During an average winter, New York City can receive up to 60 inches of snow-sometimes even more. This can make travelling (even on foot) extremely dangerous-especially if residents don’t honor their obligation to clear ice and snow from sidewalks. In fact, hundreds of individuals are taken to emergency departments around the city every year because they’ve fallen on improperly cleared sidewalks.
There are nearly 13,000 miles of sidewalk in New York City but the City itself is only responsible for a small fraction of that. New York passed legislation that makes many private property owners responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalks abutting their property.
But who is responsible for a sidewalk that has not been properly cleared of ice and snow? Ice and snow covered sidewalk accidents in New York are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner if the premises is greater than a three family multiple dwelling, not used exclusively for residential purposes or is not owner occupied. The City of New York would be responsible for clearing the sidewalks if the adjacent property does not fall into any of those three exceptions.
City regulations (specifically Section 19-152 of the New York Administrative Code) require that snow be removed from the sidewalks within:
•· 4 hours if snow stops between 7 AM and 5 PM
•· 14 hours if snow stops between 5 PM and 9PM
•· By 11 AM when snow stops between 9PM and 7 AM
Private sidewalk accidents in New York (meaning those pathways which start from the sidewalk in front of the property leading into the house or building are always the property owner’s responsibility
If you’ve been injured in a sidewalk accident in New York, the property owner or the City of New York may be liable for pain and suffering of your injuries, unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Contact an expert New York City sidewalk accident attorney today to get the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.