Who Is Liable for a Fall on a Snowy or Icy Sidewalk in NYC?

In New York City, property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within a set time. If they don’t and someone gets hurt, they may be held legally responsible.

This applies to homeowners, landlords, businesses, or anyone responsible for maintaining the area in front of a building. NYC law places a strong emphasis on pedestrian safety, especially during winter, when sidewalks become more dangerous if not properly maintained.

Slippery sidewalks can lead to serious injuries, whether due to black ice, unshoveled snow, or a lack of salt. Falls aren’t rare in a dense, walkable city like New York. When they happen, it may not just be carelessness; it could be a violation of city law and the basis of a snowy sidewalk fall in NYC liability claim.

There’s a Time Limit for Clearing Snow and Ice

Clearing a sidewalk doesn’t just mean pushing the snow aside. Property owners must address slippery conditions by salting, sanding, or taking other steps to make the area reasonably safe. Simply shoveling a narrow path isn’t enough if large patches of ice remain.

NYC law gives property owners these time windows for snow and ice removal:

• If snowfall ends between 7:00 a.m. and 4:59 p.m.—clear within 4 hours;
• If it ends between 5:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.—clear within 14 hours; and
• If it ends between 9:00 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.—clear by 11:00 a.m. the same day.

Failing to meet these deadlines can be seen as negligence. If someone falls on a sidewalk that hasn’t been cleared by the required time, the property owner may be liable. These timeframes often play a key role in proving fault in injury claims.

Where You Fell Determines Who’s Liable

Liability depends not only on the condition of the sidewalk but also on who was responsible for maintaining it. That could be:

• A business leasing commercial property,
• A landlord or property management company, or
• The City of New York (for public properties).

For example, imagine if you fall due to snow or ice in front of:

• A coffee shop on the corner. The business may be responsible for the sidewalk at its entrance.
• An apartment building with in-house maintenance. The landlord or management company may be liable.
• A public school. The city might be at fault, since the sidewalk is adjacent to publicly owned property.

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. Reviewing leases, maintenance agreements, and city records is essential to determine who should be held accountable.

Common Ice Hazards That Lead to Falls

Not all danger ends when the snow stops. Many slip and fall accidents happen due to poor post-storm maintenance, such as:

• Compacted snow left untreated;
• Ice from building runoff;
• Slush cleared poorly, hiding slick spots; and
• Snow piles blocking safe paths.

Property owners must keep sidewalks next to streets safe. Failing to anticipate these ongoing risks can amount to negligence.

A Slip on Ice Can Impact More Than Just Your Health

Snowy sidewalk falls often result in more than bruises. Victims may suffer:

• Fractures, back or head injuries, or lasting pain;
• Emergency room visits, surgery, or physical therapy;
• Time off work or loss of income;
• Difficulty walking, driving, or caring for family; and
• Need for help with daily tasks,

Recovery can be long, and costs go beyond hospital bills. A snowy sidewalk fall in NYC liability claim helps cover these losses.

What to Do Within 24 Hours After a Slip and Fall on an Icy Sidewalk

Outdoor conditions change quickly. By the time someone looks back at what caused a fall, someone may have already cleared, salted, or altered the sidewalk. Without a basic record of where and how it happened, it may be harder to explain what was there or how it contributed to the injury. 

Here’s what to do:

• Take photos that include the walkway and the surrounding area. Wide shots are just as helpful as close-ups. Show anything nearby that might relate to the conditions, e.g., storefronts, signage, weather patterns, and building overhangs.
• Document the exact location. Note the address, business name, or nearest intersection.
• Preserve your clothing and shoes. Do not wash or discard them. They may later help show what the surface was like.
• Get witness info. A short statement from someone nearby may help confirm what the area looked like at the time.
• Seek medical care. Medical records help connect your injury to the incident.

What you avoid is just as important as what you do after a fall. Don’t downplay your symptoms or assume you’re fine without getting checked out. Avoid posting about the incident online since even innocent comments or photos can be taken out of context. When in doubt, protect your rights first.

You Have a Limited Window to Take Action

Legal deadlines for icy sidewalk falls start running from the day the injury occurs, regardless of how long it takes to recover. Understanding the property owner’s identity (private vs public) determines how quickly action needs to be taken.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Falls on private property. You must file your lawsuit within three years of the incident.
• Falls on public property. If you fall on a city sidewalk or other public property, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.

Not sure who was responsible for the sidewalk? That’s okay, but don’t wait. Once you’ve addressed your injuries, contact a NYC premises liability attorney. Miss the deadline, and you may permanently lose your right to seek justice.

Ferrante & Koenig Can Help

You shouldn’t have to suffer because someone didn’t shovel their sidewalk.

At Ferrante & Koenig, PLLC, we help New Yorkers get justice after serious slip and fall injuries.

With nearly 20 years of experience, attorneys Anthony Ferrante and Jeffrey Koenig know how to hold negligent property owners accountable. Call today for a free consultation.