Winter Slip and Fall Accidents in NYC: What You Need to Know
- BLITZ LAW GROUP
- Dec 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Winter in New York City may look beautiful — but icy sidewalks, snowy staircases, and slushy entryways cause thousands of winter slip and fall accidents every year. These incidents aren’t always “just accidents.” When property owners fail to keep walkways safe, victims can suffer serious, life-altering injuries.
This guide covers where slip and falls happen most, what types of injuries you may sustain, who may be held liable, and when you may have a case.
What Causes Winter Slip and Fall Accidents?
Cold-weather hazards can be unpredictable, but many slip and falls happen because someone failed to take basic safety steps. According to the CDC, falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the U.S. (CDC Fall Prevention).
The National Safety Council also warns that winter introduces unique risks such as black ice, freezing rain, and sudden temperature drops that make walking surfaces unstable (NSC Winter Safety).
Common Places Where Slip and Falls Occur in Winter
Winter slip-and-fall injuries can happen almost anywhere, but the following locations are especially high risk:
1. Sidewalks and Crosswalks
Property owners in NYC are legally responsible for shoveling and salting sidewalks bordering their property.NYC outlines these rules clearly on NYC 311: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01073
If a sidewalk remains icy for hours after a storm, that can be grounds for liability.
2. Apartment Buildings and Walkways
Landlords must maintain safe entryways, hallways, and outdoor steps. Broken railings, unshoveled stoops, and wet lobby floors can quickly lead to dangerous falls.
The NY State Dept. of Health highlights how common and severe fall-related injuries can be: https://health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/falls/
3. Stores, Restaurants, and Businesses
Foot traffic brings in melted snow, causing:
Slippery tile floors
Wet mats
Unmarked hazards
If a business fails to warn customers or clean up promptly, they may be held responsible.
4. Parking Lots & Garages
Snowplows may miss patches of black ice. Potholes and uneven surfaces become even more dangerous when covered by snow.
5. Bus Stops & Transit Areas
Transit zones become hazardous when snow is pushed aside without proper salting, leaving slick surfaces.For broader winter hazard awareness, the National Weather Service provides insights on dangerous winter conditions: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter
Possible Injuries From a Winter Slip and Fall
Slip-and-fall injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. According to medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, older adults and people with pre-existing conditions face increased risk for fractures and head injuries (https://www.mayoclinic.org).
Common injuries include:
Broken bones (wrist, hip, ankle, shoulder)
Back and spinal injuries
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)(Learn more from the NIH: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury)
Knee ligament tears
Soft tissue injuries
Permanent mobility issues
Even minor falls can lead to lingering pain, limited mobility, or long-term medical treatment.
Understanding Liability — When Is a Property Owner Responsible?
A fall isn’t automatically someone’s fault. New York requires proof that:
A dangerous condition existed,
The property owner knew or should have known about it, and
They failed to fix it or warn you in time.
The NYC Administrative Code outlines snow and ice removal laws and how long owners have to clear walkways after a storm: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/about/laws.page
The New York State Unified Court System also explains the basics of premises liability: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/personalInjury/slipFall.shtml
To prove negligence, courts often refer to established legal standards — the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII) provides a clear definition of negligence here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
You May Have a Case If…
You might have a valid claim if you slipped and fell due to:
Untreated snow/ice
Unshoveled sidewalks
Lack of salt or sand
Broken or uneven pavement
Wet, unmarked floors
Poor lighting
Faulty handrails or steps
Snow pushed into pedestrian paths
What to Do After a Winter Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured:
Get medical attention immediately
Take photos of the hazard
Report the incident to the property owner or manager
Collect witness information
Preserve your clothing and shoes
Speak with a personal injury attorney before giving any statements
When You Need Legal Help
Winter accidents happen fast — but negligence is often preventable. Blitz Law Group investigates:
Weather patterns
Snow/ice removal logs
Video surveillance
Property maintenance records
City sanitation rules
We fight to hold negligent property owners accountable and help injured New Yorkers receive full and fair compensation.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer at Blitz Law Group
📱 Follow us on social media @blitz_law_group
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