Your Neighbor’s Negligence Left You Injured in Rochester

Can You Sue?

It started as a friendly neighborhood interaction, maybe even just a walk past the fence line. Then—boom—you slipped, tripped, or got bitten. Now you’re injured, stuck with medical bills, and unsure whether it’s even possible to sue someone who lives next door. But here’s the truth: if your neighbor’s negligence caused your injury, you may have a legal path forward. That’s where personal injury attorneys come in.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys help Rochester residents hold negligent neighbors accountable without turning every case into a war. If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe property conditions or a careless act, we’ll help you fight for the compensation you deserve—while helping you keep the peace.

Understanding Premises Liability: When Rochester Neighbors Become Liable for Your Injuries

Not all accidents are “just accidents.” If your neighbor failed to maintain their property or ignored a known hazard, they could be legally responsible. This is called premises liability.

What Counts as “Negligence” in New York?

In New York, a property owner can be considered negligent if they:

• Fail to repair broken stairs, sidewalks, or railings
• Don’t remove ice or snow in a reasonable time
• Ignore dangerous trees, loose fencing, or unsecured pets

Negligence simply means they didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent an injury that they should’ve seen coming. Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1411, even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages—just reduced by your share of responsibility.

When Is a Property Owner at Fault?

Your neighbor may be at fault if:

• They knew about the danger and didn’t fix it
• The hazard existed long enough that they should’ve known
• They violated local codes or ordinances related to property maintenance

If your injury happened in Rochester due to icy sidewalks, collapsing decks, or faulty gates, we can investigate whether those conditions breached New York Property Maintenance Code, which governs how residential property must be kept.

Was It a Tree, a Fence, or a Dog? How Neighbor Negligence Leads to Serious Injuries

You’d be surprised how often everyday things like trees, fences, and pets turn into safety hazards. In Rochester’s older neighborhoods, large overhanging limbs, shifting property lines, and roaming animals can all cause preventable injuries.

Some of the most common cases we’ve handled involve:

• Tree limbs that fall onto driveways, sidewalks, or people below
• Broken fences that cause cuts, trips, or fall hazards
• Unsecured dogs that bite, charge, or knock someone over

Dog owners in New York can be held strictly liable under New York Agriculture & Markets Law § 123 if they knew the dog had dangerous tendencies—even if it was the first bite.

Injured on the Property Line? Here’s What You Need to Know

Accidents don’t always happen squarely on one side of the fence. Maybe you were walking along the property line. Maybe your neighbor’s tree roots lifted your sidewalk. Or maybe your injury happened during a shared maintenance task. These situations can get murky—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.

In Rochester, homeowners have a duty to maintain the safety of their entire property—including any areas that border public walkways or shared access points. If your neighbor’s negligence spills over and causes harm, it could still result in liability.

We help you document exactly where the injury happened, identify who was responsible for the hazard, and build a clear case.

The Compensation You Deserve After a Neighbor’s Negligence in Rochester

If you were hurt because of a neighbor’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and emotional damages. Our team can help you pursue recovery for:

• Medical bills (including emergency care, surgery, or rehab)
• Lost wages if you missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or anxiety (especially in dog attack cases)

New York allows these claims under Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214, which provides a three-year window to file most personal injury lawsuits. Don’t wait too long—evidence gets harder to collect over time.

Can You Sue Without Burning Bridges? Legal Strategies for Keeping the Peace

Nobody wants to start a neighborhood feud. Suing someone who lives next door can feel awkward at best and terrifying at worst. But the good news is, many of these cases don’t turn into full-blown courtroom dramas.

We often help clients resolve claims through:

• Homeowner’s insurance – Many neighbor injury claims are paid by insurance, not directly out of pocket
• Private negotiation – We handle the communication, not you
• Mediation – If needed, we can resolve disputes quietly and fairly

The key is building a clear, respectful case that’s focused on facts—not emotions. Most neighbors would rather let their insurance handle it than risk long-term tension.

Your Rochester Legal Team for Neighbor Negligence Claims

Getting injured because of a neighbor’s neglect is frustrating—and recovering shouldn’t feel like a war. At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys serve Rochester residents with compassion, discretion, and strength.

If you’re dealing with pain, bills, or lost time because of an avoidable accident next door, let us fight for your peace of mind. If you’re ready to hire one of the best law firms in America, we’re here to stand with you.