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De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
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New York Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers

De Caro & Kaplen partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen represent slip and fall accident victims in New York, with specialized expertise in cases involving brain injuries and concussions. For over 45 years our firm has achieved substantial awards and settlements for our slip and fall accident clients, including a recent $1.5M settlement for our client who suffered multiple injuries after tripping and falling on a dangerously uneven walkway, and a $1M settlement for a chef who slipped on a wet kitchen floor. Contingency based, with no upfront fees to pay. All litigation costs advanced by our firm. Call today on (212) 732-2262 to arrange a free no-obligation consultation.

Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen for Your Slip and Fall Case in New York

  • Premises Liability Expertise: Partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen each have over 45 years of experience prosecuting complex New York slip, trip, and fall cases involving commercial, residential, and municipal properties.
  • Direct Partner Access: Clients receive direct representation from our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen throughout the litigation process, ensuring senior-level expertise from initial filing to jury verdict.
  • Proven Financial Recovery: Our firm has successfully recovered over $100 million for our personal injury clients, with multi-million dollar settlements in slip and fall cases including a $1.5M settlement for a fall on an uneven walkway, and $1M for a kitchen slip and fall.
  • Proactive Evidence Strategy: Immediate investigation and preservation of evidence, including documenting hazardous conditions before repairs and retaining safety engineering experts
  • Brain Injury Specialization: Our firm is recognized nationally for our knowledge and expertise in brain injury and concussions, one of the most common outcomes of slip and fall accidents.
  • Contingency Fee Model: No-fee-unless-you-win guarantee with 0% upfront costs; our firm advances all case disbursements, including filing fees and expert witness expenses.

A History of Multi-Million Dollars Verdicts & Settlements in Slip and Fall Cases

De Caro & Kaplen has a history of substantial verdicts and settlements for our New York slip and fall accident clients. Recent cases which resulted in successful recovery include:

  • $1,500,000 settlement for our client who suffered multiple injuries after tripping and falling on a dangerously uneven walkway outside her apartment building [case study]
  • $1,000,000 settlement for a chef who slipped on a wet kitchen floor that lacked proper matting and safe maintenance [case study]
  • $900,000 settlement for an office worker who fell on a defective stairway suffering back and neck injuries [case study]

Our Credentials, Recognition & Track Record in Slip and Fall Accident Cases

  • Elite Leadership: Shana De Caro served two-terms as Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America. Michael V. Kaplen served as President of the Brain Injury Association of New York.
    Partners Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro are multi-year New York Super Lawyers.
  • Municipal Claim Adherence: We adhere to the 90-day Notice of Claim requirement for slip and fall accidents occurring on NYC or municipal property.
  • Trial-Ready Representation: History of securing multi-million dollar jury verdicts, ensuring insurance companies negotiate from a position of our firm’s proven trial readiness.
  • Statewide Reach: While Manhattan-based, we provide legal counsel to slip and fall victims in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and throughout New York State.

What Types Of Slip and Fall Accident Cases Can We Assist With?

De Caro & Kaplen has successfully represented clients in slip and fall cases involving:

  • Wet and Slippery Surfaces
  • Poor Lighting
  • Sidewalk Hazards
  • Winter Weather
  • Nursing Home Negligence
  • Unsafe Stairs
  • Ramp Failures
  • Missing Warnings
  • Tripping Hazards

Read more: Do I have a slip and fall accident case?

Client Reviews and Testimonials

De Caro & Kaplen LLP has a 4.9 star rating on Google reviews, aggregated from over 175 client reviews. Below are a selection of reviews from our clients.

Review by our client Allison Sansoucie

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My family needed help with a complicated personal injury case. I was fortunate to be referred to De Caro & Kaplen. Outstanding attorneys! Michael and Shana are reliable, intelligent, and dedicated advocates. There were a number of times I had specific concerns about the case and Michael was always steps ahead. The attention paid to details was truly remarkable. Shana and Michael always responded quickly to every call and email. Their assistant, Andy was consistently patient, kind, and helpful. They provided seamless referrals to rehabilitation facilities and elder care experts as needed. Shana and Michael consistently went above and beyond in countless ways throughout 2 1/2 years to ensure the most favorable outcome for my family. De Caro & Kaplen navigated each and every aspect of the lawsuit and mediation with professionalism and integrity. Incredible given the many delays due to COVID. I highly recommend De Caro & Kaplen."

Google Reviews

Review by our client April Bulger

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"After my first meeting with Michael Kaplen I knew I was in the right hands. He and his team are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney that will get the job done while giving their clients a piece of mind. Complete honesty and candor each step of the process which I respect."

Google Reviews

Review by our client Christina Bentham

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Fantastic experience! Accepted to pursue my case with many challenges. Michael Kaplen never gave up, even when posed with a vicious defense attorney. He was always one step ahead of the attorney and beat her at ever turn. When I called, emailed, or texted, Mr. Kaplen responded personally. The customer service was terrific and I always felt their entire team was attentive to every concern I had. I highly recommend the DeCaro/Kaplen team and thank them for everything they did for me!"

Google Reviews

Shana De Caro & Michael V. Kaplen

Free Consultation

With over 45 years experience in personal injury law, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen help our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our attorneys have the passion and persistence to take on any slip and fall accident case in New York—and win.

Call today on (212) 732 2262 or email help@brainlaw.com to arrange your free consultation.

Our Partners, Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen Handle Your Case From Start To Finish

When you hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP for your slip and fall accident case in New York our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen will personally handle your case from start to finish. Unlike some other prominent NYC firms, who will hand your case off to a paralegal, Shana and Michael, who each have over 45 years experience in personal injury and medical malpractice law, will personally work on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, preparing every case as if it will go to trial.

Shana De Caro - Senior Partner and Personal Injury attorney at the New York law firm De Caro & Kaplen, LLP

Shana De Caro - Senior Partner and Personal Injury Attorney

  • Over 45 years of experience specifically handling complex personal injury, brain injury, and slip and fall litigation in New York.
  • Multi-year New York Super Lawyer.
  • A history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for her slip and fall accident clients.
  • Served two terms as Chairwoman of The Brain Injury Association of America
  • Served as member of the New York State Supreme Court medical malpractice review panels.
  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and Litigation Counsel of America.
  • Published in New York Law Journal, National Law Journal, Trial Magazine, Psychiatric Clinics of North America.
  • Lecturer for the American Association for Justice, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, and North American Brain Injury Society.
  • Recognized for advancing standards of practice in brain injury and medical negligence litigation.

Read Shana De Caro's full bio.

Michael V. Kaplen - Senior Partner and personal injury attorney at the New York law firm De Caro & Kaplen, LLP

Michael V. Kaplen - Senior Partner and Personal Injury Attorney

  • Over 45 years of experience specifically handling complex personal injury, brain injury and slip and fall accident litigation in New York.
  • Multi-year New York Super Lawyer.
  • A history of multi-million dollar award settlements for his slip and fall accident clients.
  • Triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in: Civil Trial Law, Medical Malpractice, Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy
  • Professorial Lecturer in Law, The George Washington University Law School (“The Legal Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury”)
  • Taught courses in medical malpractice as well as trial practice techniques at St. John’s University School of Law.
  • Served as President, Brain Injury Association of New York State.
  • Consistently listed among the Top 100 New York Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Brain Injury Attorneys in the nation.
  • Public Justice Achievement Award (for pro bono representation of September 11th victims)

Read Michael V. Kaplen's full bio.

High-Risk Commercial Locations

Retail Establishments

Slips and trips are the most common type of premises liability claim in New York, with many occurring in retail settings. From spilled beverages in convenience stores to wet produce sections in supermarkets, retailers who fail to maintain safe conditions face substantial liability.

Hotels and Hospitality

The accommodation and food service industry has one of the highest rates of fall injuries, with falls being the leading cause of occupational injury for hospitality workers. Guests face similar risks from wet lobby floors, poorly lit stairwells, and slippery bathroom surfaces.

Find out more about our hotel accident legal representation.

Public Transportation

"Slips, Trips, and Falls" are the most frequent injury mechanism for both passengers and employees in the NYC transit network. NYC Transit recorded 187 passenger slip/trip/fall accidents in a single month (December 2023), showing the massive scale of this ongoing problem.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a New York Slip and Fall Case?

If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident in New York due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The types of compensation available typically include:

  • Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills related to your injuries, including doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care.
  • Lost Wages: You can recover lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. This includes past and future lost earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you've experienced as a result of the accident.
  • Property Damage: If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the fall (e.g., glasses, phone), you can seek compensation for their repair or replacement.
  • Other Expenses: You may also be able to recover other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or the cost of hiring help with household chores.

The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and the strength of your case. The New York slip and fall injuries at De Caro & Kaplen, LLP can help you assess the full value of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions we are asked by clients when taking on a slip and fall accident case in New York.

What are the deadlines for filing a claim if my slip and fall was on city property in New York?

If your accident occurred on municipal property in New York, there are strict and shorter deadlines for filing a Notice of Claim. Specifically, you must file within 90 days of the incident. Missing this deadline can bar your claim, so it's crucial to act quickly.

How does New York's comparative negligence rule affect my case?

New York's comparative negligence rule means that if your own carelessness contributed to your injury, your compensation could be reduced. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by that percentage. We work to minimize any finding of fault against you.

Can you provide examples of large settlements or verdicts for slip and fall cases?

We have secured significant compensation for slip and fall victims. Examples include a $1,000,000 settlement for a chef injured in a slip and fall and a $1,500,000 settlement for a client who fell on an uneven walkway. We aim for substantial recoveries.

What is the total amount of money De Caro & Kaplen has recovered for clients?

Our firm has a proven track record of success, having recovered over $100 million for our clients. This aggregate amount reflects our commitment to achieving significant financial results for those injured due to negligence.

Start Your Slip and Fall Accident Case Today With a Free, No Obligation Consultation

Every slip, trip, and fall case is unique, but the law is clear: property owners must maintain safe conditions. When they fail through negligence, carelessness, or cost-cutting, they must pay for the devastating consequences.

You deserve compensation for:

  • All medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering endured
  • Long-term care and rehabilitation needs
  • Loss of life's enjoyments

Don't let negligent property owners escape accountability. The statistics show these accidents are preventable—when they occur due to negligence, victims deserve justice.

Contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today for your free consultation. Let us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

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Contact Us

The Brain Injury Law Firm ®
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
(212) 732-2262
help@brainlaw.com 
Manhattan Offices:
De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
860 United Nations Plaza, Suite 27A
New York,
NY 10017
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Areas We Serve

We are based in Manhattan, and serve the entire State of New York including New York City, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. We also serve Nassau and Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester Counties, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse and surrounding areas.

Practice Areas

Attorney Advertising** | Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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