After a relatively mild start to the winter it appears as if the East Coast is finally seeing the sort of snow, sleet, and ice it’s used to. This makes travel conditions treacherous for everyone, including those of us who walk city streets. Indeed, snow and ice covered sidewalk accidents in New York City are a very real concern for pedestrians.
Emergency rooms throughout the city see an influx of individuals every time it snows. These people suffer from sprains and strains, broken bones (most often in the hand, wrist, or arm), and even head injuries all caused by snow and ice covered sidewalk accidents in New York. A simple misstep can cause an individual to slip and fall. That fall can not only be costly but may require weeks or months of rehabilitation before the individual is back to normal.
Failure to clear sidewalks within a specified timeframe (which depends on the timing of the snowfall) could result in fines. Indeed, the city issued nearly $600,000 in fines for uncleared sidewalks in 2013.
However, in many cases the victims of snow and ice covered sidewalk accidents in New York City are entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries. When the adjoining property is a multiple dwelling less than four families, used only for residential purposes and is owner occupied, clearing sidewalk timely and properly remains the responsibility of the City. But for sidewalks adjacent to office, apartment and commercial buildings and houses greater than three families, the responsibility for properly clearing the sidewalk rests with property owner.
Failure to clear away ice and snow in a timely and proper fashion makes property owners legally liable for any of the injuries suffered, lost time from work and other out of pocket expenses.
If you’ve slipped fallen on a stretch of treacherous sidewalk, contact our expert snow and ice covered sidewalk accident attorneys today. We will get you 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.