Walking in winter weather can be extremely dangerous because of slippery conditions from the accumulation of snow and ice on sidewalks and walkways. It is important for victims involved in accidents, for instance caused by sidewalks covered in snow, to learn more about premises liability. There are steps pedestrians can take to protect their rights if hurt in a slip-and-fall accident caused by snow or ice. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation that exists regarding who is responsible in cases involving slip-and-fall accidents on snow or ice. The services of an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will prove invaluable in such cases.
Are Property Owners Responsible?
These types of accidents typically occur in parking lots or on sidewalks outside businesses. Property owners do have a duty when it comes to maintaining their premises so that they are safe for visitors, guests and tenants. This duty includes promptly clearing snow and ice to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. In many cases, property owners contract with plow companies that remove snow and ice. Regardless of who is performing the snow and ice removal, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the property is safe for all.
When it comes to sidewalks, New York City’s Administrative Code requires all businesses including houses of worship and multi-family dwellings to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks. The duty to remove snow and ice from sidewalks does not apply to residential properties with one, two or three families where the properties are occupied by the owner and are not used for business purposes. In such cases, the city can be held liable for slip-and-fall accidents caused by snow and ice. The city can also be held responsible for failure to clear snow or ice that collects in crosswalks.
Compensation for Injured Victims
As a victim of a slip-and-fall accident you should call for help and notify the owner of the property right away. Take photographs of the location and obtain contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the accident. It is also important that you get prompt medical attention to maximize your chances of recovery and document your injuries. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a slip-and-fall accident or trip-and-fall accident, the experienced New York personal injury lawyers with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our law firm recovered $1,700,000 for a woman who slipped and fell and received no hospital or medical treatment for one month after the accident.
Please call our offices TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) to discuss your slip-and-fall case or trip-and-fall injury or accident case. WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
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