Penfield, NY Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Got Hurt on a Property in Penfield? Don’t Assume It Was Your Fault

One minute, you're walking across a parking lot on Penfield Road. The next, you’re on the ground in pain, unsure of what just happened or what to do next. Most people blame themselves or think it was just bad luck. But in many cases, unsafe property conditions are to blame, and someone else is legally responsible.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our slip and fall accident lawyers represent injured people in Penfield who were hurt because someone didn’t take proper care of their property. If your injury could have been prevented with simple maintenance or clear warnings, New York law gives you the right to seek compensation.

Unsafe Conditions Across Penfield Properties

We see property-related injuries in Penfield more often than you’d think. Whether it’s a local business, apartment complex, or government-owned building, poor upkeep leads to real harm.

Poor Lighting at Office Parks

The office complexes near Panorama Trail and Route 441 often have dim walkways or failing exterior lights. When you can’t see uneven concrete or obstacles clearly, a fall becomes far more likely. Property managers have a responsibility to maintain visibility in all areas accessible to the public.

Sidewalks Without Warning Signs

Sidewalks near Penfield schools, parks, and shopping areas often crack from weather damage or tree roots. If repairs aren’t made and warning signs aren’t posted, people walking in the area are exposed to unnecessary risk. When public property is involved, it triggers different legal rules, including a requirement under GML § 50-e that you file a claim notice within 90 days.

Even small hazards can lead to major injuries. The law cares less about how it looked and more about whether it should have been fixed before you got hurt.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, the actions you take right afterward matter. The more information you preserve, the stronger your case will be.

Start with medical care. You might feel okay at first, but adrenaline hides serious injuries like ligament tears and concussions. Visit a nearby urgent care facility or Rochester General Hospital to get examined and documented.

Next, record everything while it’s fresh. Take pictures of where you fell, the hazard that caused it, and what shoes or clothes you had on. If someone saw what happened, get their contact information. If there was staff on-site, ask to speak with a manager and report the incident in writing.

Keep all related receipts, appointment records, and communication. These details become essential later when insurers start asking questions.

What You Can Be Compensated For

An injury doesn’t just affect your body. It touches every part of your life—from your work routine to your relationships to your ability to sleep through the night. A premises liability claim is about making things right, not just covering your hospital bill.

• Medical and rehab expenses include everything from the ambulance ride to physical therapy weeks or months later. If your injury requires ongoing treatment, those future costs are included too.
• Loss of earnings hits hard. Whether you missed a week of work or had to step away from your job indefinitely, your lost wages are part of the claim.
• Pain and future restrictions are legally recognized under New York law. If your injury keeps you from picking up your kids, walking long distances, or even sleeping comfortably, you deserve to be compensated for that loss.

Our premises liability lawyers work with medical experts, economists, and life planners to make sure nothing gets missed when calculating your damages.

Who Could Be Held Accountable?

Establishing fault is a key part of every case. In Penfield, it often depends on where the injury occurred and who had control over the area at the time.

Private property owners, such as homeowners or landlords, are responsible for maintaining safe spaces around their residences. In apartment buildings, Multiple Dwelling Law § 78 requires owners to keep hallways, stairwells, and entryways in good condition.

Retail tenants, like the businesses located along Five Mile Line Road or Penfield Road, often control the inside of their stores. Under ADA Title III, they must ensure safe, accessible spaces for all customers. That means cleaning up spills, marking wet floors, and keeping aisles clear.

We investigate each location thoroughly to determine not just who owns it, but who’s responsible under the law.

How These Cases Work Under NY Law

New York property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions. If they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they can be held liable. But you’ll need to prove three core things to win a premises liability claim.

• First, the owner or manager was negligent—they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
• Second, they knew or should have known about the hazard. Even if they claim they didn’t see it, if it had existed for a while or was part of a recurring issue, that may still qualify.
• Third, the danger directly caused your injury. This is where your medical records and documentation help connect the dots.

You typically have three years to file under CPLR § 214(5), but that timeline shrinks fast if a town or county is involved. Public property claims must be filed within just 90 days.

New York also applies CPLR § 1411, which allows both sides to share fault. Even if the defense claims you were partly responsible, you may still recover damages. Your total compensation might just be reduced based on your share of the blame.

Our job is to reduce that percentage and make sure your story is heard clearly and credibly.

Legal Process Overview for Monroe County

Filing a premises liability claim in Monroe County follows a defined legal process. It starts with collecting evidence and sending formal letters of intent to the at-fault party. From there, the case moves into the discovery phase, where both sides share documentation, medical records, and witness statements.

Most cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. That approach shows the insurance company that we’re serious and helps us secure higher settlement offers.

If the case does go to trial, it will be handled through Monroe County Civil Court. Our team will represent you through each phase, from court appearances to negotiations, so you’re never left on your own.

Horn Wright, LLP, Is Ready to Help You in Penfield

At Horn Wright, LLP, we help Penfield residents stand up to negligent property owners and demand accountability. If you slipped, tripped, or were hurt because someone ignored their legal duty, our premises liability lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.

We’re proud to be recognized among the best law firms in America, but what matters most is what we do for individuals like you, right here in Penfield.

Let us help you take the next step, and make sure your recovery includes the compensation you deserve.