Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Queens

Slip and fall accidents in Queens happen far more often than many people realize—and the injuries can be severe. Queens is one of the largest and most heavily traveled boroughs, with busy sidewalks, shopping centers, apartment buildings, medical facilities, schools, and transportation hubs. When property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, a simple walk can turn into a life-altering injury.

Slip and fall injuries are frequently underestimated. In reality, they can lead to broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and long-term mobility issues. Victims often face mounting medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing pain. This page is written for people searching for a slip and fall accident lawyer in Queens. It explains how slip and fall accidents happen, where they most often occur across Queens, the injuries victims commonly suffer, and how Segal & Lax helps injured individuals pursue accountability and compensation after a serious fall.

Why Slip and Fall Accidents Are So Common in Queens

Queens combines dense residential neighborhoods with major commercial corridors, airports, shopping malls, and highways. Sidewalks and public spaces are used constantly by residents, commuters, visitors, and workers. With this level of foot traffic, even small maintenance issues can create serious hazards.

Slip and fall accidents are common in Queens because of:

• Cracked and uneven sidewalks
• Aging apartment buildings and stairwells
• Poor lighting in hallways and garages
• Wet floors in grocery stores and retail shops
• Ice and snow accumulation during winter
• Construction debris and temporary walkways

When these hazards are not addressed in a timely manner, people get hurt.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Queens

Slip and fall accidents are rarely unavoidable. Most are caused by dangerous conditions that should have been fixed or clearly marked.

Uneven or Damaged Sidewalks

Cracked pavement, raised concrete slabs, potholes, and tree-root damage are major causes of falls. These hazards are common along busy streets such as Queens Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, and Hillside Avenue.

Wet or Slippery Floors

Spills, leaks, freshly mopped floors, and tracked-in rain or snow often cause falls in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and office buildings.

Broken or Unsafe Stairs

Loose handrails, uneven steps, worn stair treads, and damaged landings frequently cause falls in apartment buildings and commercial properties throughout Queens.

Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, parking garages, and entryways makes hazards difficult to see and avoid.

Loose Rugs and Floor Mats

Unsecured rugs and mats can slide or bunch up, especially in high-traffic areas.

Ice and Snow Hazards

During winter months, property owners are required to clear snow and ice within specific timeframes. Failure to do so is a leading cause of serious slip and fall injuries in Queens.

Locations Where Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur in Queens

Slip and fall accidents happen throughout Queens, but certain locations are especially prone to dangerous conditions.

Sidewalks and Public Walkways

Queens sidewalks experience constant pedestrian traffic. Falls frequently occur along Jamaica Avenue, Astoria Boulevard, and Roosevelt Avenue, where foot traffic, construction, and uneven pavement are common.

Apartment Buildings and Residential Properties

Slip and fall accidents often happen in:

• Building lobbies
• Stairwells
• Hallways
• Laundry rooms
• Entryways

Wet floors, broken steps, and poor lighting are frequent hazards in residential buildings.

Retail Stores and Shopping Centers

Busy stores and shopping areas see constant foot traffic, increasing the risk of spills and falls. Incidents commonly occur near Queens Center Mall, Queens Place Mall, and Green Acres Mall.

Office Buildings and Commercial Properties

Employees, visitors, and contractors may slip or trip due to unsafe conditions in elevators, stairwells, restrooms, and common areas.

Parking Garages and Lots

Oil spills, poor drainage, cracked concrete, and inadequate lighting make parking facilities particularly dangerous.

Slip and Fall Accidents Near Major Roads and Highways

Slip and fall accidents also occur near busy transportation routes where pedestrian traffic is high and maintenance is inconsistent. Areas near Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Van Wyck Expressway often involve construction zones, uneven walkways, and temporary barriers that increase fall risks.

Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can result in severe and sometimes permanent injuries, particularly for older adults.

Common injuries include:

• Broken hips, arms, wrists, and ankles
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
• Neck and back injuries
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Internal injuries and soft tissue damage

Many victims receive emergency care at Queens hospitals such as Elmhurst Hospital Center, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, or Queens Hospital Center, followed by surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Queens

Your actions after a slip and fall accident can significantly affect your health and your legal claim.

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Some injuries are not immediately obvious.
2. Report the accident – Notify the property owner, landlord, or business and request an incident report.
3. Document the scene – Take photos or videos of the hazard and surrounding area.
4. Collect witness information – Names and contact details can be critical later.
5. Avoid giving recorded statements – Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame.
6. Talk with one of our experienced slip and fall accident lawyers at Segal & Lax – Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Why Slip and Fall Claims Can Be Challenging

Slip and fall cases are often aggressively defended. Property owners and insurance companies may argue:

• The hazard was “open and obvious”
• They did not have enough time to fix the condition
• The injured person was not paying attention

Proving liability requires evidence, investigation, and a strong understanding of property maintenance responsibilities.

Who May Be Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in Queens?

Liability depends on where the accident occurred and who was responsible for maintaining the property. Potentially liable parties include:

• Property owners
• Landlords
• Building management companies
• Commercial tenants
• Maintenance contractors
• Government entities (in certain cases)

Identifying the correct responsible party is essential to pursuing full compensation.

Compensation That May Be Available After a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident claim may allow recovery for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Ongoing and future medical care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability

Every case is unique, and compensation depends on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the fall.

Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Older Adults

Older adults are especially vulnerable to slip and fall injuries. Falls are a leading cause of serious injury among seniors and often result in hip fractures, head injuries, and loss of independence. Many senior fall accidents occur on sidewalks, in apartment buildings, and in grocery stores throughout Queens.

Weather-Related Slip and Fall Accidents in Queens

Rain, snow, and ice significantly increase fall risks. Property owners are required to address weather-related hazards within legally defined timeframes. Failure to clear snow or ice is a common cause of serious winter-related injuries.

How Segal & Lax Helps After a Queens Slip and Fall Accident

At Segal & Lax, the focus is on protecting people injured due to unsafe property conditions. When you speak with one of our experienced slip and fall accident lawyers at Segal & Lax, your case is handled with urgency, care, and strong local knowledge.

Our approach may include:

• Investigating the accident location
• Identifying all responsible parties
• Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
• Gathering witness statements and surveillance footage
• Consulting medical and safety experts
• Handling all communication with insurance companies

Early legal involvement is critical, as hazards may be repaired quickly and evidence can disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in Queens

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim?

New York law sets strict deadlines. Acting promptly helps protect your right to compensation.

What if the property owner says they didn’t know about the hazard?

Property owners may still be liable if the condition existed long enough that it should have been discovered and fixed.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

In many cases, comparative fault rules may apply. A legal review can help determine your options.

Why Local Knowledge of Queens Matters in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall claims benefit from familiarity with Queens neighborhoods, pedestrian traffic patterns, and property maintenance standards. Understanding accidents near Queens Center Mall, along Queens Boulevard, or near major highways helps build stronger, fact-based cases.

Speak With a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Queens at Segal & Lax

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Queens, experienced legal guidance matters. These cases often involve serious injuries and aggressive insurance defenses. When you talk with one of our experienced slip and fall accident lawyers at Segal & Lax, you gain an advocate focused on protecting your rights and helping you move forward.

This page is designed to help individuals searching for a slip and fall accident lawyer in Queens understand their options, take the next steps with confidence, and find trusted legal support after a serious slip and fall injury.