Winter presents a trying time for residents and visitors alike as rapidly fluctuating temperatures along the East Coast cause falling ice and snow accidents across New York City. It’s no secret that New York is a vertical city. Skyscrapers, high-rises, and amazing architecture stretching into the skyline are what the city is known for. But those towering dangers pose a threat during winter months when snow and ice can build up on building facades and rooftops and then sheets of ice and chunks rain down upon pedestrians in Manhattan and elsewhere.
Older buildings with stone facades are notorious for ice buildup-stonework contains all sorts of nooks and crannies ice can cling to. But new buildings may even be worse. High-tech, energy efficient materials keep a building’s heat in allowing for even more icy buildup on the outside. Just last winter an undisclosed number of vehicles were damaged in a city car park when massive sheets of ice detached from overhead solar panels and slid off the roof like a guillotine’s blade.
Pedestrians like Christian Rouanet, and four others, were hospitalized by the FDNY when blocks of ice fell from the GE Building on West 50th Street. Before that, Barry Negron (a 27-year old salesman) needed 80 stitches to seal the gash in his head after he was struck by football-sized falling ice from a skyscraper. In 2010, fifteen people were injured by ice showering down from the Sony Building on Madison Avenue.
Falling ice and snow accidents in New York can be deadly-debris can reach speed of up to 100 MPH before hitting the ground-or anyone walking below. Building owners are responsible for clearing away snow and ice buildup or blocking off the area underneath the hazard so pedestrians can bypass it safely.
If you or a loved one has been injured by falling ice, you should contact a New York City snow and ice accident attorney today to ensure that you will compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.