Got hurt on someone else’s property in Queens? Whether you slipped in a grocery store, got injured at a job site, or fell in your apartment building, you’re probably asking: now what?
Accidents like these are more common than people think. The good news? New York law gives you a path to hold negligent property owners accountable—and possibly recover compensation for what you’ve lost.
What Is Premises Liability?
In plain terms, premises liability means that property owners—and sometimes tenants or managers—are legally responsible when someone gets hurt because the place wasn’t safe. That could mean wet floors, broken steps, poor lighting, faulty elevators, or even a lack of security.
In a borough like Queens, where apartments, businesses, and construction sites sit side-by-side, property owners have a real duty to keep things safe. When they cut corners or ignore issues, and someone gets hurt as a result, they can be held financially responsible.
How Do You Prove a Premises Liability Claim?
To win a premises liability case, your Queens Premises Liability Attorney will need to show:
Property owners might try to say they didn’t know about the hazard. But under New York law, they can still be held liable if they should have known. This is called constructive notice.
If you're injured, reach out to a local Queens personal injury attorney who knows how to handle these cases. The sooner, the better.
Time Limits You Should Know
In most New York premises liability cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. But if the incident happened on city or government-owned property—like a public park or sidewalk—you’ll need to act faster. When you receive a notice of claim, it must be filed within 90 days, and the lawsuit itself within one year and 90 days.
If you miss those deadlines, you could lose your chance to take legal action—so it’s important not to put it off.
Local Help You Can Turn To
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an injury, know that you’re not alone. In Queens, there are community programs designed to offer real support. The NYC Department of Health, for example, runs fall-prevention workshops for older adults. Access NYC is another resource that can help you explore options for financial assistance, legal aid, or medical benefits.
These programs won’t fix everything—but they can ease some of the stress while you recover.
Moving Forward
Getting hurt because someone else didn’t take care of their property is so frustrating. It’s not just about the injury—it’s about how that injury affects your daily life, your job, your finances, and your peace of mind.
You shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone. The team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. understands how difficult this kind of situation can be. They’ve worked with people across Queens who found themselves in the same position—confused, stressed, and needing guidance.
Sometimes, making that first call is the hardest part. But it could also be the step that helps you start putting your life back together.
