Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Brooklyn Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents might be played for laughs on TV, but in reality, they can cause serious injuries when someone unexpectedly slips, trips, or falls while visiting a store or business in Brooklyn. Under New York law, proving that a property owner was negligent in these premises liability cases has become increasingly difficult, as lawmakers and juries often place greater responsibility on the injured person. Still, when it’s clear that a property owner is at fault, securing a fair and full settlement is much more achievable. The compensation you may receive will depend on the specific details of your case and how severe your injuries are, but based on 2024 data, the average slip-and-fall settlement in New York generally falls between $250,000 and $538,000.
Types Of Slip And Fall Accidents
According to the NYC Department of Health, “fall-related injuries are the leading cause of injury hospitalizations among children ages 0-14 and adults 25 years and older, and the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for those 45 and older.” This data underscores how serious and widespread slip-and-fall accidents are across New York City, including Brooklyn. Many of these incidents are preventable, but when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, visitors and residents can suffer significant harm. Below are some of the most common types of slip-and-fall hazards encountered when living in, working in, or visiting Brooklyn.
- Slippery or uneven floors
- Icy or snowy sidewalks
- Unsafe or uneven sidewalks
- Unsecured rugs and mats
- Cluttered floors
- Loose cables and wires
- Broken or loose handrails
- Uneven, broken, or slippery stairs
- Unsafe working conditions
- Unsafe parking lot or parking garage conditions
- Defective elevators and escalators
- Unsafe conditions outside apartment complexes
- and more
While it may be easier to address and prevent hazards inside your own home, avoiding dangerous conditions in public or commercial spaces is far more difficult. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Brooklyn, it’s important to speak with an experienced Brooklyn slip-and-fall lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and explore your options for pursuing compensation.
What Is the Average Slip-and-Fall Settlement Payout in New York?
Based on the examples of slip-and-fall settlements shared on this page, the typical settlement in New York ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000. However, settlements can vary significantly depending on the unique circumstances of each case, which is why there isn’t a precise average amount for slip-and-fall claims in New York.
Here are some recent slip-and-fall settlements our team has secured for clients in Brooklyn and throughout New York. While every case is unique and past results cannot guarantee the outcome of your claim, these examples provide a clear picture of the type of compensation our legal team works to achieve. Our goal is to help injured clients pursue fair and full settlements that reflect the severity of their injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the responsibilities of property owners under New York law.
$538,000 Settlement – New York Slip-and-Fall Premises Liability Case, 2021
The 56-year-old client was attending an event at a restaurant when she slipped on a slippery floor due to nearby melting ice and landed on her left knee. The defendants failed to answer timely. We moved for a default judgment, which was granted. The defendants moved to vacate the default judgment, which was granted, and we appealed. Several years later, the Appellate Division reversed the lower court and reinstated the default. We tried the case at an inquest in front of a judge with the testimony of the plaintiff and the plaintiff’s and defendant’s medical experts. The defendants produced surveillance video of the plaintiff. The defendants contended that the arthroscopic surgery to the knee resulted from the fall, but that the knee replacement was necessitated by longstanding and ongoing left knee arthritis. We argued that, while one (out of three) knee compartments showed some evidence of pre-accident arthritis, the other two compartments did not develop arthritis until after and as a result of the accident. The Court awarded $350,000 for past pain and suffering, $72,000 for future pain and suffering, and $20,000 in future medicals. With interest from the defendants’ default, we collected a total settlement of $538,187.55.
$450,000 Settlement – New York Slip-and-Fall Premises Liability Case, 2023
The 56-year-old home care attendant was accompanying her elderly client to a medical appointment inside a medical clinic. While doing so, she stepped onto what we contended was an inherently dangerous and building code-violating single-step riser within a passageway of the office and fell, landing on her right shoulder. The accident was not recorded by anyone within the medical office. Her elderly charge passed away before her testimony could be taken. Her daughter came to the office and took the plaintiff to a local emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a comminuted fracture of her right proximal humerus. She was treated in therapy and eventually underwent a manipulation of her shoulder under anesthesia for developing adhesive capsulitis, but without success. The various medical groups within the premises denied any knowledge of the incident, and the owner of the premises could not recall building the subject single-step riser. After approximately eight depositions as well as motion practice regarding multiple owners, the action settled for $450,000.
$250,000 Settlement – New York Trip-and-Fall Premises Liability Case, 2023
The client, a 31-year-old contract maintenance worker, was exiting a bathroom in the commercial high-rise where he was working the overnight shift when he tripped and fell over some loose and broken tiles on the bathroom floor. He reported the accident to his supervisor, who issued a report. Upon leaving work, he presented to an urgent care medical clinic where he reported that he slipped on a slick surface and fell on his back, breaking his fall with his right hand. He was subsequently treated in therapy, and MRIs revealed a disc herniation in his neck and lumbar spine. He underwent one lumbar epidural injection and one cervical epidural injection. The plaintiff had taken photos of the broken tiles. The defendants contended that their records indicated that the broken tiles had been reported and then fixed prior to the plaintiff’s fall. After multiple depositions, the matter settled for $250,000.
$1,000,000 Settlement – New York Slip-and-Fall on Ice Premises Liability Case, 2024
Our client slipped and fell due to ice on a sidewalk. It is very difficult to prove liability in snow & ice cases in New York, so we investigated the adjacent building’s water systems and found that they were illegally funneling water from the roof to the sidewalk. This client had a prior fusion surgery on her back, and this fall required a second fusion surgery. The insurance company argued that this was a pre-existing injury, but we fought vigorously for our client’s rights and got the insurance company to tender their full policy limits of $1 Million Dollars shortly after depositions were completed.
$522,000 Settlement – New York Trip-and-Fall on Steps Premises Liability Case, 2024
Our client fell on the exterior steps of his apartment complex. He sustained a soft tissue ankle injury, which he treated without any surgery. He was willing to accept $250,000 as compensation for his injuries, but the defense argued that anything more than $75,000 was excessive. The property owner was a successful developer who retained a renowned law firm to defend him. They fought hard, but to no avail, as our firm argued vigorously before the appellate court, obtaining our client a total of $522,000.
Brooklyn Slip-and-Fall and Premises Liability Attorneys
If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Brooklyn due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim. An experienced premises liability attorney can help prove that the property owner owed you a duty of care and failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment. Even in cases where someone was not expressly allowed on the property, it may still be possible to show that it was reasonably foreseeable they would be there, though these cases can be more complex.
To build a successful claim, your slip-and-fall attorney must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it promptly. Then, they must prove that this unsafe condition directly caused your injury and that you suffered measurable damages as a result. These damages can include medical bills, transportation costs to and from treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Meeting all of these requirements is crucial for a strong premises liability claim, and consulting a qualified Brooklyn premises liability lawyer ensures your case is handled properly. In some situations, if the city or municipality caused the unsafe condition, a municipal liability claim may also be possible.
Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries in Brooklyn, NY
Slip-and-fall accidents in Brooklyn can result in a wide range of injuries, and the severity often depends on how, where, and from what height the fall occurs. Falling onto a hard or dangerous surface can significantly increase the risk of serious or even life-threatening injuries. Age and preexisting health conditions also play a role, as older adults are more likely to suffer severe consequences from slips and falls. In fact, according to the CDC, fall-related deaths in the U.S. increased by 30% between 2007 and 2016 among older adults. Some of the most common injuries resulting from slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Hip fractures
- Broken or sprained bones
- Soft tissue damage (bruising or swelling)
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Death
These injuries highlight why it’s so important to address unsafe conditions promptly and seek immediate medical attention if you experience a slip or fall.
Feeling Unwell After a Fall in Brooklyn? Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or general sickness after a fall in Brooklyn, it could be a sign of a concussion. These reactions happen as your brain responds to trauma. When the head is impacted or the brain is jarred during a fall, normal equilibrium can be disrupted, affecting the body in multiple ways. Nausea, and in more severe cases, vomiting, is one of the body’s immediate responses to this type of injury.
Here are some ways a fall can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting:
- Vestibular Dysfunction: Injury to the inner ear or cerebellum causing dizziness and vomiting.
- Migraines: Head trauma can trigger severe headaches that may lead to vomiting.
- Skull Fracture: Pain and trauma from a skull fracture can result in vomiting.
- Subdural Hematoma: A serious brain bleed often accompanied by repeated vomiting.
Other common concussion symptoms include confusion, headaches, lack of coordination, dizziness, ringing in the ears, excessive fatigue or sleepiness, and memory loss. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can vary in severity, so seeking prompt medical attention after any fall is essential to ensure proper evaluation and care.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents in Brooklyn: Seek a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Near You
Elevators and escalators are a daily convenience in Brooklyn, but when they are improperly installed or poorly maintained, they can cause serious injuries. Each year, thousands of people nationwide suffer fractures, catastrophic back injuries, and other severe harm from accidents on elevators or escalators. If you are injured in Brooklyn or elsewhere in New York City while using these devices, it’s important to contact a slip-and-fall attorney near you who understands premises liability. Property owners may be held responsible for compensating victims for a range of damages, including:
- Medical treatment and physical rehabilitation
- Special devices and alterations to your home or vehicle
- Lost wages, salary, and future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and other damages
The experienced team at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., represents clients across Brooklyn, Queens, and the greater New York City area. Scheduling a free case evaluation with a Brooklyn slip-and-fall attorney can help ensure you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sidewalk Accidents in Brooklyn
Property owners in Brooklyn and across New York are legally required to maintain sidewalks in a safe, reasonable condition to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents. While pedestrians are expected to exercise caution, hidden hazards such as ice, uneven pavement, or unattended cracks can still cause serious injuries. If you are hurt in a sidewalk accident, contacting a Brooklyn slip-and-fall lawyer can help ensure that property owners are held accountable and that you receive proper compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Free Consultation – No Fees Unless You Recover Money
If you or a loved one in Brooklyn has been injured on a sidewalk or elsewhere, the team at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. is here to help. Led by Mr. Cohen, our experienced personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients in premises liability and other types of personal injury cases. We focus on helping clients keep more of their settlements and jury awards by skillfully applying New York and federal trust laws to reduce liens and protect assets for lifelong needs.
Our firm can assist with a wide range of serious injury claims, including:
- Sidewalk accidents
- Parking ramp or parking lot pedestrian accidents
- Crosswalk and intersection accidents
- Stairs, pedestrian ramps, elevator, and escalator accidents
We offer a free consultation and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover money on your behalf. This ensures that seeking justice is accessible and stress-free for Brooklyn residents who have suffered an injury.
Was Your Injury in Brooklyn Caused by the City?
Sometimes accidents in Brooklyn and elsewhere in New York City can be traced back to the negligence or inattention of city workers or officials. If you or a loved one were injured and are unsure who is liable, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Through a free consultation, Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help identify at-fault parties and take the necessary steps to pursue your claim. Municipal liability may arise from a variety of situations, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions involving police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, sanitation trucks, or other government vehicles may create municipal liability.
- Premises liability: Injuries from tripping over cracked sidewalks, slipping on ice or snow, poor lighting, or broken stairs may entitle you to compensation.
- Medical malpractice: Mistreatment, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes at city-owned hospitals or healthcare facilities can form the basis of a municipal liability claim.
If your injury occurred in Brooklyn, Queens, or elsewhere in the city, acting quickly is critical. New York law requires that a notice of claim be filed within 90 days of the accident. Contact our firm by phone or email to understand your rights and ensure an experienced attorney is on your side.
Dangerous Common Areas in Brooklyn Apartment Complexes
Common areas in Brooklyn apartment complexes can pose serious hazards if not properly maintained. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to keep these spaces safe for residents and visitors, but broken tiles, cracked pavement, torn carpeting, damaged stairs, and jagged metal handrails can all lead to slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an apartment complex, an experienced Brooklyn slip-and-fall lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. At Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have helped countless clients recover compensation for injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and ensure your rights are protected.
Slip-and-Fall Risks from Recurring Conditions
In Brooklyn, some accidents happen in consistently unsafe areas, a problem known as a recurring condition. These are spots on a property where hazards are never properly addressed, putting multiple people at risk over time. Common recurring conditions include:
- A staircase that’s always covered in debris
- The area around a garbage chute that’s consistently dirty
- A handrail that is never repaired
- A hallway with broken or missing lights
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it’s important to speak with a Brooklyn slip-and-fall attorney as soon as possible. Your accident may reveal a pattern of negligence, showing that the dangerous condition existed long before and caused injuries to others. Identifying these recurring issues can strengthen your case and help ensure property owners are held accountable for their failure to maintain a safe environment.
Stairway Accidents
Stairway accidents are a serious hazard in Brooklyn and across New York City, with more than 1,300 fatalities and thousands of injuries occurring each year nationwide. Children and elderly individuals are particularly at risk, and many of these accidents could be prevented when stairs and railings are properly constructed and maintained. If you, a child, or an elderly loved one has been injured in a stairway accident, the property owner may be held legally responsible. Victims have the right to pursue full and fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from their injuries, and an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can help guide you through the claims process.
Serious Injuries in Brooklyn Parking Garages
If you’ve been injured on a parking ramp or in a parking garage in Brooklyn, it’s important to act quickly. Property owners or insurance companies may try to downplay your injury or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. An experienced Brooklyn slip-and-fall lawyer from Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. can fight for full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Parking garages and lots can be dangerous due to slippery oil stains, cracked pavement, poor lighting, and other hazards. To help preserve your case, keep these tips in mind:
- Note the time of day your injury occurred
- Record weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Pay attention to the shoes you were wearing
- Identify any witnesses or security cameras in the area
- Observe dangerous spots like dark corners, uneven pavement, or wet areas and whether they were properly marked
Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and dangerous conditions can be documented, giving your attorney the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve.
We Will Be There for You in Parking Garage Injury Cases
Recovering fair compensation after a parking garage injury in Brooklyn requires experience, strategy, and persistence. The attorneys at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. have decades of combined experience handling a wide range of injury cases. We know how to locate witnesses, interview property owners, and organize medical records to build a strong case. Our team is prepared to stand up to large insurance companies and fight for justice on your behalf.
We understand that injuries are not just physically painful but can also create serious financial strain. That’s why we are ready to meet you wherever it’s most convenient, at home, in the hospital, or in our offices, to review your case, provide legal guidance, and discuss how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers provide legal advice and representation for clients suffering from injuries they received on parking ramps and in parking garages in Brooklyn and communities throughout New York.
Free Consultation With Brooklyn Slip and Fall Attorneys – No Fees Unless You Recover Money
If you were seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in Brooklyn, whether on a sidewalk, in a parking lot, on an escalator, in a stairway, or anywhere on private or public property, Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help. Attorney Albert Cohen leads a team of experienced lawyers who understand the strategies insurance companies and property owners use to limit their financial liability. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases, and we represent plaintiffs throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and the greater New York City metropolitan area. We also provide guidance on protecting your financial recovery. Through estate preservation strategies such as trusts, we can help reduce liens on settlements and jury awards, allowing you to retain more of the compensation you are owed. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we successfully recover money for your claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us to speak to a Queens car accident lawyer today.
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