Winter weather is always dangerous for people walking down the street, and this is especially true for those on the busy streets of New York City. If you do slip and fall on the sidewalk and get injured, however, you may wonder who you can hold to account. So that leaves the question of who exactly is responsible if you fall on a slippery sidewalk in New York City?
Premises Liability and You
In personal injury law, there is an area of the law known as “premises liability.” This broadly includes any injuries someone might suffer as a result of the negligence of the property’s owner. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Slip and fall / trip and fall accidents
- Snow and ice accidents
- Harm from falling objects
- Accidents due to poor maintenance
- Accidents due to known hazards on a property
- Injury due to foreseeable crimes
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites
The Responsibility of Property Owners
Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their properties are reasonably safe from all known or foreseeable hazards. This means taking steps like keeping the floors of their buildings clear of tripping or slipping hazards, as well as ensuring the building is generally in good repair. It also means keeping the premises of the property clear of snow and ice, which people can slip on and fall.
New York City and Slippery Sidewalks
In most places, the sidewalk is considered municipal property, meaning it is the responsibility of the local government to keep it clear. However, this is not the case in New York City, where property owners are responsible for ensuring the sidewalks around their property are safe for pedestrians to walk on. This means whoever owns the property that the sidewalk is adjacent to can be held legally responsible if you fall on a slippery sidewalk.
What to Do if You Fall on a Slippery Sidewalk
If you have been injured as a result of slipping and falling on a slippery sidewalk, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. These sorts of accidents are no joke, and can result in serious long term injuries for anyone who falls victim to them. A personal injury lawyer with experience handling slip and fall cases can help you get justice for the harm you have suffered. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work helping you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek out the personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates. Our seasoned New York personal injury attorneys bring more than two decades of trial experience to your case. We serve all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys always demand maximum compensation. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts. To schedule a consultation, you can call us at 866-800-0092, or you can visit our contact page.
