A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Slip and Fall Lawyer in Corona, Queens

Local Injury Guidance

Complete Slip and Fall Guide

Slip and fall accidents can happen suddenly in public spaces, stores, apartment buildings, sidewalks and parking lots throughout Corona and Queens. When a hazardous condition causes a fall, the person injured may face medical bills, lost wages and ongoing physical and emotional impact. Understanding how premises liability works and the steps you should take after a fall can help protect your rights and improve the chance of fair recovery. This page explains common causes of falls, how claims are typically handled in New York, and practical next steps for anyone injured in a slip and fall incident in Corona.

After a slip and fall, acting promptly preserves evidence and strengthens a claim. Photograph the scene, seek medical care, and get contact information from witnesses if possible; these actions create documentation that supports later discussions with insurers or property representatives. You will also want to retain records of medical visits, work absences, and any expenses related to the incident so recoverable losses are clear. The information below outlines the legal framework and practical considerations for pursuing a personal injury matter after a slip and fall in Queens, along with what a local law office can do to assist you through the process.

Benefits of Legal Guidance After a Slip and Fall

Pursuing a premises liability claim after a slip and fall can help secure compensation for medical treatment, lost income and other damages tied to the injury. Legal guidance helps ensure deadlines are met, evidence is collected and written communications with insurers are managed in a way that protects your interests. A lawyer can also assess whether property owners or third parties may be responsible, explain how comparative negligence rules apply in New York and advise on realistic settlement expectations based on local precedents. Knowing these elements helps injured people make informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could reduce potential recovery.

About Ahearne Law Firm and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists individuals injured in personal injury incidents across Queens and the Hudson Valley, including slip and fall claims in Corona. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. represents clients in matters involving premises liability, insurance negotiations and civil litigation when necessary. The firm focuses on clear communication with clients, careful investigation of accident scenes, and working with medical providers to document injuries. Prospective clients can expect practical guidance about claim options, the likely timeline for resolution, and the documents that will be important for proving damages and liability in a New York slip and fall case.

Understanding Slip and Fall Claims

Slip and fall claims are a subset of premises liability and are built around basic legal elements: a property owner or manager must owe a duty of care to visitors, there must be a breach of that duty by allowing a hazardous condition to exist, and the breach must be the proximate cause of the injury and related damages. In New York, liability may arise whether the owner created the hazard or failed to correct or warn about a known danger. Establishing causation and linking the injury to the hazardous condition requires documentation such as photographs, incident reports, witness statements and medical records that reflect how the fall occurred and the resulting harm.

Procedurally, slip and fall claims navigate both insurance processes and potential court filings; knowing the applicable statute of limitations and how comparative fault operates in New York is important. New York applies comparative negligence rules, meaning recovery may be reduced if the injured person bears some responsibility for the accident. The usual statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury, so acting promptly is important to preserve rights. An early assessment of liability, damages and likely defenses can shape whether to seek settlement or prepare for litigation in Queens courts.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Premises Liability

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility a property owner or occupier has to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors and to warn about foreseeable hazards. When someone is injured because the property was unsafe, the injured person may have a claim if the owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to fix it or provide adequate notice. Examples include wet floors without proper signage, uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting or debris left in walkways. Proving a premises liability claim typically requires showing the hazard existed, the owner’s knowledge or constructive knowledge of it, and that the hazard caused the injury and losses.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that reduces the recovery available to an injured person if they are found partly at fault for the accident. Under New York law, a plaintiff’s damages award can be decreased in proportion to the percentage of fault attributed to that person. For example, if a jury finds the injured person 20 percent at fault, the final recovery would be reduced by 20 percent. Comparative negligence does not necessarily bar recovery unless damages are fully offset by the injured person’s assigned share of responsibility, so accurate documentation and argument can limit the plaintiff’s attributed responsibility in a slip and fall case.

Duty of Care

Duty of care in premises liability means property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe for invited guests and lawful visitors. The scope of that duty depends on the visitor’s status, such as invitee, licensee or trespasser, and on what hazards are foreseeable in the property’s ordinary use. Reasonable precautions may include regular inspections, prompt cleanup of spills, repair of structural defects and clear warnings where hazards cannot be immediately remedied. The presence and scope of a duty of care are foundational to determining whether a property owner can be held legally responsible after a slip and fall.

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury occurs, and in New York the typical time limit for personal injury actions is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within the statutory period can result in the claim being barred regardless of its merits, though there are narrow exceptions in exceptional circumstances. Because administrative notice requirements can apply to some claims against public entities, it is important to identify the correct deadline and any special procedural steps early in the process. Timely investigation and preservation of evidence are important to meeting these legal deadlines.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Quickly

After a slip and fall, gather and preserve evidence at the scene as soon as it is safe to do so; photographs of the hazard, surrounding area and any visible injuries create a contemporaneous record that is valuable later. Collect contact information from any witnesses and keep copies of incident reports or property manager communications, since third-party statements can help verify how the fall occurred. Retaining medical documentation and bills establishes the link between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for proving damages and showing the impact on daily life and work.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Seeking medical attention right after a fall serves two important purposes: it addresses health needs and creates a medical record that links injuries to the incident. Describe symptoms accurately to clinicians and follow recommended treatment plans, because consistent medical care and documented diagnoses support claims for compensation. Keep copies of all diagnostic tests, treatment notes and billing statements, and inform healthcare providers of any changes in pain or function so the full extent of the injury is captured over time.

Document the Scene and Circumstances

Carefully document the scene by taking wide and close-up photographs of the hazard, any warning signs, lighting conditions and footwear or clothing that may have affected the fall. Note the date, time, weather conditions and any actions taken by property staff after the incident, because timelines and responses can influence liability assessments. Store digital files safely and keep a written account of how the fall happened, including any immediate symptoms, so details remain consistent when later reported to insurers or included in a claim.

Comparing Legal Options for Slip and Fall Claims

When Comprehensive Legal Assistance Is Advisable:

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

When injuries are severe, involve surgery, long-term rehabilitation or significant work loss, a comprehensive approach that includes investigation, negotiation and possible litigation becomes important to pursue full compensation. Complex medical records, ongoing care needs and future loss calculations require careful documentation and coordination with healthcare providers to demonstrate the full extent of damages. Insurers may be more likely to defend vigorously against larger claims, so careful preparation and legal advocacy ensure your claim is presented with the supporting evidence needed for fair evaluation and resolution.

Complex Liability Situations

When multiple parties may share responsibility, such as landlords, independent contractors or municipal entities, a comprehensive approach helps identify all possible sources of liability and coordinate claims accordingly. Investigative steps like reviewing maintenance logs, surveillance footage and contractual relationships can be necessary to establish who had responsibility for the hazardous condition. A coordinated legal strategy helps manage claims across different insurers and legal frameworks so that all avenues for recovery are explored and pursued when appropriate.

When a Limited Approach May Be Sufficient:

Minor, Clear-Cut Claims

For relatively minor falls with straightforward causes and minimal medical treatment, a focused approach that documents the event, notifies the property owner and engages with the insurer can resolve the matter efficiently. If liability is clear and losses are limited, direct settlement discussions may achieve a fair outcome without extensive litigation or prolonged investigation. Even in these situations, preserving photographs, medical receipts and witness contact information helps support a timely resolution and prevents disputes over basic facts.

Low Insurance Value Cases

When damages are modest and the responsible party’s insurance coverage is limited, pursuing a streamlined claim focused on quick documentation and negotiation may be the most efficient path. In such cases, gathering essential evidence and presenting a clear demand to the insurer can resolve the claim without the cost and time of a full litigation campaign. A practical, measured approach balances the time and expense of pursuing recovery with the likely value of the claim to achieve a sensible outcome for the injured person.

Common Circumstances That Lead to Slip and Fall Claims

Wet or Slippery Floors

Wet floors from tracked-in rain, spills or cleaning activities are a frequent cause of slip and fall incidents in retail stores, lobbies and stairwells, and injuries can range from minor bruises to more serious fractures or head trauma depending on how a person lands. Property owners are expected to take reasonable measures such as posting warning signs, promptly drying known spills and maintaining safe conditions during busy periods, and failure to do so can form the basis for a premises liability claim when someone is injured.

Uneven Walkways and Surfaces

Drop-offs, cracked pavement, curled flooring or improperly installed carpeting create tripping hazards that may cause people to stumble and fall, particularly in outdoor walkways, building entrances and parking lots where maintenance lapses are common. Documenting the condition with photographs and witness accounts, and checking whether the property owner knew or should have known about the defect, helps establish responsibility for injuries that result from uneven surfaces.

Poor Lighting and Visibility

Insufficient lighting in stairwells, hallways, parking areas and walkways reduces visibility and makes it harder to see hazards such as steps, sudden level changes or debris, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. When poor lighting contributes to an accident, documentation of the lighting conditions and any prior complaints or maintenance requests can support a claim that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.

Corona Slip and Fall Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Slip and Fall Claims

Ahearne Law Firm focuses on representing people injured in personal injury incidents across Queens and nearby counties, including slip and fall cases in Corona. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm prioritize timely communication, thorough investigation of accident scenes, and coordination with medical providers to document injuries and recoverable losses. The approach centers on clear explanations of legal options, practical assessment of claim value, and guidance through insurance negotiations or court procedures when necessary, all with attention to the specific facts of each incident and the needs of the injured person.

Many personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients typically do not pay up-front legal fees and arrangements are discussed at the outset so individuals understand potential costs. The firm works to minimize clients’ out-of-pocket expenses while pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages, and seeks to keep clients informed about case developments and settlement options. If litigation becomes necessary, the firm prepares the case for court with documentation and witness development that support the claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

People Also Search For

slip and fall lawyer Corona

premises liability Corona

Queens slip and fall attorney

slip and fall claim NYC

personal injury Corona

Allan J. Ahearne Jr slip and fall

Corona premises liability lawyer

slip and fall compensation New York

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a slip and fall in Corona?

Immediately after a slip and fall, prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention if you are injured or experiencing symptoms, as some injuries are not immediately apparent. If it is safe to do so, document the scene with photographs of the hazard, surrounding area, and any visible injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses and the property owner or manager; written incident reports are also important to request and retain for later use. Keep records of all medical treatment, diagnostic tests and related expenses, and preserve any clothing or footwear if they are part of the incident evidence. Notify your insurance company about the incident if appropriate, but avoid giving a recorded statement about fault until you have reviewed the circumstances, and retain copies of all communications and documents to support any later claim for compensation.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall cases, is three years from the date of the accident, so it is important to act promptly to protect your right to file a lawsuit. There are limited exceptions and different rules may apply for claims against public entities or in unusual circumstances, which can impose shorter notice requirements or alternative deadlines, so early assessment is important to identify any special procedures. Waiting too long can result in losing the right to pursue recovery even if the claim is otherwise strong, so gathering evidence, obtaining medical care and discussing options should occur soon after the incident. Early action preserves key evidence such as surveillance footage and witness recollection and helps ensure your claim remains viable within New York’s legal timeframes.

Who can be held liable for a slip and fall?

Potentially liable parties in a slip and fall case include property owners, landlords, tenants who control a space, property managers and contractors responsible for maintenance, depending on who had responsibility for the area where the fall occurred. Liability depends on which party had control over the premises, whether they knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and whether reasonable steps were taken to correct or warn about the danger. In some situations, third parties such as businesses operating within a property or municipal entities responsible for sidewalks can share responsibility, and contractual arrangements may affect who should have addressed the hazard. Determining liability often requires investigation into maintenance records, incident history and the chain of responsibility for the property condition that caused the fall.

What types of damages can I recover after a slip and fall?

Damages recoverable after a slip and fall commonly include medical expenses for past and future care, lost wages for time missed from work, and compensation for pain and suffering tied to the injury. When injuries cause long-term impairment or diminished earning capacity, damages may include estimated future medical costs and adjustments to reflect ongoing limitations or reduced income potential. In some cases, property damage and out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to medical appointments are also recoverable. The specific types and amounts of damages depend on medical documentation, employment records and the demonstrated impact of the injury on daily life, so careful record-keeping and consistent medical treatment are important to validate the claim.

How does comparative negligence affect my slip and fall claim?

Comparative negligence reduces the amount of recovery if the injured person is found to share responsibility for the accident; under New York’s comparative negligence framework, the plaintiff’s damages award is decreased in proportion to their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is assigned 25 percent of the fault, the final award is reduced by that percentage, which makes accurate evidence and persuasive argument about fault allocation important to protect recovery. Even if an injured person bears some responsibility, recovery is still possible unless their share fully offsets the damages, so it is important to document the incident and counter attempts to assign excessive blame. Demonstrating how the hazardous condition and property owner actions were the primary cause of the fall can limit the portion of fault attributed to the injured person.

Will the property owner’s insurance cover my medical bills?

Property owner insurance often provides the initial avenue for compensation of medical bills and other losses after a slip and fall, but insurance coverage and policy limits vary widely among carriers and property types. Insurers will evaluate liability and may request documentation such as medical records, police or incident reports, and photographs, and they may negotiate settlement offers based on that evaluation and their assessment of potential exposure. It is important to provide accurate documentation and to understand that initial settlement offers may not reflect the full extent of damages, particularly if injuries require ongoing care. Carefully documenting medical treatment and future needs helps support a claim for appropriate compensation, and having knowledgeable representation can assist in communicating with insurers to seek fair resolution.

How much is my slip and fall case worth?

The value of a slip and fall case depends on the severity and permanence of injuries, medical expenses incurred and expected future care, lost wages and the degree to which daily life has been affected. Cases involving fractures, surgeries or long-term disability generally have higher valuations than those with short-term, minor injuries, and documentation such as treatment records and employment evidence plays a major role in calculating potential recovery. Other factors that influence value include liability strength, available insurance coverage and whether comparative negligence applies. Because each claim is fact-specific, careful assessment of damages and liability at an early stage helps frame realistic expectations about settlement ranges or the potential outcome at trial.

Do I need to see a doctor if I feel okay after a fall?

Even if you feel okay after a fall, it is advisable to see a medical professional because some injuries, such as concussions, internal injuries or soft tissue damage, may not show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical evaluation both protects your health and creates a medical record linking the injury to the fall, which is important evidence if you later pursue a claim for compensation for medical care and related losses. Delaying medical care can complicate proof of causation and give insurers grounds to argue that injuries are unrelated or preexisting, which may reduce recovery. Follow recommended treatment and document all visits, tests and prescribed therapy to establish a clear, continuous record of how the injury affected you and what medical steps were necessary for recovery.

What evidence is most helpful in a slip and fall case?

The most helpful evidence in a slip and fall case includes photographs of the hazard and surrounding area, witness statements, incident reports, surveillance footage and prompt medical records that document injuries and treatment. Maintenance logs, repair histories and prior complaints about the same hazard can also be important to show the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to act. Preserving physical evidence such as damaged clothing or footwear and keeping thorough records of expenses and employment impacts further supports a claim for damages. Collecting and organizing this information early increases the likelihood that the claim will be evaluated fairly and reduces disputes over the key facts of how the accident occurred.

Can I handle a slip and fall claim on my own or should I get legal help?

Some individuals successfully resolve straightforward slip and fall claims on their own, particularly when liability is clear and damages are modest, but more complex cases involving significant injuries, disputed fault or multiple responsible parties often benefit from legal assistance. An attorney can coordinate evidence collection, handle communications with insurers and advise on whether settlement offers are reasonable relative to the full value of the claim, which can be especially important when future medical needs are anticipated. Deciding whether to pursue professional help depends on factors such as injury severity, complexity of liability and comfort with negotiating insurance claims; seeking an initial consultation can help clarify the options and the practical steps needed to pursue fair compensation while minimizing procedural missteps that could weaken the case.

Personal Injury Services in Corona

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services