What to Do If You’re Injured While Visiting NYC This Summer
- BLITZ LAW GROUP
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Visiting New York City This Summer? Here’s What to Know If You’re Injured on Vacation.
New York City is one of the most exciting and visited places in the world — especially during the summer. From iconic landmarks and bustling sidewalks to rooftop bars and Broadway shows, there’s no shortage of things to experience. But accidents can happen anywhere — and when they do, especially far from home, it can be overwhelming.
Whether you slip and fall on a cracked sidewalk, are injured in an MTA subway or bus accident, or get hurt at your hotel or a local restaurant, it’s important to understand your rights and what steps to take immediately — even as an out-of-state visitor.
Common Tourist Injury Scenarios in NYC:
Here are some of the most common ways visitors get hurt in New York:
• Slip/trip and falls on city sidewalks or streets
Uneven pavement, potholes, or unmarked construction zones can cause serious falls.
• Hotel or Airbnb injuries
Falls on unsafe staircases, broken furniture, or defective flooring are common causes of injuries.
• Restaurant or retail store injuries
Think wet floors without warning signs, broken chairs, or poor lighting.
• Subway and MTA bus accidents
Sudden stops, overcrowding, or malfunctioning doors can cause falls or impact injuries.
• Attractions and entertainment venues
From amusement rides to poorly maintained public parks, negligence can happen anywhere.
What to Do Right Away If You’re Hurt in NYC:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Don’t wait — your health and documentation of your injury are top priority. Visit a local urgent care or ER and keep records of your visit.
2. Report the Incident
If you’re injured at a business, hotel, restaurant, or transit location, report the incident to management or staff right away and ask for a copy of the report.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos of the exact location where you were injured, what caused it (wet floor, broken step, etc.), and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact information of any witnesses.
4. Preserve Evidence
Save receipts, email confirmations, or anything that shows you were at the location. If clothing or shoes were damaged or relevant, keep them.
5. Contact a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced local attorney can help you understand if you have a claim and what to do next — especially if you’re from out of state.
Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in NYC If You Don’t Live Here?
Yes. Even if you’re a tourist from another state (or even another country), you still have the right to file a personal injury claim in New York if the injury occurred here. Your lawsuit will be handled in the New York courts, and a local personal injury lawyer can represent you throughout the process — often without you needing to travel back for court dates.
Who Might Be Liable?
Depending on how and where your injury occurred, different parties may be held legally responsible:
• The City of New York – for sidewalk, subway, or street-related hazards.
• The MTA – for injuries involving public transportation.
• Hotel or Airbnb owners – for unsafe conditions on the property.
• Business owners or landlords – for hazards in restaurants, stores, or rental units.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation For:
• Medical bills (including follow-up care when you return home)
• Lost wages (if your injury impacted your ability to work)
• Pain and suffering
• Travel-related losses
• And more
Don’t Wait — Time Limits Apply
New York has strict statutes of limitations for personal injury claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit — but if the case involves a city agency or the MTA, you may only have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. That’s why it’s crucial to speak to an attorney right away.
Need Help After an Injury While Visiting NYC?
At Blitz Law Group, we’ve represented countless tourists and out-of-state clients who were injured while visiting New York. From securing surveillance footage to negotiating with insurance carriers, we fight to get you the compensation you deserve — even after you’ve gone home.
Contact us today for a free consultation:
📞 (212) 871-1300
What to Do If You’re Injured While Visiting NYC This Summer
Blitz Law Group, LLP
Comments