Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP
154-08
#2C
Flushing, NY 11354
Telephone: (718) 587-0911
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere — on icy sidewalks, wet grocery store floors, broken staircases, or cluttered hallways. When they do, injuries can be severe, from sprained ankles to broken bones or even traumatic brain injuries. If you've experienced a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Flushing or Queens County NY, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Working with a knowledgeable slip and fall injury lawyer ensures you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. This guide covers what to do after an accident, how a lawyer can help, and why Flushing residents need strong local representation after a fall.
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury. While some falls result in minor bruises, others can lead to serious or permanent damage.
Hiring an experienced trip and fall attorney in Flushing offers key advantages:
A local lawyer is also familiar with Queens County courts and New York premises liability laws, giving you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, hazardous conditions can result in injury. Typical causes of slip or trip and fall accidents include:
* Wet or recently mopped floors without warning signs
* Icy or snow-covered sidewalks and entryways
* Uneven flooring, cracked pavement, or broken tiles
* Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
* Loose rugs or unsecured carpeting
* Obstructed walkways or scattered debris
* Faulty handrails or broken stairs
These conditions are common in supermarkets, apartment buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, construction sites, and even on public sidewalks. If the property owner or manager was negligent, you may have a case.
2. Take Photos of the Scene
Capture photos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and anything that might help prove liability (e.g., absence of warning signs).
3. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. Always visit a doctor or hospital promptly.
4. Collect Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident, get their name and contact details. Witnesses can be crucial in supporting your claim.
5. Speak with a Slip and Fall Lawyer
An experienced personal injury attorney in Flushing can evaluate your case, file your claim, and deal with the insurance companies.
* Medical expenses (current and future)
* Lost wages and income
* Pain and suffering
* Emotional distress
* Rehabilitation or physical therapy
* Loss of earning capacity (in serious cases)
In New York, personal injury victims generally have 3 years from the date of the incident to file a claim — but the sooner you act, the stronger your case may be.
* Property owners
* Landlords or tenants
* Businesses (e.g., grocery stores or restaurants)
* Government agencies (if the fall occurred on public property)
* Maintenance companies or snow removal contractors
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. We will investigate and identify all responsible entities to maximize your recovery.
* Broken bones (hips, wrists, ankles)
* Head injuries and concussions
* Back and spinal cord injuries
* Cuts, lacerations, or facial injuries
* Torn ligaments or muscle strains
* Permanent disability in severe cases
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries from falls. If you or a loved one has fallen due to unsafe property conditions, contact us today for a free consultation.
* Forest Hills*
* Jamaica
* Jackson Heights
* Elmhurst
* Corona
* Bayside
* Kew Gardens
* Richmond Hill
* Whitestone
* Astoria
* Long Island City
When travelling to our office, you might pass by some of Flushing's well-known landmarks:
* Flushing Meadows–Corona Park – A central park with trails and attractions.
* Citi Field – Home of the New York Mets.
* The Unisphere – The iconic globe from the 1964 World’s Fair.
* NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital – A major hospital for trauma care and follow-up appointments.
* Queens Botanical Garden
* Downtown Flushing/Main Street – A bustling hub for shopping, legal offices, and medical clinics.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall case?
Yes. While it's possible to file a claim on your own, having a slip and fall attorney dramatically increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Lawyers can gather evidence, prove negligence, and handle complex negotiations.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New York?
Under New York law, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the fall occurred on public property (like a city sidewalk), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, so it's best to speak to an attorney right away.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly to blame. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I sue a business if I slipped in their store?
Yes. Businesses have a duty to keep their premises safe for customers. If a store knew — or should have known — about a dangerous condition and didn’t fix it or warn you, they may be liable for your injuries.
What does it cost to hire a slip and fall lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers in Flushing work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of your final settlement or verdict.
If you’ve suffered a slip, trip, or fall injury, it's in your best interest to act quickly. Evidence disappears, and property owners quickly fix hazards once someone is injured. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can preserve your claim, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether your fall happened at a local business, construction site, apartment building, park, or public sidewalk, your recovery starts with a strong legal advocate on your side.