Do I Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer? What You’re Risking If You Don’t Hire One in New York

Slipping on a wet floor, icy sidewalk, or broken stair might seem like an everyday mishap—until the injury keeps you out of work, racks up thousands in medical bills, or leaves you in chronic pain. Slip and fall accidents may look simple on the surface, but legally and financially, they can turn into complex challenges fast.



Many people ask: “Do I really need a slip and fall lawyer?” It’s a fair question—but one with serious implications. The truth is, trying to navigate a slip and fall claim on your own can mean giving up thousands of dollars in compensation, or even losing your right to sue entirely.

In this article, we’ll break down what you risk by going without legal help, how an experienced attorney can dramatically change the outcome of your case, and why The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC is a trusted choice for slip and fall victims across New York.

The Real Cost of a Slip and Fall Injury

A fall might last only a second, but the aftermath can last for months—or even years.

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall incidents often cause more than just bruises. Victims may suffer:

• Broken bones, especially in wrists, hips, or ankles
• Spinal cord injuries or herniated discs
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage
• Long-term mobility issues

Financial Impact of a Fall

Medical care for these injuries is expensive, especially when surgery or long-term rehab is involved. You may also be unable to return to work right away—or at all—depending on the severity of your injury. Add in physical therapy, prescriptions, and lost wages, and it’s easy to see how the total cost can escalate quickly.

Insurance might cover part of the costs, but they’re rarely eager to offer a fair settlement without a fight. That’s where a slip and fall lawyer becomes essential—not just to recover damages, but to protect your future.

What Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know

If you’ve already reported your accident, chances are the property owner’s insurance company has contacted you. They may seem helpful—or even sympathetic—but their real goal is to minimize the payout.

Common Tactics Used by Insurers:

• Blaming the victim: They may argue you were “careless” or “should’ve seen the hazard.”
• Claiming the danger was obvious: If the hazard was visible, they may deny responsibility.
• Delaying communication: Hoping you’ll give up or miss legal deadlines.
• Offering low settlements: Before you understand the full scope of your injuries.

Without legal guidance, it’s easy to accept a low offer or inadvertently say something that damages your claim. A seasoned attorney can spot these tactics immediately and shut them down.

At The Selvin Law Firm, we’ve seen these strategies time and again—and we know exactly how to fight back.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Builds a Winning Case

Even when fault seems clear, slip and fall claims often come down to proving negligence—something that’s not always obvious without a thorough legal investigation.

Key Steps an Attorney Will Take:

1. Identify Liable Parties: This could be a landlord, store owner, maintenance company, or even a municipality.
2. Secure Evidence Quickly: Footage, witness statements, maintenance logs, and hazard reports can disappear fast. Your lawyer will act fast to preserve them.
3. Establish Negligence: Proving the property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard and failed to fix or warn about it.
4. Prove Causation: You must show the fall directly caused your injury—not just that you happened to get hurt on someone else’s property.
5. Document Damages: Your lawyer will compile medical records, expert evaluations, and employment records to calculate your full financial loss.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC, we handle every part of this process so you can focus on recovery. We also know how to navigate New York’s complex laws, especially when government property or shared liability is involved.

Can You Really Handle This Alone?

Technically, yes—you can file a personal injury claim without a lawyer. But should you? That’s a very different question.

What You Risk Without Legal Representation:

• Missed Deadlines: New York’s statute of limitations is three years, but claims against city or state agencies may require action in just 90 days.
• Lack of Evidence: By the time you gather what you need, critical video footage or witness accounts may be gone.
• Insurance Missteps: Anything you say to insurers can and will be used against you—often out of context.
• Lowball Offers: Insurers know you’re not a lawyer. They’ll exploit that knowledge to reduce your payout.
• Undervaluing Future Costs: Without expert help, you may underestimate long-term medical needs or loss of earning capacity.

Slip and fall cases are more complex than most realize. And because you only get one chance to pursue compensation, it’s worth getting it right the first time.

With The Selvin Law Firm, you don’t have to worry about a misstep derailing your entire case. We take care of every legal detail so you don’t have to.

What Makes The Selvin Law Firm the Right Choice?

Not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, experience, resources, and responsiveness matter.

Why New York Clients Choose The Selvin Law Firm:

• 30+ Years of Legal Experience: We’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases, including all types of fall injuries.
• 92% Case Win Rate: Our results speak for themselves.
• Local Knowledge: With offices in Seaford, Garden City, and Queens, we know the area—courts, judges, even property owners.
• 24/7 Accessibility: We don’t clock out when you need help.
• Tailored Strategy: No templates. Every case gets a customized legal plan.

We’re not just legal representatives—we’re advocates, investigators, and problem-solvers. If you’re searching for a slip and fall lawyer near me, you won’t find more tenacious or compassionate help in the region.

Real Outcomes, Real Stories

While every case is different, one truth remains: victims who work with an experienced lawyer almost always recover more compensation than those who go it alone.

Common Case Types We Handle:

• Grocery Store Falls: Spills left unattended, poorly marked wet floors.
• Apartment Injuries: Broken stairs, loose railings, poor lighting.
• Icy Sidewalk Accidents: Especially on improperly maintained commercial or city property.
• Workplace Falls: When third parties like building owners are at fault.

Realistic Settlement Ranges:

• Minor injuries: $15,000–$30,000
• Moderate injuries: $30,000–$75,000
• Severe injuries (fractures, surgeries, long-term care): $100,000–$250,000+

We’ve secured six-figure settlements for clients who initially didn’t think they had a strong case. And in many instances, quick legal action made all the difference.

FAQs Debunked: What You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Claims

How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New York?
You typically have three years from the date of your accident. If your fall occurred on city, state, or municipal property, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. Call The Selvin Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your case.

What if the fall was partly my fault?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame—your compensation will just be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What types of injuries qualify for a slip and fall lawsuit?
Any injury that required medical treatment and was caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property can qualify. This includes sprains, fractures, back injuries, head trauma, and more.

What should I do immediately after a slip and fall?

1. Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
2. Take photos of the hazard and your injuries.
3. Get names of any witnesses.
4. Seek medical attention—even if you feel okay.
5. Contact a slip and fall lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.

Conclusion: Your Next Step Could Make or Break Your Case

Slip and fall accidents can cause more than physical harm—they can upend your finances, your work life, and your sense of safety. If you’ve been injured, don’t assume the insurance company has your best interests in mind. They don’t.

The safest, smartest move is to speak with an experienced legal team who understands the full scope of what you’re facing.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC, we’re here to help you recover—physically, financially, and legally. Our team has spent over three decades fighting for injured New Yorkers, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing.