An injury from slipping on snow or falling through ice can result in severe injuries or even death (rare but it has happened). Children are the most vulnerable to snow and ice accidents. These accidents are preventable, and property owners are responsible for keeping their premises hazard-free.
Snow and ice must be cleared from their own premises regularly, and pathways, walkways, or driveways must be kept dry and clean at all times (unless it is 2 am in the morning and it is currently snowing). The negligence of property owners may lead to someone slipping and falling, a severe injury, or even a wrongful death.
Slipping and falling on ice can cause injuries that are permanently disabling or even fatal. The New York City Administrative Code Section 16-123 states that property owners, residents or landlords are legally obliged to clear snow and ice within a stipulated time following a snowfall. They must also maintain sidewalks in a non-slippery condition, and place sand, salt, or ash to melt away the residual snow. Failure to take these precautionary steps is not only legally unacceptable, but poses a major threat to the safety of pedestrians.
Causes of Snow and Ice Accidents in NYC
Any surface covered with ice and snow can be a dangerous hazard. Stairs, ramps, flat surfaces, or raised platforms are all accident-prone if covered in snow and ice.
- Failure to clear icicles
- Failure to wipe and clean icy and wet handrails
- Failure to clear snow accumulated for long durations
- Inefficient clearance of snow and ice from premises, front yard or pathway
- Improper or insufficient use of ash, salt, or sand to melt the snow
- Unnoticed leakages
- Improper sanitation and drainage facilities for outdoor snow
Impact of Snow and Ice Accident
Injuries caused by snow and ice accidents can be devastating and critical. Children and elderly adults face serious risks of catastrophic injuries when subjected to a snow and ice accident. Consequences can be as serious as any of the following:
- Bone injuries and fractures
- Internal/external lesions and lacerations
- Eye injuries and/or loss of sight
- Head trauma
- Brain injury
- Spinal injury
- Bone dislocations
- Neck injury
- Psychological impacts such as shocks and the ensue of permanent phobias
- Paralytic injury
- Permanent disabilities
Snow and ice accidents may not always be limited to pedestrians. Automobiles and drivers are equally prone to slips and skids due to accumulated snow on driveways, roads and parking spots. Vehicles may skid on slippery driveways, leaving drivers severely injured or permanently disabled.
Legal Action and Compensation
When you have been exposed to a snow and ice accident due to the negligence of property owners, you may be entitled to claim for your losses and injuries from the responsible parties. Depending upon the severity of your case, you may be eligible to get compensated for:
- Hospital charges
- Medication expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Ongoing treatment and care
- Funeral costs
- Pain and suffering
Call RMFW at 212-344-1000now!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snow and ice accident due to negligence, speak to our New York City snow and ice accident attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW). We can help lessen your financial burden and possibly even destroy it completely by seeing you come out on top in the black.
Again, we are right here: 212-344-1000. We have won millions of dollars for past clients. You can be a part of this as well. We know what is at stake and we can help you get back on track the legal way!
