NYC Lawyer Publishes Guide on Sidewalk Slip and Fall Claims

Manhattan attorney details strict deadlines and liability rules for suing the city or property owners after a sidewalk accident

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:23am

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Manhattan personal injury lawyer Steven Louros, Esq. has published a new legal guide explaining the complex rules and procedures for filing sidewalk slip and fall claims in New York City. The guide covers the 90-day Notice of Claim deadline, the prior written notice rule, and the difference between suing the city versus private property owners.

Why it matters

Sidewalk slip and fall accidents are common in New York City, but many victims don't realize the strict legal requirements and short deadlines that apply, especially when suing the city government. This guide aims to help more injured New Yorkers understand their rights and take the proper steps to protect their case.

The details

Under NYC law, building owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their properties, not the city government. This means most sidewalk slip and fall lawsuits are filed against private property owners, not the municipal authorities. However, there are specific situations where the city can be sued, such as when the accident occurs on city-owned property or is caused by city workers. Injured parties must also file a formal Notice of Claim with the city within 90 days, or their case will likely be dismissed. The guide also covers the 'prior written notice' rule, which requires proof that the city was previously informed about the specific sidewalk defect that caused the fall.

  • The 90-day Notice of Claim deadline starts ticking immediately after the accident occurs.

The players

Steven Louros, Esq.

The founder of the Law Office of Steven Louros, a Manhattan-based personal injury firm that represents sidewalk slip and fall victims across New York City.

NYC Administrative Code Section 7-210

The law that shifted responsibility for maintaining safe sidewalks from the city government to the owners of adjacent buildings.

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What they’re saying

“People come to us all the time saying they want to sue the City because they fell on a sidewalk. Nine times out of ten, the liable party is the building owner next to where they fell. The City shifted that responsibility to property owners years ago. Most people have no idea.”

— Steven Louros, Esq., Founder, Law Office of Steven Louros

“The 90-day clock starts ticking the moment you hit the ground. I have had people walk into my office on day 85 thinking they had plenty of time. They barely made it. If you even suspect the City might be involved, you need to talk to a lawyer within the first few weeks, not the first few months.”

— Steven Louros, Esq., Founder, Law Office of Steven Louros

What’s next

The guide advises anyone injured in a sidewalk fall in NYC to seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get witness information, and contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to ensure they meet the strict 90-day Notice of Claim deadline if the city may be liable.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal landscape for sidewalk slip and fall victims in New York City, where the responsibility often falls on private property owners rather than the municipal government. Injured New Yorkers need to act quickly and consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to navigate the strict procedural requirements and liability rules.