Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer North Hempstead, NY

Slipped, Hurt, and Unsure What’s Next? North Hempstead Victims: Here’s Your Legal Lifeline

You were going about your day, running errands, heading home, or just getting some fresh air. Then came the fall. Now you're dealing with pain, questions, and stress you didn’t ask for. Maybe it happened outside your apartment, on a poorly maintained sidewalk, or in a local store that failed to clean up a spill. However it happened, the outcome is the same: you’re hurt, and it’s not your fault.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our slip and fall attorneys have supported clients across Nassau County, including right here in North Hempstead, after serious injuries. We understand how quickly an accident like this can disrupt everything. We're here to walk you through your legal options and stand up for your right to hold the at-fault party responsible.

They Knew the Risk Was There but Failed to Act

Property owners in New York are legally responsible for keeping their spaces safe. If they ignore unsafe conditions and someone gets hurt, they may be held liable. The law requires action, not excuses.

Negligence doesn’t mean someone intended harm. It means they didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent it. A store manager might have ignored a wet entryway. A landlord could have delayed fixing broken steps. A homeowner may have skipped clearing ice after a storm. In each case, someone got hurt because someone else failed to act.

If you fell in a private residence, the property owner must have known about the danger or should have reasonably discovered it beforehand. Common examples include poor lighting, loose flooring, or broken porch steps.

Commercial property owners, like those at the Westbury Plaza, have a higher duty. The law expects them to inspect their property often and fix problems quickly. If they allow known risks to linger and you get hurt, they may be responsible.

We’ve worked with clients injured by wet floors with no signs, uneven sidewalks, dark stairwells, and torn carpet that should have been replaced. These aren’t small issues. They are serious hazards that lead to real pain and costly recovery.

New York Law Gives You Rights, but Time Is Limited

If you were hurt on someone else’s property, New York law allows you to seek compensation. This may include compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and the physical or emotional consequences of the accident.

But your rights come with deadlines. In most situations, New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214 gives you up to three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That may seem like enough time, but waiting can hurt your case.

Claims involving government property are even more urgent. If you fell outside Town Hall or in a public park, New York General Municipal Law § 50-e requires you to file a notice of claim within 90 days. If you miss that deadline, you may lose the chance to recover anything.

You can still pursue compensation even if you believe you share some of the blame. Under New York’s pure comparative fault system, your role in the accident doesn’t prevent you from filing a claim. If you were 30 percent responsible for the fall, you can still recover the other 70 percent in damages. The law adjusts compensation based on each party’s share of the responsibility.

What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

What you do after a fall matters. It affects your recovery and your ability to bring a claim.

• Start by taking care of yourself. Even if you feel okay at first, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up. Visit a local urgent care center and your medical records will help support your case.
• Try to document the scene as soon as you can. Take clear photos of where you fell, focusing on what caused it like a slick floor or broken steps. Include surrounding details such as poor lighting or missing warning signs. If it happened in a business, notify the manager, request an incident report, and gather witness names if possible.
• Once you’ve taken care of the immediate situation, it’s important to speak with an attorney. Building a strong case takes more than a few photos. You’ll need evidence, legal knowledge, and someone who understands the process. The right slip and fall attorneys can help you collect what you need and explain your next steps.

Where Falls Happen Most in North Hempstead

Falls can happen anywhere, but certain places tend to be more dangerous.

• Retail stores and sidewalks are common spots for injuries. A spilled drink in a grocery aisle, a cracked walkway near Northern Boulevard, or a broken handrail on a staircase can all cause serious harm. Business owners are expected to fix these problems quickly. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they may be liable.
• Public parks and government buildings also pose risks if they aren’t maintained. Uneven paths, poor lighting, and missing railings turn peaceful places like Clark Botanic Garden into danger zones. If the fall happened on city or town property, municipal liability laws may apply.
• Apartment buildings and assisted living centers are another concern. Landlords and facility managers must keep shared spaces safe. That includes making sure steps are secure, hallways are lit, and wet areas are cleaned properly. When they fail, the people who live there suffer the consequences.

Your Questions Answered: Simple and Straightforward

What if I didn’t report the fall right away?

You can still move forward. While reporting helps, other details like photos, doctor visits, and your own notes can support your case. Just don’t wait too long.

Can I sue a landlord or a friend?

Yes. Their insurance is usually what pays. These claims aren’t about blame. They’re focused on making sure you get the support and care you need to recover.

Do I need witnesses or photographs? 

They're useful, but not essential. Medical documents, property reports, and your personal description of what happened all still be used to support a compelling claim.

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Help You Get Things Done

Our slip and fall attorneys have represented injury victims across North Hempstead and throughout Nassau County. We understand how these accidents impact your daily life. Call Horn Wright, LLP, right now to set up your free appointment and start getting better.