New York’s recent snow storms and frozen temperatures have forced many of us to experience the hazards of walking on slick snow and ice covered sidewalks and steps. Unfortunately, too many of us have slipped and fallen on the frozen ground.
Slips and falls on frozen surfaces often result in serious, disabling injuries, with broken wrists and ankles high on the list.
If you’ve been hurt due to a fall on an icy walkway, what are your rights?
Generally, in New York City, a property owner is required to remove snow or ice from a sidewalk on or abutting its property and make the sidewalk safe for pedestrians after a snow or ice storm has ended (of course, there are exceptions). If someone is injured as a result of the owner’s failure to clear the sidewalk, as legally required, the owner is required to pay money to the injured person. The measure of money damages may include payments to compensate the injured person for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you were injured after a trip and fall on a slippery, frozen, surface, an experienced personal injury attorney can help to evaluate the facts to determine whether you have a case. Here are some important questions that will be considered:
- Did you slip and fall on snow or ice that remained on a sidewalk or step, after a previous storm?
- Did you suffer an injury as a result of that fall?
- Did the property owner fail to remove snow and ice and make the sidewalk safe, as the law requires?
Let’s hope that the groundhog’s forecast of an early spring is right. Until then, please exercise caution while walking outside. If you do fall on snow or ice, know your rights. Call my office at 888-LAW-HELP (888-529-4357), if you have any questions.