The sound of keys hitting the floor. The split-second realization that your foot has caught on something. The jarring impact as your body connects with the ground. In just moments, a fall can change everything. You may have slipped on a wet floor at a Manhattan grocery store, tripped on broken pavement outside your Newark apartment building, or fallen from scaffolding at a Brooklyn construction site. Serious falls lead to painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and weeks or months of lost income, and in many cases they were entirely preventable. Property owners, employers, and businesses in New York and New Jersey have legal responsibilities to maintain safe environments, and when they fail, innocent people pay the price. At Hofmann and Schweitzer, our fall injury attorneys have fought for victims across New York and New Jersey for over 40 years. Contact our New York office at 212-465-8840 or our New Jersey office at 908-393-5662 for a free case evaluation.
Types of Fall Cases We Handle
Our New York and New Jersey fall injury attorneys represent victims injured in all types of fall accidents. With decades of experience handling personal injury and construction accident claims, we know how to investigate falls thoroughly and build strong cases for maximum compensation.
Slip and Fall Accidents![fall]()
Slip and fall accidents occur when someone falls on a wet or slippery surface such as freshly mopped floors, icy walkways, spilled liquids, or a wet vessel deck. Property owners who fail to address known hazards or provide adequate warnings may be liable for all resulting injuries. These cases arise in grocery stores, restaurants, parking lots, apartment buildings, office lobbies, and virtually any other property type throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Newark, and Jersey City.
Trip and Fall Incidents
Trips and falls happen when someone catches a foot on an obstacle such as uneven flooring, torn carpeting, a raised sidewalk crack, or objects left in walkways. Liability often turns on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to remedy it. Our attorneys document these conditions thoroughly to establish responsibility.
Falls from Heights on Construction Sites
Construction workers, window washers, and others who work at elevations face the most severe fall risks. Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other heights frequently cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. New York's Labor Law 240, known as the Scaffold Law, provides powerful strict liability protections for workers injured in elevation-related accidents, and our attorneys have been handling these cases since 1977.
Stairway Accidents
Broken steps, missing handrails, poor lighting, and other stairway defects are common causes of serious fall injuries in apartment buildings, office complexes, retail stores, and public facilities throughout New York and New Jersey. We identify all responsible parties, which may include building owners, property management companies, and maintenance contractors.
Premises Liability Falls
Many fall cases arise from a property owner's failure to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Our firm handles the full range of premises liability slip and fall injury claims, from retail stores and restaurants to apartment buildings and parking facilities across both states.
Common Fall Injuries
Falls can produce serious injuries that significantly alter your daily life, your ability to work, and your long-term health. Common injuries we see among our New York and New Jersey fall clients include:
- Fractures and broken bones: Wrists, arms, ankles, and hips commonly break during falls as people instinctively try to catch themselves. These injuries often require surgery, casting, and extended physical therapy, sometimes keeping victims out of work for months.
- Traumatic brain injuries: When a person's head strikes the ground or another object during a fall, it can cause concussions and serious traumatic brain injuries that lead to cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes.
- Spinal cord damage: Falls from heights can fracture vertebrae, herniate discs, or cause paralysis. Serious back injuries from slip and fall accidents often result in permanent disability and lifelong medical needs.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in falls. Although less visible than fractures, they cause significant pain and can limit mobility for months or years.
- Head and skull injuries: A fall from a great height can cause a skull fracture or intracranial hemorrhage, conditions that are life-threatening and require immediate emergency intervention.
- Wrongful death: Many construction fall injuries prove fatal. When this happens, surviving spouses and children may have a wrongful death claim against the property owner, general contractor, or other responsible parties.
The impact of these injuries extends far beyond physical pain. Many fall victims face financial hardship from medical bills and lost income. Some cannot return to their previous jobs or engage in activities they once loved. Our attorneys fight for compensation that addresses every one of these losses.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
The steps you take immediately after a fall can protect both your physical recovery and your legal rights. If you have been injured in a fall in New York or New Jersey, we recommend the following:
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions such as concussions or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. Getting a medical evaluation after a New York fall creates documentation of your injuries that is essential for your claim.
- Report the incident. Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor about your fall. Request that they create a written incident report and keep a copy for your records.
- Document everything. Photograph the hazardous condition that caused your fall, your visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Be cautious about statements. Do not post about your accident on social media. Talking to an insurance adjuster after a slip and fall without an attorney present can seriously undermine your claim.
- Contact our fall injury attorneys. The sooner you involve an experienced lawyer, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence. Our team begins investigating immediately to document conditions before they change or disappear.
New York and New Jersey Laws That Affect Your Recovery
After a fall injury, the applicable laws can significantly affect who you can sue, how much you can recover, and how long you have to act. Our fall injury lawyers analyze every statute and legal doctrine that could strengthen your claim.
Premises Liability
Premises liability law holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for people who enter their property. Your legal status on the property, whether you were an invited customer, a social guest, or an employee, affects the standard of care the owner owed you. Our attorneys analyze these distinctions carefully to build the strongest possible liability argument.
New York Labor Law 240 (The Scaffold Law)
New York's Labor Law 240 scaffold law claims give construction workers who suffer elevation-related fall injuries powerful legal protections. Contractors and property owners are strictly liable for elevation-related injuries when they fail to provide proper safety equipment, meaning an injured worker does not need to prove negligence to recover full compensation. This law has been in place since 1885 and remains one of the strongest worker-protection statutes in the country.
New York Labor Law 241
Labor Law 241 requires owners and general contractors to keep all passageways and work areas on a job site free of debris and obstructions that could cause falls. New York Labor Law 241 protections for construction workers include requirements for proper lighting, safe walking surfaces, guardrails, and planking over open shafts and stairways. Violations of these rules can establish liability for fall injuries even when strict liability under Labor Law 240 does not apply.
Comparative Negligence
Both New York and New Jersey follow comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for your fall. New Jersey uses a modified comparative negligence rule: if you are found more than 51% at fault, you cannot recover. Below that threshold, your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our attorneys work to minimize any finding of shared fault and maximize your recovery.
Statute of Limitations
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of your fall to file a personal injury lawsuit. New Jersey personal injury statute of limitations rules typically allow only two years. Falls on government-owned property involve shorter notice periods and special filing requirements. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, making it essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
Who Is Liable for a Fall Injury?
Determining liability in a fall injury case requires a careful investigation of the property conditions, the actions of the people responsible for maintaining it, and the applicable law. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
- Property owners and landlords: who have a duty to inspect and maintain their properties, repair known hazards, and warn visitors of dangerous conditions
- General contractors and construction site operators: who may be strictly liable under New York construction site slip and fall laws for failing to provide adequate fall protection equipment
- Employers: who are required under New York Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241 to provide safe working conditions and proper fall protection equipment
- Businesses and retailers: who must maintain safe premises for customers and address hazards such as wet floors, cluttered aisles, and uneven flooring
- Government entities: who are responsible for maintaining safe sidewalks, stairways, and public spaces, and against whom special notice requirements may apply
- Product manufacturers: when defective ladders, scaffolding components, or other equipment contributed to a fall injury, a products liability claim may exist in addition to other claims
Our attorneys investigate every angle of your fall case to identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum possible recovery. We work with site safety experts, engineers, and medical specialists to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Compensation Available After a Fall Accident
Fall accident victims in New York and New Jersey may be entitled to significant financial compensation. The specific damages available depend on the severity of your injuries, the applicable laws, and the circumstances of your case. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and all future medical costs related to your fall injuries
- Lost wages: compensation for income you were unable to earn while recovering from your injuries
- Future loss of earning capacity: if your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior occupation or limit your ability to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering: compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries and recovery process
- Permanent disability: additional damages if your fall resulted in a lasting impairment that affects your daily life
- Loss of enjoyment of life: compensation for the activities, hobbies, and experiences you can no longer enjoy as a result of your injuries
- Wrongful death damages: if a loved one died in a fall accident, surviving family members may recover funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship
We handle all fall injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Our Fall Accident Case Results
Hofmann and Schweitzer has recovered millions of dollars for fall injury victims throughout New York and New Jersey. A sample of our fall accident case results includes:
- $3 million for a Tappan Zee Bridge crane operator who slipped, fell, and suffered life-changing back injuries
- $2.25 million for a cruise ship's second mate who fell 70 feet down an unguarded shaft and suffered skull, face, knee, and foot fractures
- $2.2 million for a client who fell from a building and suffered serious injuries
- $735,000 for a dock builder hurt in a slip and fall
- $115,000 and a reduced workers' compensation lien for a safety inspector who fell on the job and suffered a fractured rib, hernia, and sprained ankle
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. What they do reflect is our commitment to fighting hard for every client and leaving no recovery on the table.
Why Choose Hofmann and Schweitzer for Your Fall Injury Case
Over 40 Years of Experience
Our attorneys have helped people who suffered fall injuries in New York and New Jersey recover fair compensation for over four decades. We handle slip and fall claims, construction accident fall claims under NY Labor Law 240 and 241, and all related personal injury matters with equal care and dedication.
Personal, Hands-On Representation
We provide individualized attention to every client. Our attorneys personally visit accident sites to develop a thorough understanding of what happened, who created the dangerous condition, and what evidence exists to support your claim. You will never feel like just another file number at our firm.
OSHA and Labor Law Knowledge
Fall cases involving construction sites require deep familiarity with federal and state safety regulations. Our attorneys understand OSHA fall protection requirements and NY Labor Law obligations and use violations of these standards as powerful evidence of negligence in your case.
Proven Results, No Upfront Costs
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for fall injury victims through settlements and verdicts. We handle every fall injury case on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront fees, no hidden costs, and no surprises.
With offices in Midtown Manhattan (212 W 35th St, Fl 12, New York, NY 10001) and Raritan, New Jersey (1130 US-202 Ste A7, Raritan, NJ 08869), we serve fall injury victims throughout the entire New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Injuries in New York and New Jersey
Who is liable for a slip and fall injury in New York?
Liability typically falls on the property owner or occupant who failed to maintain a safe condition or warn visitors of a known hazard. In construction fall cases, general contractors and property owners may be strictly liable under New York Labor Law 240. An experienced fall injury attorney can review your case and identify all responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a fall injury claim in New York?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit for a fall accident. New Jersey typically allows two years. Falls on government-owned property may require much shorter notice periods. Consulting a fall injury lawyer as soon as possible is critical to preserving evidence and meeting all deadlines.
What compensation can I recover after a fall injury in New York or New Jersey?
Fall injury victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal fall cases, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim. The specific amounts depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident.
Does New York Labor Law 240 apply to my construction fall injury?
New York Labor Law 240, the Scaffold Law, provides strict liability protection to construction workers injured in elevation-related accidents, including falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other heights. If a contractor or property owner failed to provide adequate fall protection equipment and you were injured, they may be held strictly liable regardless of fault. An experienced New York construction accident attorney can determine whether Labor Law 240 applies to your situation.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for my fall?
Yes. Both New York and New Jersey follow comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but you are not completely barred from recovery. New Jersey uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% threshold. If you are found less than 51% responsible, you may still recover damages.
What should I do immediately after a fall injury?
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written incident report. Photograph the hazardous condition and collect witness contact information. Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters without an attorney present. Contact our New York and New Jersey fall injury lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin preserving evidence.
Contact Our New York and New Jersey Fall Injury Lawyers Today
If you were hurt in a fall due to someone else's negligence, do not wait to seek legal help. New York and New Jersey have strict time limits for filing personal injury claims, and crucial evidence can disappear quickly. The sooner you contact our attorneys, the sooner we can begin building your case.
During your free consultation, our fall injury lawyers will:
- Review the details of your fall and your injuries
- Explain which laws apply to your claim and what they mean for your recovery
- Identify all parties who may be responsible
- Outline the full range of compensation you may be entitled to recover
- Answer all of your questions about the legal process, with no obligation
We represent fall injury clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, and all surrounding communities in New York and New Jersey. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
New York Office: 212 W 35th St Fl 12, New York, NY 10001. Phone: 212-465-8840
New Jersey Office: 1130 US-202 Ste A7, Raritan, NJ 08869. Phone: 908-393-5662
