New York has seen a lot of snow recently. For many of us, this means spending hours outside shoveling. While snow removal seems like a tedious task, it is an incredibly important one. Snow & ice accidents occur often in New York and can result in serious injuries. As a result, it is important to maintain your property and keep yourself and others safe. But, who exactly is responsible for snow removal? And if an accident occurs, who will be held responsible? Read on for more information regarding snow removal in New York.
Where do Snow & Ice Accidents Occur?
Snow and ice accidents can occur on any slippery surface. Some specific places to watch out for include sidewalks, stairways, and parking lots.
Who is Responsible for Snow Removal?
In New York City, property owners are legally responsible for keeping their properties safe. This applies to residents, stores, companies, and municipal properties. Property owners must clear their properties of snow and ice within a certain amount of time after a snow or rainfall event. This window of time varies by municipality. That being said, the answer is not always so clear. Property owners, landlords, tenants, and municipalities can all be responsible for snow removal. Each town or village has its own ordinances. Additionally, the rules may change depending upon the type of property. Single-family homes often have different snow removal rules than multi-family homes. In many cases, a landlord will be responsible for snow removal but will pass this responsibility to their tenants in the lease. As a result, it is important to check your area’s ordinances and determine who is responsible for snow removal.
What if Someone is Injured on My Property?
If you are responsible for removing snow from a property and you fail to do so, serious accidents can occur. If someone slips and falls because you did not clear your property, you may be held responsible for any injuries they incur. This individual may be entitled to recover compensation for their financial, physical, mental, and emotional burdens that resulted from the accident. If someone is injured on your property, you should speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney right away.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding snow removal in New York City or premises liability law, contact our firm today to discuss.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
