Welcome to “Wednesday Law Stories” — where we share real-life legal situations to help you better understand your rights.
Today’s story comes from a recent trip my family and I took. I was speaking at an event, and we decided to turn it into a weekend getaway. We stayed at a beautiful hotel, and one afternoon, we went for a walk with our kids.
As we were heading down a large staircase outside the hotel, my son, Miles, turned to me and said, “Dad, these stairs are really dangerous. They’re slippery, falling apart, and someone could get seriously hurt. You should sue them.”
Now, when your parents are both lawyers, these are the kinds of things kids say. But Miles was actually onto something important — and very relevant to New York premises liability law.
Who’s Responsible for Unsafe Property Conditions?
In New York, property owners — whether they own a hotel, apartment building, store, or private home — have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe. This includes staircases, sidewalks, entrances, and other areas the public might use.
If a property owner knows about a dangerous condition, or should have known about it through regular maintenance or inspection, they must take action to fix it. If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, the owner may be held liable for those injuries.
Common Examples of Property Hazards
In our case, the hotel’s stairs could be considered hazardous for several reasons:
- They were slippery — possibly from rain, ice, or poor construction materials.
- They were crumbling or damaged — a sign of neglect or lack of proper maintenance.
- They were out of code — meaning they didn’t meet New York City building standards or safety regulations.
Any of these issues could create a dangerous environment for guests. If a fall occurs under these conditions, the injured person may have a legal case.
What to Do If You’re Injured on Someone Else’s Property in NY
If you or a loved one is injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property in New York, here are some key questions to consider:
- Was the hazardous condition present long enough for the owner to notice and repair it?
- Was the condition clearly unsafe or in violation of safety codes?
- Did the unsafe condition directly cause your fall or injury?
It’s always wise to document the scene, take photos, report the condition to the property owner or manager, and seek medical attention if needed.
You Have Rights — We’re Here to Help
Unfortunately, serious injuries from slips, trips, and falls happen more often than people realize — especially in places like hotels, apartment buildings, and stores.
Our firm has handled many of these cases in New York, and we know how devastating they can be. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to listen, assess your situation, and help you take the right steps.
Give us a call — this is what we do, and we’re happy to help.