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)

Premises Liability Lawyer in Ardsley

Safety and Compensation

Your Guide to Premises Liability in Ardsley

If you were injured on someone else’s property in Ardsley, you may face medical bills, lost income, and ongoing stress while you recover. At The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, we handle premises liability matters for people across Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, helping clients understand their rights under New York law. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm can review the circumstances of a fall or other injury to determine whether a property owner’s negligence may be responsible. Call (845) 986-2777 to discuss what happened and to explore options for seeking compensation.

Premises liability claims can arise from many situations, including slips and falls, inadequate security, poorly maintained walkways, or hazardous conditions in stores and public places. Establishing a claim often requires showing that the owner or occupier knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to address it. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists clients through the process of preserving evidence, documenting injuries and losses, and communicating with insurance companies. We aim to make the steps clear so you can focus on healing while we work to protect your interests under applicable New York statutes and case law.

How Premises Liability Claims Help Injured People

Bringing a premises liability claim can help an injured person secure compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other losses stemming from an accident on another’s property. Beyond monetary recovery, pursuing a claim encourages property owners to correct dangerous conditions so similar incidents do not recur. An effective claim relies on timely documentation of the hazard, witness statements, photographs, and records of medical care. When liability is established through those elements, insurance carriers may be more likely to offer fair settlement, or a claim may proceed to court for resolution if necessary to protect a client’s rights.

Ahearne Law Firm in Hudson Valley and Westchester

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients throughout the Hudson Valley and Westchester County, including Ardsley and surrounding communities. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. brings years of work on personal injury matters and familiarity with local courts, medical providers, and insurance practices in New York. The firm focuses on clear communication, prompt investigation of incidents, and practical strategies tailored to each client’s situation. From the first conversation through settlement discussions or litigation, the firm strives to provide steady guidance while pursuing a result that addresses medical needs and financial impacts following an injury on someone else’s property.

Understanding Premises Liability

Premises liability covers claims that arise when a visitor is injured because of a dangerous condition on property controlled by another party. Under New York law, a property owner’s responsibility depends on the visitor’s status, whether invitee, licensee, or trespasser, and whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard. Key elements include the existence of a dangerous condition, notice or constructive knowledge of that condition, and a causal link between the condition and the injury. Timely action to preserve evidence and secure witness statements is essential to develop a strong factual record for any potential claim.

Investigating a premises liability matter typically involves documenting the hazard with photographs, obtaining maintenance and incident records, and securing medical evidence that ties injuries to the incident. Insurance carriers will scrutinize how an accident occurred, so establishing the timeline and any duty the property owner had to warn or repair is important. Comparative fault rules in New York can reduce recovery if the injured person is found partly at fault, so careful case assessment and documentation of the property owner’s role in creating or allowing a dangerous condition are essential steps to protect a claimant’s interests.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Simple Definitions

Duty of Care

Duty of care refers to the obligation a property owner or occupier has to keep the premises reasonably safe for visitors. The specific duty owed can vary depending on whether the injured person was an invited guest, a social visitor, or a trespasser. In many premises liability situations in New York, businesses and landowners owe a heightened duty to inspect and address hazards that a reasonable person would recognize as dangerous. Determining the scope of that duty is a fundamental step in assessing whether a property owner’s actions or omissions contributed to an injury.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal principle that reduces the amount of recovery a claimant may receive if they are found partly responsible for their own injuries. In New York, a court or jury can assign a percentage of fault to each party involved, and a claimant’s total damages are then reduced by their percentage share of responsibility. This rule underscores the importance of documenting the property owner’s role in causing the hazardous condition and any factors that support the injured person’s account of what happened in order to minimize any apportionment of fault.

Notice

Notice describes whether a property owner knew about a dangerous condition or should reasonably have known about it through inspection or common use. Actual notice means the owner had direct knowledge of the hazard, while constructive notice can be established by showing the dangerous condition existed long enough that the owner ought to have discovered and addressed it. Proof of notice often involves maintenance logs, prior complaints, employee testimony, or evidence that the hazard was obvious and persistent but left uncorrected by the owner.

Proximate Cause

Proximate cause refers to the link between a dangerous condition on the property and the injuries that resulted. To succeed on a premises liability claim, an injured person must show that the owner’s breach of duty was a substantial factor in bringing about the harm. This concept focuses on foreseeability and whether the injury was a natural consequence of the hazardous condition. Medical records, eyewitness accounts, and scene documentation all help establish the connection needed to demonstrate proximate cause in a legal claim.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

After an injury on someone else’s property, preserving evidence is vital to documenting what happened and why. Take photographs of the hazard and the surrounding area, gather contact information for any witnesses, and keep any clothing or footwear worn at the time. Those steps help create a factual record that can support a claim for medical expenses, lost income, and other out-of-pocket impacts when property owner responsibility is in question.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Getting medical care after a fall or other injury on a property serves both health and legal purposes because treatment records provide an official link between the incident and your injuries. Follow recommended testing and treatment plans and keep copies of all medical bills and reports. Retaining thorough medical documentation strengthens a case for compensation and helps insurers and decision-makers understand the nature and extent of your condition and recovery needs.

Document Conversations and Reports

Record any interactions with property managers or staff, including incident reports or statements they provide at the scene. Note dates, times, and details of conversations, and request copies of any internal incident records. These records can clarify what the owner knew and when, supporting a claim that the dangerous condition was known or should have been discovered and remedied.

Comparing Legal Approaches

When a Full Case Review Is Important:

Complex Facts and Serious Injuries

A comprehensive approach is often needed when the facts of an incident are contested or when injuries are serious and long-lasting. Complex liability questions, multiple potential defendants, or significant medical needs require careful investigation and documentation. A full review can bring together medical opinions, witness accounts, and records that clarify responsibility and lay the groundwork for fair compensation.

Disputed Responsibility or Insurance Resistance

When property owners or insurers dispute responsibility, a thorough case strategy can identify weaknesses in their position and strengthen your claim. Detailed evidence collection, timely preservation of the scene, and organized records can shift negotiations in favor of a more favorable outcome. Comprehensive preparation also positions a claim for effective settlement discussions or courtroom presentation, if that step becomes necessary to protect damages for medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

When a Targeted Approach Works:

Clear Liability and Minor Injuries

A more limited approach may be appropriate when liability is clear, such as when an obvious hazard caused a straightforward injury and the insurer cooperates. In those cases, focused documentation, medical records, and a concise demand to the carrier can resolve the matter without extensive investigation. A streamlined process can reduce delays while still seeking fair payment for treatment and related costs.

Quick, Cooperative Resolution Possible

If a property owner accepts responsibility promptly and the insurer responds reasonably, a targeted effort to document damages and negotiate a settlement may conclude the matter efficiently. This saves time and expense compared with full litigation, while still addressing medical bills and lost wages. That approach depends on obtaining sufficient proof of the hazard, the injury, and the economic impacts so a fair settlement can be reached without further dispute.

Common Premises Liability Scenarios

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall incidents often occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways in commercial or residential settings. Documenting the scene promptly and obtaining witness accounts helps establish how the hazard existed and whether the owner knew about it.

Negligent Security

Inadequate security measures can lead to assaults or other injuries on a property where the owner failed to provide reasonable protections. Records of past incidents and security policies may show whether the owner should have taken steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

Hazardous Conditions

Hazardous conditions such as broken stairs, defective handrails, or poorly lit areas create predictable risks for visitors. Maintenance logs and inspection reports are often key to showing the property owner’s awareness or negligence in addressing the danger.

Ardsley Premises Liability Representation

Why Choose The Ahearne Law Firm

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC brings local experience handling personal injury and premises liability matters in Ardsley and throughout Westchester County. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. understands how to gather and preserve the evidence that supports a client’s claim, from scene photographs to medical records and witness statements. The firm focuses on attentive communication, timely investigation, and advocating for compensation that addresses medical care, lost earnings, and other losses. Prospective clients can expect straightforward guidance about next steps after an accident and how claims commonly proceed under New York law.

Working with a law firm experienced in premises matters helps ensure that deadlines are met and that the record is prepared for negotiations or court if required. The Ahearne Law Firm assists with documenting damages, interacting with insurers, and explaining legal options so clients can make informed decisions. For people injured on another’s property in Ardsley, the firm provides practical support aimed at preserving rights and pursuing recovery while allowing the injured person to focus on treatment and recovery.

Contact Our Ardsley Office Today

People Also Search For

Premises liability Ardsley

Slips and falls Westchester

Ardsley personal injury lawyer

Property owner liability New York

Negligent security claims Ardsley

Trip and fall injury Hudson Valley

Ardsley accident claims

Premises hazard injury legal help

FAQS

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

After a slip and fall, your immediate priorities are safety and documenting the scene. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor, since some conditions worsen over time and medical records create an official link between the accident and your harm. If you are able, take photographs of the hazard, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses and request an incident report from the property manager or business where the accident occurred. Keep copies of all medical bills, treatment records, and receipts related to the incident, and preserve any clothing or footwear involved. Avoid giving detailed recorded statements to insurers without understanding your rights, because those statements can be used to contest your claim. Instead, focus on compiling the factual record and contacting a local law firm, such as The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, to discuss the next steps and how to protect your potential claim.

How do I prove the property owner was responsible for my injury?

Proving property owner responsibility typically requires showing that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner knew or should have known about it, and that the condition caused your injury. Evidence like photographs of the hazard, maintenance logs, prior complaints, witness statements, and surveillance footage can demonstrate both the existence of the hazard and notice to the owner. Establishing a causal link between the condition and your injuries relies on contemporaneous medical records and documentation of your losses. An investigation that preserves the scene and collects relevant records soon after the incident makes it easier to assemble this proof. The owner’s routine inspection and maintenance practices may also be relevant, as can any prior incidents showing a pattern. A coordinated collection of evidence helps clarify responsibility and supports discussions with insurers or a court if resolution requires litigation.

Can I still make a claim if I was partly at fault for my injury?

New York applies comparative fault rules that can reduce a claimant’s recovery if they are found partially responsible for their own injuries. If a factfinder determines you share some fault, your total damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility. That means careful documentation of the property owner’s role and the specific ways their conduct created or allowed the hazard is important to minimize any allocation of fault to you. Even with some shared responsibility, you can often pursue compensation for medical costs and other losses after an Ardsley premises incident. Ensuring the record reflects how the dangerous condition existed and why the owner should have addressed it can limit the percentage assigned to the injured person and preserve a meaningful recovery.

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including many premises liability cases, is generally two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can bar recovery, which is why prompt action to investigate and preserve a claim is important. Certain circumstances may affect deadlines, so it is important to seek guidance early to confirm timelines that apply to your particular situation. Timely steps also help secure evidence such as surveillance footage and witness memories, which can degrade with time. Prompt consultation with a law firm in Ardsley or Westchester County can clarify the applicable deadline and help ensure all necessary filings and preservation efforts occur within required timeframes.

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

Whether the property owner’s insurance will cover your medical bills depends on insurance coverage and the facts of the incident. Many commercial properties and some homeowners maintain liability insurance that can respond to claims for injuries occurring on their premises. The insurer will typically investigate and may offer a settlement if liability and damages are clear, but insurers may also dispute responsibility, delay, or undervalue claims. Documenting your medical treatment and other losses and presenting a clear case for the insurance carrier supports timely consideration of payment. If an insurer resists payment, preparing a well-documented claim or pursuing litigation may be necessary to obtain compensation for medical expenses and related impacts.

What types of evidence are most helpful for a premises liability claim?

Photographs and videos of the hazard and the scene are among the most persuasive pieces of evidence, showing the condition that caused an injury. Witness statements, incident reports, and any surveillance footage help corroborate how the incident occurred. Medical records and bills that document injury, treatment, and anticipated recovery costs are crucial to demonstrate damages tied to the incident. Maintenance logs, prior complaints, repair records, and employment or occupancy documents can help establish notice or a failure to address a recurring hazard. Preserving physical evidence such as torn clothing or damaged footwear and maintaining a timeline of events strengthens a claim and supports negotiations or courtroom presentation if needed.

How much can I expect to recover for a premises injury?

The potential recovery for a premises injury depends on the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical care and rehabilitation, any lost income, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Cases involving long-term disability, significant surgeries, or ongoing care typically result in higher damages than those involving minor, short-term injuries. Each case is unique, so a careful assessment of medical prognosis and financial impacts helps estimate a reasonable recovery range. Insurance limits and any shared fault can also affect recovery amounts, which is why documenting total losses and the property owner’s responsibility is important. A law firm assisting with claims can gather necessary evidence, present the full scope of damages to insurers, and explain realistic outcomes based on local practice and similar cases.

Do I need to go to court to get compensation?

Many premises liability matters resolve through negotiation with insurance carriers, avoiding a courtroom trial. A negotiated settlement can be faster and less costly than litigation, but it requires a well-documented claim and often skilled negotiation to ensure the settlement covers medical care, lost income, and other losses. When an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, pursuing a lawsuit may be necessary to obtain full redress. Preparing a claim for trial means assembling evidence, securing witness testimony, and following court procedures and deadlines. Deciding whether to press for litigation depends on the facts of the case, the injuries involved, and the insurer’s response; informed legal guidance helps clients weigh the options and choose the path that best protects their interests.

Should I give a statement to the property owner’s insurer?

Providing a statement to an insurer can help move a claim forward, but recorded or written statements should be handled carefully. Insurers sometimes use early statements to minimize liability or damage claims, so it is wise to understand your rights and the potential legal impact before giving detailed recorded remarks. You should focus on basic facts and avoid speculation or assigning blame in initial communications while you gather documentation. Consulting with a local law firm before giving a recorded statement can help ensure your account is clear and accurate without unintentionally harming your claim. A firm can guide you on what to say, how to preserve evidence, and when to obtain medical documentation to support the link between the incident and your injuries.

How can The Ahearne Law Firm help with my Ardsley premises claim?

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists clients by evaluating the facts of a premises incident, preserving key evidence, and guiding clients through communications with insurers and other parties. The firm helps assemble medical documentation, witness statements, and scene evidence to clarify responsibility and the extent of damages. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team can explain legal options, applicable deadlines, and realistic pathways for settlement or litigation under New York law. Working with a firm familiar with Ardsley and Westchester County practices can streamline investigation and ensure timely filing of claims and preservation efforts. The Ahearne Law Firm also helps clients understand potential outcomes, negotiates with insurers on their behalf, and takes additional steps to protect recovery when settlement is not forthcoming.

Personal Injury Services in Ardsley

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services