Slip & Fall in a New York Store or New Jersey Mall: Your Rights & What You Should Do

Dec 04 2025 14:00

When a Routine Shopping Trip Turns Into a Serious Accident

 

A simple visit to a store or shopping mall should never end with an ambulance ride. Yet, slip and fall accidents in New York and New Jersey happen every day — in supermarkets, department stores, parking lots, and food courts. Wet floors, poor lighting, uneven walkways, and missing warning signs can all turn a normal errand into a painful, costly experience.

 

If you’ve been injured after a fall, you may be wondering what to do next — and whether the property owner can be held responsible. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Premises Liability in NY and NJ

 

Both New York and New Jersey premises liability laws require property owners and managers to keep their spaces reasonably safe for customers, tenants, and visitors. When they fail to do so — by ignoring hazards or neglecting maintenance — they can be held legally liable for injuries that result.

 

Common causes of slip and fall injuries include:

  • Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs

  • Icy or snowy entrances not properly salted

  • Loose rugs, cracked tiles, or uneven flooring

  • Poorly lit stairways or hallways

  • Spills or debris left unattended

Every case is different, and proving negligence requires a careful look at who was responsible for the dangerous condition and whether they knew (or should have known) about it.

What To Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident

 

If you’re hurt in a store, mall, or public property, your actions right after the fall can make a big difference in your case.

  1. Report the incident to the manager or property owner and ask for a written report.

  2. Take photos and videos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.

  3. Get contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.

  4. Seek medical attention right away — even if you think you’re “fine.” Many injuries (like concussions or soft tissue damage) don’t appear immediately.

  5. Consult a slip and fall lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.

An experienced New York or New Jersey slip and fall attorney can guide you through what to say — and what not to say — to protect your rights.

Proving Negligence: How Parra Klein Builds Your Case

 

At Parra Klein, LLC, our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to identify the cause of your fall and gather evidence quickly before it disappears. We:

  • Review surveillance footage and incident reports

  • Interview witnesses and employees

  • Examine store maintenance records

  • Work with medical professionals to document your injuries

Our goal is simple: to hold negligent property owners accountable and get you the maximum compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Differences Between New York and New Jersey Slip & Fall Claims

 

While the principles are similar, there are key differences between NY and NJ law:

  • Statute of limitations: You generally have three years in NY and two years in NJ to file a personal injury lawsuit.

  • Comparative negligence: Both states allow partial recovery even if you were partly at fault — but the amount can be reduced by your percentage of fault.

  • Notice requirements: If the fall occurred on government property, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

Because each state has its own legal nuances, it’s critical to work with a law firm licensed and experienced in both jurisdictions — like Parra Klein.

Why Choose Parra Klein

 

With decades of combined experience representing injury victims across New York and New Jersey, the attorneys at Parra Klein know how to stand up to large retailers, mall management companies, and insurance carriers. We don’t get paid unless you do.

 

Let us handle the paperwork and negotiations while you focus on healing.

Injured in a Slip and Fall? Contact Parra Klein Today

 

If you or someone you love was hurt in a slip and fall accident in NY or NJ, don’t wait. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the stronger your case can be.