Throughout the winter months, snow & ice accidents are far more common than you may think. Unfortunately, most of these slip and fall accidents are entirely preventable. The key to preventing these accidents is understanding New York City’s snow removal laws. Please continue reading and speak with our Brooklyn personal injury lawyer to learn more about New York City’s snow removal laws, what to do if you’ve been injured in a snow & ice accident, and how our firm can assist you through the claims process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Who is responsible for snow removal in New York City?
Here in New York City, depending on the property, a wide variety of parties may be responsible for snow removal. Generally, the tenant in a single-family residence will be required to remove snow. Likewise, homeowners are also generally responsible for removing snow from their property. That being said, tenants in multi-dwelling buildings generally are not responsible for snow removal, and in most cases, management companies are required to remove the snow. Tenants who rent out commercial properties are also typically not responsible for snow removal. That being said, in public spaces, the municipality or the City is generally responsible for snow removal.
How long do property owners have to remove snow in New York City?
New York City has rather stringent snow removal laws in place. Generally, as long as the snow stops during daylight hours between 7:00 a.m. and 4:59 p.m., the responsible party is granted four hours from the end of a snowfall to have the snow removed.
What should I do if I am injured in a slip & fall accident on snow or ice?
If you are injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident due to snowy or icy conditions that should have legally been removed, you should do everything in your power to document the incident to maximize your chances of winning a future personal injury claim. To start, you should call the police and seek immediate medical treatment. While you wait for emergency services to arrive, you should ask all witnesses for their contact information and notify the property owner of the incident. You should also take pictures of the snowy/icy conditions before the property owner can remove them. Finally, after you are treated in a hospital, ensure you hire a knowledgeable Brooklyn personal injury lawyer.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.