During the winter in New York City, people slip and fall on snow and ice every day. While some falls are unavoidable accidents, this is not the case for all slip and falls. Some falls are the result of failure on the part of a property or business owner to remove snow and ice from their premises. When this occurs, the property owner may be liable for injuries.
Property Owner Liability
Individuals or businesses that lease, own, occupy, or otherwise control a property have a duty to ensure that the premises are in a safe condition. If a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition on the property, then the owner has a duty to correct the problem. Under New York law, this includes a duty to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, and driveways that adjoin the property. Property owners are responsible for clearing at least a four-foot-wide path on the sidewalk and for removing snow from fire hydrants and bus stops. This snow and ice removal must take place generally within four hours after a storm has ceased. If the ice cannot be immediately removed, then the property owner must spread sand or sawdust on the area to prevent falls.
Serious Injuries
A property owner who fails to remove snow and ice from their property may be liable for injuries. They may also be subject to a citation. Serious injuries can result from slip and falls on snow and ice, including:
- Head injuries—falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- Fractures—impact with the sidewalk after a slip and fall on snow and ice can result in serious fracture injuries
- Back injuries—slipping and falling on your back can cause serious injuries and even damage to the spinal cord.
- Knee injuries—falling onto your knees can cause severe pain and damage
Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to a slip and fall on ice, you may want an experienced slip and fall attorney on your side. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we’ve been handling premises liability cases for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.