Over the past several weeks, our office has received a noticeable increase in calls from people injured in slip and fall accidents in Huntington and throughout Suffolk County. The common factor in many of these cases is the winter weather. Snow, freezing rain, melting ice, and overnight temperature drops have created dangerous walking conditions across Long Island.
Slip and fall accidents are often brushed off as minor incidents. In reality, they frequently cause serious injuries. We regularly see broken bones, shoulder and knee injuries, spinal injuries, and head trauma. Slip and fall cases are also more legally complex than many people expect, particularly when winter weather is involved.
Understanding how slip and fall claims work in New York, and knowing what to do after an accident, can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.
Huntington property owners face ongoing challenges during winter months. Sidewalks, parking lots, exterior stairways, and building entrances must be properly cleared, salted, and monitored. One of the most dangerous conditions we see is black ice, which forms when snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight. Because it is often invisible, many people do not realize they are stepping onto ice until they fall.
Busy areas such as shopping centers, apartment complexes, office buildings, and train station entrances are especially prone to hazardous conditions when snow and ice are not properly addressed. These risks are amplified in certain parts of Huntington where pedestrian traffic is highest and snow removal is more challenging.
We frequently hear from injured residents who slipped while running everyday errands, walking from municipal parking lots to storefronts, or simply heading to work. Many people assume nothing can be done because “it just snowed,” but that is not always true. Property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to address dangerous conditions once they know, or should know, they exist.
Huntington Village presents unique slip and fall risks, particularly during winter weather. The area experiences heavy vehicle and foot traffic year-round, with pedestrians constantly moving between sidewalks, municipal parking lots, storefronts, restaurants, and other businesses.
Large municipal parking lots can be difficult to fully clear when snow removal must be performed around parked cars. Ice and refrozen slush often remain between parking spaces, near curbs, and along pedestrian walkways long after a storm has passed.
Sidewalks in the Village are heavily traveled and often bordered by restaurants, bars, and retail stores. When snow and ice removal is inconsistent or incomplete, pedestrians are forced to walk around icy patches or step into untreated areas. Nighttime conditions can be especially hazardous due to limited visibility and black ice.
We also see accidents near Main Street, popular gathering spots, and areas where older pavement allows water to pool and refreeze. These hidden hazards make winter walking in Huntington particularly dangerous.
Under Town of Huntington Code § 173-16, the owner, lessee, tenant, or occupant of property fronting or abutting a public sidewalk must keep that sidewalk free and clear of snow and ice. Snow and ice must be removed within four hours after snowfall ends, excluding overnight hours between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Failure to comply may result in liability for injuries caused by the unsafe condition.
While weather plays a role in these cases, it does not automatically excuse unsafe property conditions. Each claim depends on timing, maintenance efforts, and whether reasonable steps were taken to protect pedestrians.
If you are injured in a slip and fall, seek medical care immediately. If you are able, document the accident scene by taking photographs of the icy or snowy condition and your injuries. Gather witness information and report the incident to the property owner or manager.
It is also important to contact a slip and fall lawyer early. Evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and weather data can disappear quickly. Having legal guidance right away can help preserve critical proof and protect your rights.
Slip and fall injuries can disrupt your life in an instant. If you were hurt due to unsafe winter conditions in Huntington, you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Courtney Troyan, Esq. focuses her practice on personal injury cases, guiding injured clients with clear communication and hands-on care. She brings a team-first mindset shaped by her time as a Division I lacrosse athlete at Stony Brook University and her legal education at Touro University, helping clients feel supported from start to finish.
