Ice and Snow Dangers on Sidewalks By: John Blyth New York City law requires sidewalks to be cleared of snow and ice after a snowstorm. Given the high foot traffic in our city, property owners must keep their sidewalks safe for commuters. This responsibility usually falls on businesses, homeowners, and other parties hired to maintain city sidewalks. Property owners are given 4 hours after the snow has stopped falling to clean. Or sometimes more, depending on when the snowfall ends. Failure to comply with the law can result in a ticket. Which carries fines of $100 to $150 for a first offense, and up to $350 for multiple violations.
The Sanitation Department Takes Action
This law is very strict, and the Sanitation Department has been taking aggressive action this winter against property owners who do not clear their sidewalks after snowstorms. When sidewalks are ignored and not cleaned properly after a snowfall, the ice grows thicker and more dangerous for pedestrians. The city has clarified that they are not responsible for clearing the snow and will issue a fine to the property owner who fails to do so.
42,000 Tickets Issued for Failure to Remove Snow and Ice
According to a New York Times analysis of city data, the Sanitation Department has issued more than 10,000 tickets this season alone and more than 42,000 tickets since 2010. These fines amount to nearly $8.5 million. However, just $2.6 million has been paid. Despite the strict requirements for sidewalk maintenance, property owners continuously fail to remove snow and ice from their properties. Unfortunately, these dangerous conditions lead to
slip-and-fall accidents, causing people to suffer severe injuries and incur medical expenses.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or your loved one has been injured while walking on icy or snow-covered sidewalks,
contact the experienced
New York slip and fall lawyers of
Hach & Rose, LLP today at
212-779-0057.