Snow & Ice Slip and Fall Lawyers in New York & Long Island

Snow, slush, and black ice are a fact of life during New York winters—but that doesn’t mean you should have to deal with the pain, medical bills, and lost wages from a preventable fall. Our NYC slip and fall on ice lawyers hold property owners, businesses, and in some cases the city, accountable when they fail to keep sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances safe in winter conditions.

Snowflakes falling onto a snow-covered ground.

When Winter Hazards Lead to Serious Injuries

From icy Brooklyn sidewalks to snow-packed Long Island parking lots, winter conditions can quickly turn dangerous. Falls on snow or ice often cause broken bones, head injuries, or back and neck trauma—injuries that can change your life in seconds. Older adults are especially at risk, but anyone can be seriously hurt when property owners ignore their legal duties.

Property Owner Responsibilities for Snow & Ice in NYC

New York City law requires most property owners—including businesses and multi-family residences—to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within a set period after a storm ends (currently four hours for many properties, excluding overnight hours). They must also salt or sand icy areas to prevent refreezing.



For parking lots, commercial owners are expected to remove snow, salt surfaces, and keep walkways safe for customers and visitors. If the property is municipal, strict deadlines apply for filing a Notice of Claim—just 90 days.

Common Winter Slip & Fall Hazards

  • Unshoveled sidewalks after a storm.

  • Black ice from refrozen meltwater in parking lots.

  • Snow-covered entryways that become slick as people track in slush.

  • Falling ice from rooftops or awnings.

Each of these can—and should—be prevented with proper maintenance.

Person pushing stroller on snowy path lined with bushes and trees.

Proving Negligence in Snow & Ice Cases

Timing is everything. If you fell during an active storm, the “storm in progress” defense may apply—but if hours have passed and conditions are still dangerous, the property owner could be liable. We use weather data, maintenance logs, and witness statements to prove they had a reasonable opportunity to fix the hazard and failed to do so.

Insurance Companies & Winter Claims

Most snow and ice injury claims are handled through a property owner’s homeowners or commercial liability insurance. Insurers often argue that the hazard was unavoidable or that they acted quickly enough—our job is to challenge those claims with evidence.

Two overlapping speech bubbles with a question mark inside one.

Snow & Ice Slip & Fall Accidents in New York

  • How long do property owners have to clear snow in NYC?

    Businesses and multi-family residences must generally clear sidewalks within four hours after snow stops, excluding overnight hours.

  • Can I sue if I slipped during a snowstorm?

    It depends. If the storm was ongoing, the owner may not be liable until it ends. If conditions linger after the storm, you may have a case.

  • What if I slipped on ice in a parking lot?

    The lot owner—often a store or commercial property—may be responsible if they failed to salt or clear the hazard.

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Call Now for a Free Winter Injury Consultation

If you’ve been hurt on snow or ice in New York City, Long Island, or nearby areas, don’t wait. Snow melts, ice disappears, and so can the evidence you need to win your case. Call us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to investigate immediately.