What Should I Do if I Fell on a New York Sidewalk Due to Snow or Ice?

It’s December, and New York City has already had its first snowfall of the season, including a freeze warning and potentially slick roads and sidewalks. Winter weather in New York creates some of the most dangerous walking conditions of the year. Snowstorms, freezing rain, and fluctuating temperatures leave sidewalks slick, uneven, and treacherous. A simple step on an icy patch can end with serious injuries such as broken bones, torn ligaments, herniated discs, concussions, or even long-term disability. Because these accidents often happen suddenly and in public spaces, many people assume nothing can be done or that “it was just an accident.” In reality, property owners and, in some cases, the City of New York, have a clear legal duty to keep sidewalks reasonably safe.

At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we help injured pedestrians understand their rights and pursue claims against negligent owners, landlords, and municipal entities. If you slipped on a snowy or icy sidewalk in Manhattan. Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx, our NYC sidewalk slip and fall lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

The Dangers of a Slip and Fall on an Icy Sidewalk

Icy sidewalks are far more hazardous than they appear. Even a thin, transparent sheet of “black ice” can send a pedestrian to the ground with no chance to brace or protect themselves. Falls on ice tend to produce high-impact injuries because the victim’s feet slip forward unexpectedly, causing them to land hard on the back, hip, elbow, or head. Common winter-weather fall injuries include wrist and ankle fractures, spinal injuries, shoulder tears, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic pain syndromes.

Because sidewalk ice often forms in predictable ways, such as when melting snow refreezes overnight or when a property owner fails to salt or shovel properly, these accidents usually occur due to poor maintenance, not bad luck.

The Legal Duty to Clear Snow and Ice in New York

New York law requires that sidewalks adjacent to private property be kept in a reasonably safe condition. That duty includes the timely removal of snow and ice. In most situations throughout New York City, the property owner—not the City—is responsible for snow and ice removal on the sidewalk bordering the property. This includes residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Property owners must:

• Shovel snow and remove ice within a reasonable time after a storm
• Apply salt, sand, or ice melt to reduce slippery conditions
• Address ongoing melting and refreezing
• Repair sidewalk defects that contribute to recurrent icing

Owners who ignore these responsibilities may be held liable when someone is injured due to a slippery condition that should have been prevented.

When the City of New York May Be Liable

Although private owners bear most of the responsibility, the City can still be liable in limited circumstances. The City may be responsible if:

• The sidewalk is adjacent to a one-, two-, or three-family owner-occupied home used exclusively as a residence
• The icy condition was caused by a municipal failure, such as a broken water main, faulty curb drainage, or snow improperly piled during City plowing
• The accident occurred on City-owned property such as parks, municipal lots, or certain public facilities

Suing the City involves strict deadlines under the General Municipal Law, including service of a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Anyone injured on a sidewalk should contact an attorney immediately so these deadlines are not accidentally missed.

The “Storm in Progress” Doctrine and What It Means for Your Case

One of the most important legal doctrines affecting snow and ice accident cases in New York is the “storm in progress” rule. Under this doctrine, a property owner is generally not liable for a slip and fall that occurs while a storm is actively happening or shortly after it ends. The law recognizes that owners cannot reasonably be expected to keep sidewalks completely clear while snow or freezing rain is still falling.

However, the doctrine does not give owners unlimited time or immunity. New York City has rules in place regarding when snow and ice must be cleared, depending on whether the snowfall occurs in the daytime, evening, or overnight. In addition, a property owner may be liable when:

• The storm had stopped long enough that the owner should have taken action
• The icy patch was the result of preexisting negligence, such as old ice from a previous storm
• The hazardous condition was not caused by the active storm, such as ice formed by faulty drainage or a chronic leak
• The owner created a dangerous condition, such as shoveling snow into piles that later refroze

Determining whether a storm was “in progress” is often heavily litigated. Weather records, temperature logs, and expert testimony frequently become key evidence. This is one reason why contacting an attorney promptly after a fall is so important.

What to Do After a Fall on Snow or Ice in NYC

To protect your health and preserve your legal rights, it can be prudent to take the following steps whenever possible:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen quickly if left undiagnosed. Medical records also serve as crucial documentation for your claim, showing how and when they happened as well as how serious they are.
2. Take photographs or video of the icy sidewalk. Conditions can change within minutes once someone salts or shovels. Capturing the scene is essential.
3. Note the exact location. Record the building address, nearby businesses, or identifiable landmarks.
4. Look for witnesses. Anyone who saw the fall or the walkway conditions can provide valuable testimony.
5. Contact an attorney quickly. Especially in cases involving the City, strict notice requirements apply. An experienced lawyer will investigate ownership records, demand surveillance footage before it is deleted, and preserve weather and maintenance evidence.

How Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. Can Help After a Snow or Ice Fall in New York

For more than 30 years, Leandros A. Vrionedes has represented injured New Yorkers in premises liability and sidewalk accident cases. Winter-weather slip and falls require a precise understanding of New York sidewalk maintenance laws, the storm in progress doctrine, notice requirements for private owners and the City, weather pattern analysis and expert testimony, and building code and property maintenance standards. Our firm investigates the source of the ice, determines who was responsible for removing it, and builds cases that hold negligent property owners accountable. A successful claim can help cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and the long-term effects of a winter-weather injury.

If you fell because of snow or ice on a New York City sidewalk, the right legal representation can make all the difference in the success of your claim for compensation for your injuries. Contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., for a free consultation to learn your rights under New York law and find out how we can help.