If you slip and fall on a sidewalk, parking lot, or other walking surface where snow and ice was not properly cleaned, you may be entitled to money damages for your injuries.
The New York Personal Injury Attorneys at De Caro & Kaplen, LLP have represented victims of ice and snow falls for over 40 years. We understand the laws designed to protect pedestrians which require property owners, property managers, stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, and general contractors on construction sites, to timely and properly take precautions to prevent these injuries from occurring.
What should you do if you slipped and fell on an icy sidewalk or other walkway?
- Take Photographs of the Dangerous Condition
- Obtain Names, Addresses and Other Contact Information From Any Witnesses To Your Fall
- If Police or other Emergency Assistance Responded, Obtain Accident File Number and Names of Responders
What are the obligations for a safe walking surface?
- Snow and ice management requires diligence and anticipation of dangerous conditions even before they develop.
- Listening, heeding, and reacting to weather forecasts that predict snow and ice conditions is the first step.
- Those responsible for property must take steps to prevent ice from developing or melting and refreezing, including spreading proper de-icing chemicals.
- Conducting periodic and careful inspections of the walking surface are necessary to determine if snow and ice may cause a falling or slipping hazard.
- Carefully remove snow and ice from all surfaces including entrances, parking lanes, handicap parking areas, and areas where pedestrians may step or walk.
- Do not create piles of snow where melting snow may re-freeze when temperatures drop.
- Properly train and supervise all contractors who are hired to plow, sand, or shovel.
New York Laws Protect Victims of Snow and Ice Falls:
Property Owners, Building Managers, Store Owners, or others who control or lease property are responsible for maintaining safe walking surfaces for their tenants, guests, shoppers, construction workers, and pedestrians.
Responsibility includes:
- Timely clearing and removing snow and ice.
- Safely removing snow and ice.
- Placing proper warnings.
New York City Snow and Ice Cleaning Responsibility:
In New York City, property owners, tenants, lessors, and those occupying property must clear snow or ice from their sidewalks. The City does not clean or remove snow or ice from sidewalks in front of residential or commercial property.
Snow Shoveling Rules
Those responsible for a building or lot must:
- Clear snow and ice on the sidewalk to create a path at least 4 feet wide
- Clear a path to the crosswalk, including pedestrian ramps (curb cuts)
- Shovel bus stops and fire hydrant areas in front of property
If the snow stops falling between:
- 7 AM and 5 PM, clearing of sidewalks must take place within 4 hours
- 5 PM and 9 PM, clearing of sidewalks must take place within 14 hours
- 9 PM and 7 AM, clearing of sidewalks must take place by 11 AM
We’re Ready To Assist With Your New York Slip And Fall On Snow And Ice Injury Case
Our attorneys have been representing victims of personal injury in New York, including many cases of slips and falls on snow ice, for over 40 years.
We work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if we are successful in receiving compensation for your injuries. There are no fees to pay up front.
Contact us today to find out how we can help with your New York slip and fall on snow and ice injury case.