Snow & Ice
One of the most common causes of accidents in the New York metropolitan area is slipping on snow and ice. If you slipped and fell on snow or ice and were seriously injured, we can help.
The law requires a landowner to clear snow or ice within a “reasonable” time after the end of a precipitation event. If the landowner failed to shovel or plow the walkways or parking lot within a short time after the snow or ice event has ended, and you slipped and fell as a result, you may have a case. You also may have a case if the landowner piled snow from a prior storm in such a way that when it melted, the snow or ice melt ran across a walking surface and then re-froze. The same goes for other negligent acts of the landowner where the landowner actually caused the condition or made the condition worse A good example of this is a faulty or misdirected gutter that pours rainwater or snow melt from the roof down onto a walking surface, where it then re-freezes.
We have enormous experience and a track record of great success in prosecuting these types of cases. Our approach is very aggressive. We conduct a thorough investigation, interviewing and taking statements from witnesses to the accident and to the conditions which caused it. We get out to the scene soon after the accident to study and photograph conditions including drainage patterns on the property, before the owner has time to remedy or change them. We obtain weather records and, where necessary and helpful, we even hire experts (for example, meteorologists and/or engineers).
You can also help your own case tremendously with some prompt action. Usually the slippery condition is gone, or is removed, before the lawyer can get to the scene and photograph it. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and it’s much easier to prove slip-and-fall cases with photos of the slippery surface. So, if you are physically able to do so, you should try to snap some pictures of the condition and the surroundings as soon after your fall as possible. If you can’t do it yourself, consider asking a loved one to quickly return to the scene to take a picture of what caused your fall before it disappears.
We have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in slip-and-fall accidents and for other injuries to cover their medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. If you or a loved one has slipped, fallen, and suffered serious injury, please call us at 845-353-2000 for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights and maximize your compensation.