When snow and ice make a New York City sidewalk unsafe for pedestrians, some people will blame the weather. However, the law may hold the property owner accountable.
HOLDING PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBLE
According to New York City code section 16-123, the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or other person having charge of property abutting a paved sidewalk is required to remove ice or snow within four hours after the snow stops falling. If ice or snow freezes on the sidewalk and cannot be removed, the responsible person must cover it with a non-slip material such as sand until weather permits removal.
Property owners who fail to remove ice and snow may be fined. They are also liable for damages if a person is injured in a slip-and-fall accident. Damages in slip-and-fall accident cases are usually paid by homeowners’ insurance or general business liability insurance.
Many insurance companies, unfortunately, do not take slip-and-fall accidents seriously. However, slipping and falling on ice or snow can result in broken bones, ligament tears, and other injuries that can affect you for several months. You may need to undergo an operation and endure a long and painful rehabilitation. An elderly person who suffers an injury in a fall may experience a decline in health that robs him or her of the ability to lead an active life.
