Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Slip and Fall Accidents in New York Increase Dramatically During Winter Months

On Behalf of | Dec 19, 2013 | Slip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents, in New York City, are the number one non-vehicular cause of accidental injury. Indeed, data shows that one of the most dangerous compounding elements of any slip and fall accident is the presence of ice and/or snow.

New York City receives a significant amount of snowfall each year and that snow sticks around. People track it into stores and apartment buildings; it melts and refreezes in parking lots, on sidewalks, and in stairways, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of completely. Data collected by the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) shows, even a trivial amount of snow or ice can turn a perfectly safe walkway, sidewalk, or work surface into a treacherous hazard.

In New York City, liability often falls to the property owner as per the New York City Administrative Code. There are exceptions but generally this code implies that it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that walkways, sidewalks, etc. are reasonably clear of hazards such as ice and snow buildup.

Preventing slip and fall accidents in New York City is often a matter of preparing for the worst and ensuring that dangerous conditions are rectified as soon as possible. Keeping walkways, entryways, stairways, and building vestibules dry is the best option-especially in bad weather. Tools like absorbent slip-free matting in entryways or awnings should be used to aid in keeping public walkways free of snow and ice. When snow and ice do pile up (and they will) they should be removed as regularly as needed and ice melt products such as salt sand and chemical mixtures including potassium chloride are available to help keep cleared areas slip-free.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a snow and ice sidewalk accident in New York, and you feel that your injuries may have been caused by another’s negligence, contact a qualified premises liability attorney today to discuss your case. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.

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