Understanding Your Rights and How to Take Action

A sudden slip on a wet floor, an icy sidewalk, or a broken staircase can turn an ordinary day into a painful ordeal. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common—and underestimated—personal injury claims in New York. If you’ve been injured in one of these incidents, you may be entitled to compensation under premises liability law.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of filing a slip and fall claim in Brooklyn, the types of injuries involved, and how a Brooklyn slip and fall attorney can help you protect your rights. Russo Law is here to support you every step of the way.

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

While some falls result in minor scrapes or bruises, many lead to serious injuries that can have long-term consequences, such as:

• Broken bones (especially hips, wrists, and ankles)

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Torn ligaments or soft tissue damage

• Chronic back and neck pain

These injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work—leading to major financial and emotional stress.

Who’s Responsible? Premises Liability in New York

In Brooklyn, as in the rest of New York State, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This applies to both public and private property, including:

• Apartment buildings

• Grocery stores

• Sidewalks in front of businesses

• Office buildings

• Restaurants and bars

• Parking lots

To hold someone legally responsible for your slip and fall, you must show that the property owner (or someone responsible for the property):

1. Knew—or should have known—about the hazardous condition, and

2. Failed to fix it or provide proper warning in a reasonable amount of time.

This is where an experienced Brooklyn slip and fall attorney comes in.

The Slip and Fall Claim Process in Brooklyn

Here’s what to expect when filing a slip and fall claim:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is the priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out by a doctor. Medical records will also serve as critical evidence if you pursue a claim.

2. Document the Scene

If possible, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall (e.g., wet floor, cracked sidewalk, poor lighting). Note the location, date, and time. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.

3. Report the Incident

Notify the property owner, landlord, store manager, or appropriate party as soon as possible. Ask for a written report, and keep a copy for your records.

4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance companies may contact you early on. Be cautious—what you say can be used to devalue your claim. Don’t accept any settlements without speaking to an attorney first.

5. Contact a Brooklyn Slip and Fall Attorney

A lawyer will help gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and calculate the full extent of your damages—including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs.

At Russo Law, we know the ins and outs of New York’s premises liability laws and have successfully helped countless Brooklyn clients recover compensation after a fall.

Why Choose Russo Law?

Slip and fall claims can be difficult to prove without the right legal support. Property owners may deny fault or claim they didn’t have time to fix the issue. That’s why working with a seasoned Brooklyn slip and fall attorney like Russo Law is crucial.

We offer:

• Free consultations

• Aggressive investigation and evidence gathering

• Negotiation with insurers

• Trial representation, if needed

We don’t get paid unless you win. Filing a slip and fall claim can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Let Russo Law fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.