Can I Sue for Being Shot in New York?

Negligent security is a premises liability claim under New York law. Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security measures when criminal acts are foreseeable. If they fail — by not having proper lighting, locks, security personnel, or surveillance — and you are injured as a result, they may be held liable.

New York courts use foreseeability as a central factor. If the property had prior criminal incidents, was in a high-crime area, or the owner had other notice that violence could occur, courts are more likely to find the shooting was foreseeable and that the owner owed you a higher duty of care.

You may have claims against the property owner, a landlord, a business operator, a building manager, or a security company — depending on who controlled the premises and who was responsible for maintaining adequate security at the time of the shooting.

New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. If a government entity owns or operates the property, a Notice of Claim must typically be filed within 90 days, making it critical to consult an attorney immediately.