Every day people slip and fall on snow and ice in New York City. A fall on snow and ice can lead to serious injuries such as fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Most falls are avoidable and may be the result of someone’s negligence. If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Determining who is liable for slip and falls on snow and ice can be complicated.
Who is Responsible for Clearing Snow and Ice on Sidewalks?
New York City Administrative Code section 16-123 places responsibility for the removal of ice and snow on sidewalks with the owner or manager of the adjoining building. This means that every property owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or other person in control of a building, must clear the sidewalk adjacent to their property. Sidewalks that are adjacent to the property include sidewalks in front of the building, on the side of the building, and in the back of the building.
How long a property owner has to clean the sidewalk depends on when the snow falls. If the snow stops falling between 7 a.m. and 4:59 p.m., the owner has four hours to clear the snow. If it stops falling between 5 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., the owner has fourteen hours to clear the sidewalk. If the snow stops falling between 9 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., then the snow must be cleared by 11 a.m. the following day.
Snow should not be pushed into the street or in the crosswalk. Owners are also responsible for clearing any snow that ends up on the sidewalk as the result of snow plowing. Snow should be moved into the front yard, behind the stoop line, or to the grassy strip by the curb. There should be a path of at least four feet wide across the sidewalk. Properties located on corners should clear a path to the crosswalks.
Who is Responsible for Clearing Snow and Ice on Crosswalks and Bus Stops?
Different agencies within the city are responsible for clearing snow and ice from crosswalks and bus stops. The city is also responsible for clearing the entrance to subways and sidewalks in and around city parks.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall on snow or ice, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. For over 50 years, the attorneys at Bonina & Bonina, P.C. have been helping the injured. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.