Staten Island Premises Liability Attorneys
Your Right to a Safe Environment
When you enter a business, walk into an apartment building, visit a friend’s home, or stroll through a public park, you expect that the property is safe. Unfortunately, many property owners fail to uphold their legal responsibilities, leading to serious and often preventable injuries. Whether it’s a slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, an assault in a poorly lit parking lot, or a child hurt in an unsecured swimming pool, the consequences can be life-altering.
At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we help victims of unsafe property conditions hold negligent owners accountable. With over 30 years of experience serving Staten Island and surrounding communities, our premises liability attorneys understand the nuances of New York law and how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers legally responsible for injuries caused by dangerous or defective conditions on their premises. These claims can be filed against homeowners, landlords, business operators, property managers, and sometimes even city agencies.
This legal concept covers a wide range of accidents, from slips and falls to crimes that occur because of negligent security. In every case, the underlying principle is the same: Property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for people who lawfully enter their property.
If they fail in that duty — and someone is injured as a result — the injured person may have the right to seek compensation through a premises liability claim or lawsuit.
Common Examples of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Premises liability can involve a variety of property types — including apartment complexes, retail stores, hotels, parking garages, sidewalks, and residential homes. Our attorneys at Angiuli & Gentile, LLP regularly represent clients in cases involving:
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
These are among the most common premises liability claims. Falls may be caused by wet floors, uneven pavement, unshoveled snow, loose carpeting, missing handrails, or spilled merchandise in stores. A fall might seem minor, but it can lead to serious injuries like fractured hips, spinal cord damage, or head trauma — especially for older adults.
Negligent Security Incidents
Property owners have a responsibility to implement basic security measures such as lighting, surveillance, gates, and locks. When they fail to do so and someone is assaulted, robbed, or otherwise victimized, the property owner may be held liable for negligent security.
Building Code Violations
New York City has strict building codes for a reason — to protect the public from unsafe conditions. When a building has broken stairs, unlit hallways, faulty elevators, or damaged flooring, these violations can directly lead to injury.
Swimming Pool Accidents
A pool without proper fencing, supervision, or warning signs can be extremely dangerous — especially for children. Property owners can be held responsible if a lack of safety measures led to a drowning or near-drowning event.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
In many cases, property owners are liable for unrestrained dogs or dangerous animals on their premises, particularly when they are aware of the animal’s aggressive behavior and fail to prevent access to guests, children, or mail carriers.
Retail and Commercial Property Injuries
We represent individuals injured inside stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. These injuries may be caused by wet floors, fallen merchandise, overcrowded conditions, or poorly maintained exits.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Premises liability claims can be brought against a variety of responsible parties. Depending on the location and circumstances of your injury, the following individuals or entities may be held liable:
- Homeowners who fail to maintain safe conditions or warn guests about known dangers.
- Landlords who ignore dangerous conditions in common areas, stairwells, or hallways.
- Business owners and retailers who neglect to clean spills, fix lighting, or repair hazards.
- Hotels and apartment complexes that lack security measures or fail to fix known maintenance issues.
- Municipalities responsible for public sidewalks, parks, and government buildings — though these cases involve different procedures and deadlines.
In many cases, multiple parties share liability — including property owners, management companies, contractors, or maintenance staff. Our legal team investigates all potentially responsible parties to maximize your recovery.
Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners in New York
In New York, the duty of care owed by a property owner depends on your reason for being on the property. There are three primary visitor categories:
Invitees
These are people who are invited onto the property for a business purpose — such as customers, clients, or tenants. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care and must inspect the property regularly for hazards.
Licensees
Licensees include social guests or individuals on the property with permission, but not for a business reason. Property owners must warn licensees of known dangers but are not always required to inspect for unknown ones.
Trespassers
Trespassers are on the property without permission. While they are owed the least protection under the law, property owners cannot intentionally harm them and may be liable if the trespasser is a child and the danger was an “attractive nuisance,” like a pool.
What to Do After a Premises Injury
If you were injured on someone else’s property, your actions in the minutes and days afterward can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries — especially internal ones — may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene
Take photos or video of the hazard that caused your injury. This may include broken stairs, icy pavement, lack of lighting, or the absence of warning signs.
- Identify Witnesses
Anyone who saw the incident or can confirm the unsafe conditions can help support your case. Get their contact information if possible.
- Report the Incident
If you were injured at a business, apartment complex, or government building, report it to the property manager or responsible authority. Ask for a copy of any written report.
- Speak to a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
Do not give statements or accept a settlement offer without legal advice. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Having a lawyer from Angiuli & Gentile, LLP ensures your rights are protected.
Compensation Available in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability injuries can result in overwhelming expenses and life changes. We fight for full compensation that may include:
- All current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Costs of rehabilitation and long-term care
We will assess both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure that you are made whole to the fullest extent allowed by law.
How Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Can Help
Choosing the right attorney is essential after a premises-related injury. At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, our Staten Island-based team has decades of experience advocating for injury victims and standing up to negligent property owners and insurance companies.
Why Choose Us?
- Local Experience: We understand Staten Island’s building codes, property laws, and court procedures.
- Personalized Attention: You will work directly with our attorneys — not just paralegals.
- Proven Results: We’ve helped countless clients recover compensation in complex personal injury cases.
- No Fee Unless You Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
What We Do For You
- Conduct a full investigation of the accident scene
- Consult with engineers, safety experts, and medical professionals
- Gather critical evidence and preserve surveillance footage
- Interview eyewitnesses and review property maintenance records
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial if needed
When you hire Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, you’re not just hiring legal counsel — you’re hiring a dedicated legal team focused on your recovery and long-term well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I slipped on ice outside a store?
If the property owner failed to clear the ice in a timely and reasonable manner, they may be held liable. This applies to both private businesses and residential landlords.
How do I prove that a property owner was negligent?
Your attorney will collect photos, video, witness statements, maintenance logs, and expert testimony to prove that the hazard existed and was not properly addressed.
Can I sue if I was injured at a friend’s house?
Yes, even if you were a social guest, the homeowner can be held liable if they failed to warn you about a known danger or failed to correct a hazardous condition.
Is the city responsible for my sidewalk injury?
In some cases, yes — especially if the sidewalk was adjacent to municipal property. However, claims against the city must be filed within 90 days of the incident.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit?
In most New York premises liability cases, you have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, much shorter deadlines apply.
Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Today
If you or someone you love was injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Don’t delay — the sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP today to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let our experienced Staten Island premises liability lawyers help you pursue justice and financial recovery — so you can focus on healing.
