Winter in Brooklyn brings a mix of beauty and danger. While freshly fallen snow may look picturesque across neighborhoods like Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island, Midwood, Marine Park, and Bensonhurst, it also creates serious hazards for pedestrians navigating sidewalks, driveways, entryways, and public walkways. Every year, countless residents suffer injuries from winter slip and fall accidents—often because someone failed to shovel, salt, or properly maintain their property.
At Griss Law Group, PLLC, our experienced Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys work with injured individuals throughout New York City who are harmed due to unsafe winter conditions. Whether the accident occurs on a residential sidewalk, in front of a business, inside a snowy building entryway, or in a public parking lot, state and city laws clearly define who is responsible for snow and ice removal.
Below, we break down what Brooklyn residents need to know about winter slip and fall liability, your rights as an injury victim, and how our Sheepshead Bay Personal Injury Lawyers can help you secure compensation for your injuries.
Why Winter Slip and Fall Accidents Are So Common in Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s dense population and heavy foot traffic make icy surfaces especially dangerous. Every winter, common conditions contribute to an increase in serious injuries:
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Uncleared sidewalks after snowstorms
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Refreezing meltwater, creating black ice
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Poorly maintained building entrances
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Neglected parking lots or driveways
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Leaking roofs and gutters that drip onto walkways
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Untreated staircases and multi-family building steps
These incidents often lead to:
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Broken bones
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Back injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Hip fractures
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Shoulder dislocations
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Knee injuries
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Long-term mobility issues
For many victims, recovery can take months, and medical bills accumulate quickly. That is why establishing liability is critical—and New York law provides clear standards on snow removal responsibility.
Who Is Responsible for Snow Removal in Brooklyn?
New York City requires property owners, tenants, and certain occupants to maintain sidewalks adjacent to their properties. This includes removing snow, ice, and slush within a specific timeframe.
NYC Snow Removal Law—The Basics
NYC Administrative Code §16-123 states:
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Property owners must clear snow/ice within four hours after a snowfall stops, excluding sleep hours between 9 PM and 7 AM.
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Owners must remove ice or spread sand/salt if the ice is too hard to remove immediately.
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Failure to do so can result in city fines and the owner being held liable for injuries.
This applies to:
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Residential homes
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Multi-family apartment buildings
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Commercial businesses
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Mixed-use properties
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Schools
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Nonprofit organizations
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Landlords and property managers
If the responsible party does not meet these obligations, they can be held financially responsible for resulting injuries.
Responsibility of Homeowners in Brooklyn
If you slip and fall outside a single-family or two-family home that the owner occupies, liability may be limited because of specific exemptions in New York law.
However, this exemption does not apply when:
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The property is rented to tenants
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The homeowner allows conditions to worsen
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The hazard is created by negligent maintenance (e.g., broken pipes leaking onto walkways)
Even where exemptions exist, homeowners may still be liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to reduce dangerous icy conditions.
Responsibility of Landlords and Building Owners
Most slip and fall claims in Brooklyn involve apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and mixed-use properties. These owners have a clear duty to maintain safe conditions.
Landlords are typically responsible for:
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Clearing sidewalks in front of the building
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Removing snow from steps, entryways, and walkways
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Preventing leaks that cause ice buildup
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Salting surfaces during and after storms
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Maintaining well-lit pathways
If they fail to do so, injured tenants, visitors, delivery personnel, and passersby may have strong legal claims.
Responsibility of Businesses and Commercial Property Owners
In commercial areas—such as Downtown Brooklyn, Sheepshead Bay Road, or Flatbush Avenue—businesses face high foot traffic and therefore higher responsibility.
Businesses must:
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Ensure safe customer entry/exit
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Clear snow from storefront sidewalks
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Remove snow around parking areas
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Prevent slippery indoor conditions from tracked-in water
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Use mats and warning signs
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Act quickly when ice forms
If a business owner or commercial landlord delays snow removal, allows ice to build up, or fails to maintain their property during winter weather, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Responsibility of Tenants and Property Managers
Many Brooklyn buildings have contractual agreements assigning snow removal responsibilities. These may apply to:
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Tenants
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Property management companies
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Maintenance contractors
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Cleaning companies
If a lease or contract assigns snow removal to someone other than the owner, that party may share or assume liability.
However, landlords typically remain partially responsible, even with agreements in place.
Responsibility of the City of New York
In certain cases, NYC is liable for snow and ice hazards—but only under specific circumstances.
The City may be responsible when:
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The sidewalk is adjacent to City-owned property
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A municipal building fails to maintain its walkways
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Large accumulations result from a municipal fault, such as broken city infrastructure that leaks water
To file a claim against the City, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days. Missing this deadline can cause the claim to be dismissed.
This is why victims should consult an experienced Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney immediately after an accident.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Winter Slip and Fall Accident?
To succeed in your case, you must prove that:
1. A dangerous condition existed.
Examples:
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Unshoveled snow
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Hard ice
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Slush buildup
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Refrozen meltwater
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Icy stairs
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Neglected entryways
2. The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
This is called “notice” and can be:
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Actual notice – they were informed of the hazard
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Constructive notice – the hazard existed long enough that they should have known
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Created by the owner – improper maintenance caused the condition
3. The responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to fix the issue.
Reasonableness includes:
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Timely snow removal
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Using salt, sand, or ice melt
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Placing warning signs
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Fixing leaks
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Maintaining gutters and roofs
4. You were injured as a direct result.
Medical documentation is essential.
As seasoned Injury Attorneys NYC, we gather evidence to build strong cases and prove each required element.
Common Types of Winter Slip and Fall Cases We Handle
At Griss Law Group, PLLC, we represent clients injured in a wide range of winter slip and fall scenarios, including:
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Falls in apartment building staircases
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Slips inside wet building lobbies
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Parking lot ice accidents
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Falls in front of stores and restaurants
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Ice accumulation caused by faulty roof drainage
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Entryway slip and falls caused by snow tracked inside
No matter where your accident occurred, if negligence played a role, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
What To Do After a Winter Slip and Fall Accident in Brooklyn
Your actions immediately after the accident can greatly affect your claim. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
Even minor falls can lead to internal injuries or delayed symptoms.
2. Take photographs and videos.
Capture:
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Snow or ice on the ground
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Lack of salt, sand, or shoveling
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Weather conditions
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Nearby buildings or businesses
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Lighting conditions
3. Report the incident.
Notify:
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The building owner
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Store manager
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Landlord
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Municipal authorities (if applicable)
4. Gather witness information.
Names, phone numbers, and statements can strengthen your case.
5. Save your clothing and footwear.
These may become evidence.
6. Contact a Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm immediately.
Insurance companies often deny or downplay slip and fall claims. The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Winter Slip and Fall Accident?
Victims of slip and fall injuries are often entitled to significant compensation, including:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost wages
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Reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Rehabilitation costs
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Long-term disability
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Out-of-pocket expenses
Severe injuries may qualify for substantial settlements or verdicts.
As dedicated Sheepshead Bay Personal Injury Lawyers, we fight aggressively for the maximum financial compensation available under New York law.
How Griss Law Group, PLLC Builds a Strong Slip and Fall Case
Our approach includes:
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Conducting a complete investigation of the accident
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Obtaining weather reports that support your claim
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Gathering surveillance footage
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Reviewing maintenance logs
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Analyzing property ownership records
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Interviewing witnesses and employees
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Working with medical experts to validate your injuries
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Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
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Preparing your case for trial if necessary
Insurance companies often try to blame victims by claiming they should have been more careful. We challenge these tactics and build cases backed by solid evidence and expert analysis.
Why Choose Griss Law Group for Your Brooklyn Winter Slip and Fall Case?
When choosing a Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm, experience matters. Griss Law Group stands out because:
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We focus exclusively on personal injury law
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We have extensive experience handling winter slip and fall claims
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We understand NYC snow removal laws inside and out
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We fight for full and fair compensation
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We offer aggressive negotiation and trial representation
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You pay no legal fees unless we win
Our commitment to client care, legal excellence, and skilled advocacy has made us trusted Injury Attorneys NYC for victims throughout Brooklyn.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Brooklyn?
Time limits matter.
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You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
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Claims against the City of New York require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Delaying your claim can make it harder to gather evidence or secure compensation. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible ensures your rights are protected.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a winter slip and fall accident anywhere in Brooklyn—Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Brighton Beach, Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, or beyond—Griss Law Group, PLLC is here to help.
We will:
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Explain your legal rights
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Evaluate who is responsible for snow or ice removal
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Determine whether you have a valid claim
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Help you secure medical care
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Guide you through each step of the legal process
Call Griss Law Group, PLLC today at (718) 561-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started with a Free Case Evaluation. Let us stand by your side and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
