Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Rapid Temperature Changes Create Falling Ice and Snow

On Behalf of | Jan 3, 2017 | Slip and Fall

The cold weather across the country this winter season has already created dangerous conditions for those of us living in urban areas-especially NYC with its high-rise apartment and office buildings. When several days of cold, snowy weather are followed by abrupt warm-ups and even further subzero temperatures, it creates the perfect conditions for falling ice and snow in New York City streets and sidewalks.

Those rapid temperature changes allow precipitation (snow or even freezing rain) to latch on to building facades, rooftops, and ledges. Sometimes several inches of ice and frozen snow can accumulate. Then when the days warm up, the frozen layers begin to melt and can sometimes dislodge in large sheets or frozen “ice boulders”.

When such a large or heavy object falls from above, it hits the pavement below (and any unwary passersby below) like a ton of bricks. This falling ice and snow in New York City injures a handful of people every year but can leave victims with serious injuries such as bone fractures, brain concussions and the like. So, who is liable for these injuries?

Under New York City premises law, building owners or managers are responsible for inspecting facades, rooftops, and ledges for dangerous snow and ice accumulations as well as safely removing the dangerous buildup or roping off the sidewalk area underneath these accumulations to keep pedestrians safe. If an owner fails in that duty and an innocent passerby is injured by falling ice or snow, the negligent landlord will be responsible for the victim’s medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages for the time out of work. In serious or fatal cases, the responsible parties will be liable for life-long disability medical expenses, lost income, funeral expenses, and lost financial support for dependents.

If you’ve been injured by falling ice or snow in New York, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the experienced New York City sidewalk accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel today. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.

Archives

Archives