By: Greg Hach
As a child, the first sign of snow was met with excitement and joy. As an adult, much like everything else, that vision has changed. Today the same snow can cause harmful injuries. As a resident of New York, you have a right to travel with reasonable safety outside in the winter. Whether on a sidewalk in your neighborhood or in a department store parking lot, this holds true. Property owners have a responsibility for snow and ice removal. Call us if you were injured on someone else’s property by slipping or falling on uncleared snow and ice.
Property Owners Have a Responsibility for Snow and Ice Removal
The New York State Law clearly states that property owners have a non-delegable duty to keep you safe. Owners, lessees, tenants, and occupants of property in New York can be responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe from snow and/or ice. The legal concept of notice is key in determining legal responsibility. People and companies responsible for keeping a property safe can be responsible if they have known about a dangerous condition and failed to do anything about it. If they should have known about a dangerous condition and did nothing. Or if they created a dangerous condition by making it more dangerous. The property owner may be a homeowner, a private company, or a municipality. A property manager responsible for maintaining the property may also be liable.
The streets are slippery, and keeping yourself safe is important. A property owner’s negligence should not be overlooked. If you are injured in a snow or ice accident, it is vital that you find the right personal injury lawyer who understands the requirements of the New York State Snow and Ice Law and how to prove responsibility for your injuries.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys
At Hach & Rose, LLP, we understand the complexities of snow and ice cases. And we have the expertise and experience to help clients after they have suffered personal injuries from premises accidents on snow or ice. If possible, take photographs of the location where you are injured to document the condition. Recently we successfully obtained $150,000 for a woman who slipped in a school parking lot that was not cleared of snow and ice. We have also obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $1,450,000 for a woman who slipped in a school cafeteria when she slipped due to melting ice.
If you or anyone you know has been injured due to snow and ice accumulation, do not hesitate to call the attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP for a free consultation.