Riga, NY Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Injured in Riga from Unsafe Property Conditions? Here's What You Can Do

You weren’t looking for a legal problem. You were visiting a friend, walking to your car, or stepping out of a store when it happened. A loose sidewalk stone or slick stair sent you crashing down, and now, nothing feels normal. Pain lingers. Bills pile up. You’re frustrated and wondering what your options really are.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our premises liability lawyers help people in Riga who’ve been hurt because someone didn’t take care of their property. These injuries don’t just ruin your week, they affect your entire life. We’re here to investigate what went wrong, explain what you’re entitled to, and hold the right people accountable.

Hidden Hazards in Riga That Can Upend Your Life

Not all danger comes from reckless drivers or dramatic crashes. Sometimes, it’s the subtle, everyday hazards, the ones people walk past without fixing, that cause the most damage. In Riga, these injuries often happen in places we all know.

Slippery Steps in Older Buildings

Many of Riga’s historic homes and public buildings near Route 36 have aged staircases that look solid, but turn dangerous in rain or snow. When these steps lack non-slip coverings or regular maintenance, visitors are at risk. The law requires owners to take steps to protect anyone legally on their property. When they don’t, they may be responsible for the fallout.

Unmaintained Public Paths

Sidewalks around South Street and near Riga Town Park are used daily by families, students, and seniors. But when leaves, snow, or ice go uncleared, or the pavement is cracked and ignored, these walkways become hazardous. In many cases, either a government agency or adjacent property owner may be responsible for maintenance, depending on where the accident occurred.

What seems like a clumsy moment may actually be proof of long-standing negligence.

Don’t Wait Around, Here’s What to Do After You’re Hurt

Right after an injury, time seems to blur. You’re sore, upset, and unsure what to do. But acting fast matters, not just for your recovery, but also for any legal claim you may need to make.

Start by seeking emergency care. Whether it’s a trip to a Rochester-area urgent care or a call to your primary doctor, that first exam connects your injury to the incident. Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment to deny responsibility, so don’t delay getting checked out.

Next, gather evidence while the scene is still fresh. Take clear photos of the hazard that caused your fall, your shoes, any injuries, and the surrounding area. Jot down what happened in detail, weather conditions, the time of day, and whether you saw anything that showed someone was aware of the issue before it happened.

If anyone saw what happened or came to help, get their name and contact information. Even a quick text can help lock in their willingness to be a witness later on.

Reporting the incident also matters. If it happened at a store or public location, notify the property manager or staff. Ask them to write up an incident report and request a copy if you can. If it occurred at an apartment complex, send written notice to the landlord.

You don’t have to do it all perfectly. But these small steps make a big difference once the legal process begins.

The People Who Should Have Prevented This

Figuring out who’s legally responsible after a property injury isn’t always straightforward. It depends on who controlled the area, whether they had time to fix it, and what their legal obligations were.

• Commercial property holders are responsible for keeping stores, restaurants, and business entrances safe. If your fall happened outside a retail plaza, they may be liable for conditions like icy walks or poor lighting.
• Residential landlords have a duty to maintain common areas. Under Multiple Dwelling Law § 78, they’re required to keep staircases, entryways, and hallways in good repair. When they fail to act, especially after complaints, that’s not just unfair, it can be legally negligent.
• Public officials and agencies are responsible for sidewalks, lots, and paths maintained by the town. If your injury occurred on town property, you may need to file a formal notice of claim within 90 days under GML § 50-e. That clock starts fast, and missing it can cut off your right to file entirely.

Our premises liability lawyers dive deep into the details of ownership, control, and responsibility, so you don’t have to chase paperwork or guess who's at fault.

New York’s Legal Rules Can Work For You, or Against You

New York law says that property owners must keep their spaces safe for guests, visitors, and others who are lawfully present. That means inspecting for hazards, fixing them quickly, and posting warnings when repairs aren’t yet complete.

To prove negligence, we’ll show that the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the danger and failed to act. If the hazard existed for days or weeks, or if someone else had already reported it, that strengthens your case.

There’s also the matter of time. In most premises liability cases, CPLR § 214(5) gives you three years to file a lawsuit. But if the case involves town-maintained property or municipal locations, that changes to just 90 days. The deadlines are strict. Missing them could mean forfeiting your chance to recover damages.

And remember, New York follows CPLR § 1411, the comparative fault rule. Even if someone claims you were distracted or at fault in part, that doesn’t prevent recovery, it just reduces your payout based on the percentage of your responsibility.

This isn’t about playing the blame game. It’s about proving that someone else failed to do their part, and you paid the price.

This Injury Cost You, Now Let’s Talk About What You Can Recover

A successful premises liability claim isn’t just about “paying your bills.” It’s about getting the full scope of what you lost, physically, emotionally, and financially.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including ER visits, imaging, therapy, or surgery. If your injury kept you from working, or forced you to take a lesser-paying job, we also pursue lost wages and future earning loss.

And then there’s the personal toll. Chronic pain, anxiety, and disruption to your daily life all factor into your non-economic damages. New York law recognizes these losses as real and compensable. You shouldn’t have to just “deal with it” when someone else created the risk.

Our premises liability lawyers work closely with your doctors, financial experts, and sometimes life care planners to make sure your claim reflects the true cost of the injury.

What Filing a Claim in Monroe County Actually Looks Like

Once we file your case with the Monroe County Civil Court, the process begins with discovery. That’s when both sides exchange evidence, medical records, photos, reports, and expert opinions.

Most of these cases resolve through negotiation. But when the other side refuses to make a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We handle everything, court filings, deadlines, and pressure tactics from the other side, so you don’t have to.

We guide you from day one to resolution, with honest communication and strategy tailored to your case.

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

If you’re dealing with a serious injury caused by unsafe property in Riga, Horn Wright, LLP is ready to stand with you. Our premises liability lawyers understand the local laws, know how to hold negligent parties accountable, and won’t back down when your financial stability is on the line.

We’re proud to be recognized among the best legal teams in America, but what matters most is the work we do for injured New Yorkers, right here in towns like Riga.

Let’s talk about what happened. Let’s take back control of your recovery.