Snow and Ice Accident Lawyer

Property owners are not expected to catch snowflakes out of the air or walk around with a propane torch to combat ice crystals. But after a snowstorm, there is an expectation to remove snow in a timely manner, to treat icy patches and to clean up entryway puddles. The New York City Administrative Code is clear that property owners are responsible for cleaning snow from their sidewalk.

When owners ignore snow and ice accumulations or make things worse with a halfhearted removal job, patrons and passersby may suffer serious injury. The Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm has obtained notable results in premises liability claims against New York City property owners, including slip-and-falls on snowy or icy walkways.

Did you slip on snow or ice? We handle premises cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

Snow Accumulation or Black Ice

One minute you are walking and next moment you are flat on your back or twisted unnaturally or in pain. Slip-and-falls on snowy steps or icy walkways can cause serious and disabling injuries — back injuries, concussion, tailbone or hip fractures, broken legs, ankle sprains or fractures, broken wrists or elbows, lasting groin injuries or torn ligaments in shoulders and knees. Our experienced lawyers carefully detail the medical, financial and personal harm.

What is a reasonable time to clear snow and ice? Under New York City ordinance, property owners have four hours to clear snow from public sidewalks after a daytime snowfall (prior to 5 p.m.). If the snowfall stops during the evening or nighttime, property owners must clear the sidewalks by 11 a.m. the next morning.

The standard for premises liability is not as cut-and-dried as it pertains to snow or ice in parking lots, storefront sidewalks and steps on commercial property. We investigate whether reasonable steps were taken to ensure safety. Did the owner or manager of the property have ample opportunity to clear snow? Did the owner clear a wide enough path? Did the owner put down sand or salt? Did melting snow re-freeze into black ice?

Discuss Your Next Steps With an Injury Attorney

Call 212-268-3222 for a free consultation with one of our New York City snow and ice injury lawyers. There are no attorney fees unless we win.

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