Winter has officially arrived. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck indoors for the next several months.
Many Long Islanders enjoy bundling up and walking in a winter wonderland unless it ends up in a slip and fall.
More than embarrassment and bruises
Most of us likely have slipped on the ice and quickly recovered, hoping nobody had seen us. There were probably some bruises and parts of your body that were sore in the following days.
In actuality, for plenty of people, a slip and fall can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Fractures in the wrist, elbows, hips and knees
- Concussion
- Shoulder dislocation
- Sprains and strains
- Neck injuries
We all are responsible for keeping ourselves safe by wearing shoes with good tread, walking slowly and not rushing. Even so, icy sidewalks present their own challenges. Snow boots have difficulties gripping the surface, and your other options are walking in the deep snow or stepping out onto a busy roadway.
So, who’s responsible for ensuring sidewalks are clear of snow and ice?
Property owners are responsible for keeping the sidewalks clear of snow and ice in the town of Huntington, including the hamlet of Melville. At the same time, property owners are not expected to shovel while the snow is still falling or between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM. However, within 4 hours of the snowfall ending, the sidewalks adjacent to their property need to be cleared. Failing to do so can result in fines.
In addition to penalties, property owners can be held legally liable for any slip and fall injuries sustained by pedestrians if they had sufficient time to address the issue. Furthermore, comparative negligence can also impact the case if the victim’s actions contributed to the slip and fall.
Considering the complexity of premises liability, it’s essential that you work with someone who can guide you through the legal process.