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NYC Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

Every year, millions of New Yorkers navigate over 12,750 miles of city sidewalks. When these walkways aren’t properly maintained, dangerous conditions like cracks, uneven pavement, and ice can lead to serious injuries.

If you’ve been hurt in a sidewalk accident, the experienced NYC slip and fall injury lawyers at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help determine if you have a case and secure the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Liable in a Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accident in NYC?

Prior to 2003, New York City was solely responsible for sidewalk maintenance and safety. However, due to the large number of defects the city was responsible for maintaining, the Bloomberg Administration amended the NYC Administrative Code [1], shifting much of this responsibility to property owners. Two key sections now govern sidewalk liability:

NYC Administrative Code Section 7-210: A landmark law that transformed sidewalk liability in New York City. Under this section, property owners not the city are now legally responsible for maintaining safe sidewalks adjacent to their buildings. However, there’s a crucial exception for residential properties: If you’re injured on a sidewalk next to a one-, two-, or three-family home that’s owner-occupied and primarily used as a residence, the City of New York remains legally liable for your injuries.

NYC Administrative Code Section 19-152: This critical section outlines comprehensive sidewalk maintenance requirements for New York property owners. Owners must maintain safe sidewalk conditions through: 

  • Regular inspection and maintenance
  • Installation of new sidewalk sections when needed
  • Repairs to damaged areas
  • Snow and ice removal within specified timeframes
  • Prevention of trip hazards and other dangerous conditions

These laws specifically identify several common sidewalk defects that must be addressed, including: 

  • Severe cracks in the sidewalk
  • Water accumulation or improper drainage
  • Missing sidewalk sections
  • Uneven surfaces creating trip hazards

When someone is injured due to hazardous sidewalk conditions, injury alone does not guarantee a successful lawsuit against the liable party. Because this type of accident falls under premises liability [2], New York law requires proof that the liable party whether it’s the city or a property owner was aware of the dangerous conditions of the sidewalk but did not address them. The victim must also prove that the hazardous sidewalk was a “substantial factor” in causing their injury.

Snow and Ice Liability: The “Four-Hour Rule”

New York’s specific regulations for winter conditions include:

  • Property owners must clear snow/ice within 4 hours after snowfall
  • This rule applies between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
  • The “storm in progress” doctrine prevents lawsuits during active snowfall

What to Do After a Sidewalk Accident

If you or a loved one has suffered injury on a New York City sidewalk, take these essential steps to protect your rights:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention
  2. Document the accident scene with photos
  3. Report the incident
  4. Contact an experienced sidewalk accident attorney

Important: If the City of New York is responsible, you must file a “Notice of Claim” within 90 days and commence any lawsuit within one year and 90 days of the accident.

Our Success in Sidewalk Accident Cases

Leav & Steinberg’s slip and fall attorneys in New York City have extensive experience representing victims of sidewalk slip and fall accidents. We’ve helped recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and more.

  • Partner Daniel Leav secured a $1,100,000 verdict for a man injured by a defective sidewalk near a pedestrian ramp
  • Landmark decision in Gibbons v. The City of New York [4] regarding sidewalk defect resulting from a tree well
  • Numerous successful settlements for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Contact Our Experienced NYC Sidewalk Accident Attorneys

The personal injury attorneys at Leav & Steinberg advocate for our client’s full financial recovery through our deep understanding of New York premises liability law and meticulous preparation for trial. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a sidewalk defect, contact our New York City slip and fall attorneys at our Manhattan or Bronx office.

Resources: 

https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/19-152.shtml 

https://www.nyaccidentlawyer.com/practice-areas/premises-liability/ 

https://www.nyaccidentlawyer.com/attorneys/daniel-t-leav/ 

https://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2016/2016_04019.htm