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Snow and Ice

New York Snow and Ice Accident Lawyer

Winter weather in New York City and the surrounding suburbs can be extreme. When snow and ice accumulate on sidewalks and walkways after a winter storm, it can create hazardous conditions that can potentially lead to serious accidents. Importantly, owners have an obligation to ensure their property is kept in a reasonably safe condition — including after a snowstorm.

A slip and fall on snow or ice can result in serious and debilitating injuries. If you were hurt due to another’s failure to remove snow, ice, or debris from their property, you might be entitled to compensation for your damages. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. provides trusted representation for victims of snow and ice slip and fall accidents, and pursues the highest compensation they’re eligible to recover for their injuries.

Liability for a Snow and Ice Accident

Snow and ice slip and falls can happen just about anywhere after a winter storm if an area is not properly cleared. Critically, many of these accidents could be prevented by shoveling, salting, or taking other corrective measures in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in the property owner or another responsible party being held liable for negligence in a personal injury action. However, liability generally doesn’t attach if a snowstorm was in progress at the time of the fall.

New York City Administrative Code § 16-123 specifies who has an obligation to ensure that snow, ice, and dirt are removed after a storm and how much time they have to do so — the City is generally not responsible for removing snow from commercial or residential properties. Owners, tenants, lessees, occupants, or any other party in charge of maintaining a property may all be subject to a fine for failure to comply with the law. 

Under the snow removal law, building owners have four hours after a snowfall to remove snow and ice from abutting sidewalks, excluding the hours between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. If the snow stops between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., the abutting property owner has until 11 a.m. (four hours after 7 a.m.) to remove the snow and ice.

Many towns and villages outside New York City also have specific laws and ordinances concerning snow removal.    

The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. understand the substantial impact a snow and ice accident can have on your life and livelihood — and we know the tactics insurance companies will use in an attempt to get your claim dismissed. Handling each case with compassion, diligence, and skill, we work tirelessly to hold the negligent party accountable and reach a successful outcome in your case.

Common Snow and Ice Accident Injuries

Injuries that can arise from snow and ice slip and falls may be serious, and it is critical to seek medical attention right away. Due to the shock of the fall, you may not initially realize that you’ve been hurt. Obtaining medical assistance immediately can help to rule out internal bleeding or serious injuries that may not become apparent until days or weeks later.   

Common injuries sustained in a snow and ice slip and fall accident can include:

  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Lacerations and abrasions
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Concussion
  • Brain damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Permanent disability
  • Paralysis
  • Fatality


Usually, slip and fall victims are required to undergo diagnostic testing after the accident. X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and EMG-NCVs may be performed to help the doctor determine the extent of your injuries. Depending upon the doctor’s diagnosis, they may recommend pain medication, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other treatment. In some cases, surgery may also be required.

Skillful Representation Pursuing the Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a slip and fall on snow or ice, you may have lost time from work — and incurred substantial medical bills. By filing a personal injury action against the negligent party, you may be entitled to recover for your unreimbursed medical expenses, your lost wages, ongoing medical care, and out-of-pocket costs. A jury might also award you monetary compensation for the pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life you experienced in connection with your slip and fall injuries.

At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we work diligently to investigate your snow or ice slip and fall. With the understanding that each clients’ injuries have affected their life in a unique way, we devote personal time and attention to each case while striving to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact an Experienced New York Snow and Ice Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a snow or ice slip and fall accident is never easy, and it’s essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights. Importantly, there are strict statutes of limitation in any premises liability accident and much shorter ones if a municipality is involved. The experienced snow and ice accident lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. can help take the burden off your shoulders and will fight to secure the highest verdict or settlement possible in your case.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Long Island in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Contact us for a consultation.