As Cold Weather Approaches, City Seeks to Enforce Rules on Clearing Snow and Ice

With fall’s arrival, winter is not far off. While many New York City residents are delighted by the holiday season and a snowy view out their window, cold weather creates the most dangerous conditions of the year for pedestrians. The problem would not be so bad if property owners and managers honored their legal responsibility to maintain safe sidewalks. Sadly, many people allow wintry hazards to remain for hours, and sometimes days, after the snow has stopped, triggering numerous slip and fall injuries. 

Elderly individuals, people with disabilities and those carrying heavy loads are particularly vulnerable to winter accidents, which can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, back problems and torn ligaments. Victims often incur significant medical expenses and may not be able to work while they recuperate. Accordingly, a negligent property owner might be responsible for substantial damages that include payment for lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.

Still, some individuals and businesses still refuse to shovel or spread salt in a timely manner. To help reduce the risk of injury, New York City stepped up enforcement of its rules regarding the clearance of snow and ice on a sidewalk. During a January snowstorm, more than 2,000 citations were issued in just one day, which was approximately three times the amount issued for the prior storm, which occurred the previous winter. 

Along with the potential liability if someone slips and falls on an untended sidewalk, a first citation is punishable by a fine of $100 to $150 for breaking one of these rules:

• When snow stops falling between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., a sidewalk must be cleared within four hours.
• When snow stops falling between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., a sidewalk must be cleared within 14 hours.
• When snow stops falling between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., a sidewalk must be cleared by 11 a.m.
• A path at least four feet wide must be cleared.
• If snow becomes frozen or ice forms, salt or sand must be spread over the frozen area within the same timeframes listed for snow removal. 

Violation of a city ordinance could be strong evidence that the defendant in a winter weather-related slip and fall case is liable for the resulting injuries. Should you or someone in your family get hurt after a tumble caused by snow or ice on a sidewalk, an experienced personal injury lawyer at Goldberg Sager & Associates can review the facts and advise you of your options. Our office is in Brooklyn and we can be reached at all hours. Please call [ln::phone] or contact us online for a free consultation.