Winter has finally arrived in grand style. The massive snowstorm we endured earlier this month is just the first of many in what meteorologists are calling an unsettled weather pattern fueled by a polar vortex pulling cold air down from Canada. That means that New Yorkers are back to trudging through piles of snow and puddles of slush while skating over patches of ice—and that’s just on the sidewalks. Even the most cautious pedestrian can end up slipping and falling on snow and ice covered sidewalks in New York City under these conditions.
Slip and fall accidents on snowy sidewalks can cause anything from embarrassment and wet trousers to serious injuries (like broken bones) that can leave victims in pain, unable to work, and facing a mountain of medical bills. Serious injuries require medical intervention and with the average ER visit in New York City costing upwards of $2,000.
The New York City Council has passed specific legislation making property owners responsible to clear the snow and ice on the sidewalks adjacent to their properties and make them passable and reasonably safe for pedestrians. After years of assuming the liability for maintaining sidewalks, the city actually transferred that liability (in most cases) to property owners. This not only makes these property owners responsible for inspecting and repairing the sidewalk flagstones in the spring, summer, and fall, it also makes them responsible for removing snow and ice in the winter months as well. Failure to clear the snow and ice from the sidewalk within a reasonable time after the snow stops falling or not clearing the snow and ice properly (like leaving patches of snow or ice) can make the adjoining property owner financially responsible for any injuries and time missed from work.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowy slip and fall accident, speak with an experienced snow and ice covered sidewalk attorney in New York City today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.