When Winter Hazards Lead to Serious Injury

Snow, slush, and ice are a part of life in New York—but they shouldn’t be a danger. When property owners fail to shovel, salt, or clear their walkways in a timely manner, it puts pedestrians at serious risk. Every winter, thousands of New Yorkers suffer fractures, back injuries, or concussions due to weather-related slip and fall accidents. At Leitner Warywoda, we help clients across NYC and Long Island hold property owners and landlords accountable for dangerous winter conditions.

​

Whether you fell outside an apartment building, commercial storefront, or on public steps, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

​

NYC Snow & Ice Laws: Who’s Responsible?

Under NYC Administrative Code §16-123, property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjoining their buildings within a specific window of time after a snowfall stops—typically within 4 hours, excluding overnight hours. Failing to do so can result in fines and legal liability if someone is injured.

​

Those responsible may include:

​

• Residential landlords

• Commercial property owners or tenants

• HOAs or condo associations

• Property managers or maintenance contractors

• City or municipal agencies (in certain public areas)

We review city codes, weather reports, surveillance footage, and maintenance logs to determine whether a violation occurred.

​

Common Locations for Weather-Related Falls

Some of the most dangerous places for icy slips and trips during New York winters include:

​

• Sidewalks and entryways in front of buildings

• Staircases or stoops leading to apartments or businesses

• Ramps without proper traction or salting

• Parking lots and driveways

• Subway entrances and public transit platforms

Many of these accidents are preventable with proper salting, shoveling, snow removal, and signage. When owners neglect their duty, we step in.

​

Injuries Caused by Winter Falls

Snow and ice slip-and-fall accidents often result in:

​

• Broken wrists or hips (common from bracing during falls)

• Head injuries and concussions

• Spinal injuries or herniated discs

• Torn ligaments or soft tissue damage

• Long-term mobility issues or chronic pain

You don’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Our firm helps you recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Let Leitner Warywoda Help After a Fall on Snow or Ice

Don’t assume a winter fall is just an accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, New York law is on your side. At Leitner Warywoda, we help injured pedestrians, tenants, and workers build strong premises liability claims—even when bad weather is a factor.

Call us today for a free consultation. We don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.

🪜 Fall Hotspots in NYC: What You Should Know