Premises Liability Lawyer in Melville, NY

An injury on someone else’s property can change your daily life fast. You may face medical bills and missed work. You may also deal with pain that does not go away.

A premises liability lawyer can review what happened. The goal involves seeking compensation from the responsible property owner. At Parker Waichman LLP, we have recovered over $2 billion for injured clients in New York and other states. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

We charge a contingency fee in many cases. You pay no upfront attorney fee. We collect a fee only if we recover money for you.

Why Work With Parker Waichman LLP on a Premises Liability Case

You should choose a law firm you can reach and trust. You should also look for a team that can prepare a case for trial.

Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of combined experience to injury cases. Our results include verdicts and settlements in premises cases. For example, we obtained a $4.5 million verdict for a sidewalk stanchion trip injury. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Our attorneys also hold professional ratings and honors. Learn more about our legal team.

• Alex Tovstolug serves as Senior Litigation Counsel. He has 16 years of experience in New York and New Jersey.
• Brett A. Zekowski is a partner. He holds a 10/10 rating on Justia.
• Jerrold S. Parker is a founding partner. Best Lawyers has listed him for personal injury litigation.
• Jerrold S. Parker also holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.

Additionally, we have an office in Melville. You can meet our legal team at 201 Old Country Road, Suite 145.

Contact us for a free consultation. You can also ask about phone or video meetings.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal rule about unsafe property conditions. It can apply when someone suffers an injury on a property. In many cases, the injured person claims the owner did not act with reasonable care.

Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. They should fix hazards within a reasonable time. They should also warn visitors about dangers they cannot fix right away.

New York uses negligence rules in many premises cases. You must show duty, breach, and causation. You must also prove damages. Understanding property owner liability is essential to building a strong claim.

Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents in Melville

Premises accidents can happen in many places. These incidents often involve:

• Slips on wet floors, ice, or snow
• Trips from uneven surfaces, broken stairs, or sidewalk defects
• Poor security that leads to assault or robbery
• Broken railings, missing guards, or exposed hazards
• Elevator and escalator incidents
• Dog bites on the owner’s property

These accidents can cause serious injuries. As a result, many people need medical care and time off work. Catastrophic injuries may require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. If you suffered a slip and fall or other premises accident, contact our firm for a free review.

How Parker Waichman LLP Builds Proof of Negligence

Premises claims often turn on proof. Our attorneys gather evidence early when possible.

We often focus on these issues:

• Duty of care: We identify your status on the property.
• Hazard: We document the unsafe condition.
• Notice: We look for actual or constructive notice.
• Failure to act: We show the owner did not fix or warn.
• Causation: We connect the hazard to the injury.
• Comparative fault: We address claims that you shared blame.

New York follows comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages with partial fault. However, the court reduces damages by your share of fault. Under CPLR § 1411, a property owner’s negligence can be established through various evidence types. Our personal injury attorneys understand how to navigate these complex legal standards.

Damages You Can Seek in a Premises Liability Claim

A claim may include several categories of damages. The facts of your case control what applies.

Economic damages may include:

• Medical bills
• Future care costs
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning ability

Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Scarring or disfigurement

New York does not set a general cap on these damages. However, the case value depends on the evidence. It also depends on your injuries and losses. Wrongful death claims may also apply in fatal premises accidents. Our firm has obtained significant verdicts and settlements that demonstrate our ability to recover substantial damages.

Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Injury

The steps you take can protect your health and your claim.

• Get medical care right away.
• Take photos or video of the hazard.
• Ask witnesses for names and contact details.
• Report the incident to the owner or manager.
• Keep records of bills, care, and missed work.

Next, use caution with insurers. Do not give a recorded statement before legal advice.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP to discuss your situation. Early review can help preserve evidence. We serve clients throughout Long Island, including Melville, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Our experienced premises liability team is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Melville

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

For injuries on private property, New York generally gives you three years to sue under CPLR § 214. The clock usually starts on the date of the injury.

However, if your injury occurred on municipal or government property (such as a public sidewalk, public school, or town building), strict rules apply. You generally have only 90 days to file a formal Notice of Claim against the government entity, and the statute of limitations drops to 1 year and 90 days. Missing this 90-day window can bar your claim entirely, so contact our Melville office as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Insurance companies love to use the ‘open and obvious’ defense, arguing that you should have seen the hazard and avoided it. Fortunately, New York uses pure comparative negligence under CPLR § 1411. This means that even if a hazard was obvious and you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. The court will simply reduce your award by your share of the blame.

Example: A jury finds $100,000 in damages. It also assigns 20% fault to you for not looking down. The award would equal $80,000. Our attorneys understand how to defeat these defense tactics, minimize your comparative fault, and maximize your recovery.

Do I need to prove the property owner knew about the hazard?

Not always. You can prove actual notice in some cases. You can also prove constructive notice.

Constructive notice means the hazard existed long enough to discover it. A reasonable inspection should have found it. This is a key element in premises liability cases. We investigate whether the owner should have discovered and fixed the hazard.

How much is my premises liability case worth?

Case value depends on your injuries and losses. It also depends on the available evidence. Each case is different. Factors include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our verdicts and settlements show the range of recoveries we have achieved for clients.

Will my case go to trial or settle?

Many cases resolve in settlement. Still, some cases go to trial. We prepare each case for either path. Our firm has obtained significant verdicts and settlements in premises liability matters. We are ready to litigate if necessary to protect your interests.

What if the property owner does not have insurance?

Insurance coverage varies by property and owner. Some owners have umbrella policies. In some cases, other parties may share responsibility. We investigate all potential sources of recovery. Our personal injury team knows how to identify all liable parties.

How much does it cost to hire Parker Waichman LLP?

We handle many cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fee. We collect a fee only if we recover money for you. Learn more about our fee structure.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Premises Liability Consultation

If you suffered an injury on someone else’s property in Melville, speak with our legal team. Schedule a free consultation today. Call (516) 466-6500.

We represent clients on Long Island and across New York. We can also discuss meeting options in Melville. Our experienced attorneys are standing by to help you recover.