who need mobility support
- Poor lighting, clutter, or unsafe bathroom conditions
If your loved one fell in a nursing home or assisted living facility, your case may involve premises liability and additional claims for negligent care and supervision.
New York Premises Liability Law for Senior Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall cases in New York City typically fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners and managers responsible when they fail to maintain safe conditions.
To recover compensation in an elderly slip and fall claim, you generally must prove:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The property owner or responsible party knew or should have known about it
- They failed to repair the hazard or provide a reasonable warning
- That failure caused the fall and resulting injuries
Examples of unsafe conditions include:
- Wet floors after a spill or leak
- Broken handrails or loose stairs
- Burned-out lights and poorly lit stairwells
- Snow and ice left untreated
- Clutter, cords, equipment, or other objects left in walking areas
Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. When they fail, and a senior is injured, they can be held legally accountable.
Nursing Home Falls and Assisted Living Falls in NYC
Falls in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are a serious concern. These facilities know their residents are at high risk and must take reasonable steps to prevent injuries.
In many cases, nursing home fall claims involve:
- Failure to monitor high-risk residents
- Delayed response to call lights
- Unsafe transfer practices from bed to wheelchair
- Poor training or understaffing
- Unsafe bathrooms, slippery attachment areas, or missing grab bars
- Medication-related fall risks not properly evaluated
When a nursing home fails to follow fall prevention policies and a resident is seriously injured, families may have grounds to pursue compensation and accountability.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Elderly Slip and Fall Claims
Insurance companies often aggressively fight senior slip-and-fall cases because these injuries can be expensive to resolve. Older adults frequently need:
- Surgery and extended hospital stays
- Rehabilitation or long-term physical therapy
- In-home aides or nursing support
- Mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs
- Home modifications such as ramps or stair lifts
- Assisted living or nursing home placement
Insurers may argue:
- The fall was caused by age or balance issues
- The senior should have been more careful
- Pre-existing conditions caused the injury
- The hazardous condition was not serious
- The property owner did not have enough time to fix the hazard
This is why it is critical to speak with a New York City slip-and-fall attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement.
Compensation Available for Elderly Slip and Fall Victims in NYC
Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may include:
Medical and Financial Damages
- Ambulance, emergency room care, and hospitalization
- Surgery and specialist treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and braces
- Home health aides or nursing support
- Assisted living or nursing home costs
- Home modifications for safety and mobility
Pain and Suffering and Life Impact Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of mobility and independence
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one died from fall injuries
Even if your loved one is retired, the cost of a fall can be enormous. New York law allows recovery for the full scope of harm caused.
What to Do After an Elderly Slip and Fall Accident in New York City
Taking the proper steps immediately can protect health and preserve legal evidence:
- Get medical care right away. Seniors can suffer hidden injuries, including concussions and internal bleeding.
- Report the incident to a manager, building staff, or facility administrator and request a copy of the report.
- Take photos or video of the hazard, lighting conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Collect witness information, including names and phone numbers.
- Preserve shoes and clothing worn during the fall.
- Please don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and protect your claim.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Injured Seniors
Our legal team builds strong senior slip and fall claims by:
- Investigating the scene and identifying the hazard
- Obtaining surveillance footage before it is deleted
- Securing incident reports, cleaning logs, and maintenance records
- Interviewing witnesses and documenting prior complaints
- Consulting medical experts and long-term care professionals
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Pursuing the maximum compensation available through settlement or trial
We understand how frightening it is when a loved one falls, especially when independence is suddenly at risk. We take the legal burden off your shoulders so your family can focus on recovery.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
Families across New York trust Greenstein & Pittari because we offer:
- Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
- Seven convenient locations across New York: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No fee unless we win, with our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- Top-rated, award-winning attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Our motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
Do not let an insurance company take advantage of you after a serious fall.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a Free Consultation.
A senior slip and fall injury can change everything. You don’t need to handle it alone.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today.
The call is free. The consultation is free. You do not pay us unless we are successful.
FAQ: Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City
Are slip and fall injuries more serious for seniors?
Yes. Seniors are more likely to suffer fractures, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and complications that lead to long-term mobility loss or reduced independence. Recovery is often slower.
What are the most common elderly slip and fall injuries?
Common injuries include:
- Hip fractures
- Wrist, arm, ankle, and shoulder fractures
- Broken ribs
- Traumatic brain injury and concussions
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and torn ligaments
- Internal bleeding, especially for seniors taking blood thinners
What if the fall happened in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Falls in care facilities may involve premises liability claims and additional claims such as negligent supervision, understaffing, unsafe transfer practices, or failure to follow fall-prevention policies. These cases should be investigated quickly.
Who is responsible for a sidewalk fall in New York City?
Liability depends on where the fall occurred and who had legal responsibility for maintenance. It may involve a private property owner, a business, a landlord, or a government entity. Claims involving government property can have shorter deadlines.
What if the senior has a pre-existing condition or uses a walker?
A pre-existing condition does not eliminate your right to compensation. Property owners still have a duty to maintain safe premises. Insurance companies often try to blame age or frailty, but those defenses can be challenged.
What if the insurance company already made a settlement offer?
Be careful. Early settlement offers are often far below the claim’s value. Once you sign, you may waive the right to pursue additional compensation later.
What damages can be recovered if a senior needs long-term care?
Compensation may include:
- In-home aides and nursing care
- Assisted living or nursing home placement
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Mobility equipment and medical devices
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering and loss of independence
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in New York?
New York has strict time limits, and cases involving government entities can have much shorter notice deadlines. I think it would be best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for an elderly slip-and-fall claim?
In many cases, yes. Senior fall claims are often contested, and insurers usually blame the fall on age, medications, or medical history. A lawyer can investigate, preserve evidence, and fight for full compensation.
What should we do immediately after an older adult slips and falls?
Get medical care, report the incident, document the hazard with photos or video, gather witness information, preserve footwear, avoid recorded statements, and contact a New York City slip and fall attorney right away.