Common Winter Workplace Accidents in New York City
Protecting NYC Workers Hurt in Snow & Ice Accidents
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City Work Injury & Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Winter in New York City means icy sidewalks, snow-covered scaffolds, slushy building entrances, and powerful wind tunnels between high-rises. For workers, those conditions aren’t just inconvenient – they’re dangerous.
Whether you’re working construction in Manhattan, delivering packages in Brooklyn, maintaining property in Queens, moving freight in a Bronx warehouse, or keeping Staten Island facilities running, winter dramatically increases the risk of serious workplace accidents.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City winter workplace accident lawyers help injured workers and their families across all five boroughs after a snow- or ice-related work injury changes their lives in an instant. We know you’re worried about your job, your health, and how you’ll pay your bills. Our job is to handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.
Injured in a winter workplace accident in NYC?
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
Please don’t worry about a fee unless we win compensation for you.
How Winter Makes New York City Workplaces More Dangerous
Cold, snow, and ice don’t just make the job uncomfortable – they create new hazards and make existing dangers worse. Common winter-related conditions that lead to NYC work injuries include:
- Snow and ice on sidewalks, stairs, ramps, loading docks, and scaffolding
- Wet, slippery entryways and lobby floors where snow and slush are tracked in
- Poor visibility from snow, sleet, fog, early sunsets, or headlight glare
- High winds at elevated work sites, increasing the risk of falls
- Frozen or malfunctioning equipment, vehicles, and tools
- Increased physical strain from shoveling, lifting, and pushing heavy loads
- Falling ice and snow from roofs, awnings, scaffolds, and elevated structures
Employers, contractors, and property owners must anticipate winter conditions and take reasonable steps to protect workers. When they don’t – and someone is hurt – a New York City work injury lawyer can help hold them accountable.
Common Winter Workplace Accidents in NYC
1. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents on Snow & Ice
Slip-and-fall accidents on snow and ice are among the most common winter workplace injuries in New York City, where workers constantly move across sidewalks, stoops, building entrances, and parking areas.
High-risk locations for NYC snow and ice falls include:
- Sidewalks and driveways leading to workplaces and job sites
- Building entrances, vestibules, and lobby floors with tracked-in slush and water
- Stairs, stoops, ramps, loading docks, and parking lots
- Outdoor work areas, construction sites, and scaffold platforms
These winter slip-and-fall accidents often happen because of:
- Failure to shovel or de-ice walkways promptly
- Wet floors inside entrances without warning signs, mats, or runners
- Poor lighting that hides icy patches, puddles, or uneven surfaces
- Neglected stairways, broken handrails, loose tiles, or damaged steps
A “simple” slip on ice in New York City can cause serious injuries, including concussions, broken hips or wrists, torn ligaments, and spine injuries that keep you out of work for months. Our NYC slip-and-fall attorneys investigate what happened, who was responsible, and how to pursue full compensation.
2. Falls From Heights on Winter Construction & Maintenance Jobs
New York City is full of workers performing dangerous jobs at elevation – on scaffolds, rooftops, steel beams, ladders, and mechanical equipment. Winter conditions make those jobs even more hazardous.
Common winter-related falls from heights in NYC include:
- Falls from scaffolds or ladders made slick by snow, ice, or slush
- Slipping on frozen beams, platforms, roof surfaces, or temporary walkways
- Falls while installing or removing tarps, roofing materials, signage, or façade protection
- Being knocked off balance by strong winter winds at height
These accidents can cause catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal injuries and fatal trauma
Many winter construction accidents in New York City involve not only workers’ compensation claims, but also potential third-party lawsuits against property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, or other negligent entities. Our NYC construction accident lawyers know how to coordinate both claims to maximize recovery.
3. Being Struck by Falling Ice, Snow, or Objects
In NYC winters, gravity becomes a serious threat. Snow, ice, and tools can fall from above if not adequately secured or cleared.
Examples of winter “struck-by” work accidents include:
- Sheets of ice sliding off rooftops, awnings, or building ledges
- Snow and ice falling from scaffolding, platforms, and suspended work areas
- Tools or construction materials knocked loose from elevated work zones
- Tree branches overloaded with ice are breaking and falling onto workers
These incidents often lead to:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Deep lacerations and scarring
In a dense urban environment like New York City, these hazards are everywhere – from Midtown construction sites to residential maintenance jobs in the outer boroughs. A New York City winter work injury attorney can investigate building management, contractors, and other parties responsible for failing to control falling hazards.
4. Overexertion & Snow-Shoveling Injuries
In winter, many NYC workers – including maintenance staff, porters, custodians, supers, and building employees – are tasked with snow and ice removal as part of their job.
Overexertion and shoveling-related work injuries may involve:
- Lower back injuries and herniated discs from lifting heavy, wet snow
- Shoulder, knee, and muscle strains from repetitive shoveling or pushing snow
- Aggravation of pre-existing injuries or degenerative conditions
- Cardiac events triggered by intense, sudden exertion in harsh weather
Workers should not be forced to clear snow and ice without:
- Proper tools and equipment
- Sufficient staffing and time
- Training on safe lifting and shoveling techniques
Suppose you suffered a back, joint, or heart-related injury while shoveling or doing heavy winter work. In that case, you may have a valid New York City workers’ compensation claim, and, in some cases, additional claims against other responsible parties.
5. Winter Vehicle & Equipment Accidents in NYC
Many workers in New York City drive or operate vehicles and equipment as part of their job – delivery drivers, truck drivers, sanitation workers, home health aides, utility crews, building staff, and more. Winter conditions make these tasks significantly more dangerous.
Standard winter vehicle and equipment accidents at work include:
- Company vehicles sliding on icy or snow-packed roads and colliding with other cars
- Workers struck by vehicles or equipment in icy, poorly lit parking lots and yards
- Forklifts, pallet jacks, or other machinery skidding in warehouses or on loading docks
- Equipment malfunctioning due to freezing temperatures, poor maintenance, or worn parts
- Snowplows and heavy machinery colliding with pedestrians, workers, or other vehicles
These accidents can cause:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Internal injuries and organ damage
If you were injured in a work-related vehicle accident in winter, you may have both a workers’ comp claim and a New York City car accident claim against an at-fault driver or other party.
6. Electrocution and Hidden Winter Hazards
Winter storms can damage power lines, electrical systems, and structural components, creating hidden hazards at NYC work sites.
Examples of hidden winter dangers at work:
- Snow or ice bringing down overhead electrical lines
- Standing water or slush becoming energized by faulty wiring
- Snow covering holes, exposed cables, rebar, or construction debris
- Structural damage hidden beneath snow or ice on roofs and scaffolding
These hazards can lead to:
- Electric shock and electrocution
- Falls from heights
- Crush injuries and structural collapses
New York City employers and contractors must ensure proper inspections, lockout/tagout procedures, and safety protocols even when weather conditions complicate the job. When they fail, an NYC workplace accident lawyer can help injured workers pursue justice.
Common Injuries from Winter Workplace Accidents
Winter workplace accidents in New York City can cause a wide range of serious, sometimes life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeds
- Broken bones and fractures – wrists, ankles, hips, ribs, legs, and arms
- Back and neck injuries – herniated discs, spinal fractures, chronic pain
- Spinal cord injuries – partial or complete paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries – muscle strains, ligament tears, sprains
- Crush injuries – from falling objects, collapsing structures, or vehicle impacts
- Internal injuries – organ damage and internal bleeding
- Cardiac events – including heart attacks triggered by intense exertion
Any of these can keep you out of work and require long-term medical care. A New York City winter work injury attorney can help you pursue the benefits and compensation needed to protect your health and your family.
Your Legal Options After a Winter Workplace Accident in New York City
Depending on how and where you were hurt, you may have more than one way to obtain compensation.
Workers’ Compensation for NYC Winter Work Injuries
In most cases, if you’re injured while working, you are entitled to New York workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault.
Workers’ comp can provide:
- Payment for reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- A portion of your lost wages if you can’t work or must work reduced hours
- Benefits for permanent disability or loss of function
- Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal cases
Unfortunately, insurance companies often:
- Deny claims on technicalities
- Downplay or dispute the severity of injuries
- Push you back to work before you’re ready
- Limit or cut off medical treatment
You don’t have to navigate this system alone. Our NYC workers’ compensation lawyers fight for the benefits you are legally entitled to.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims in NYC
Workers’ compensation is only one layer of protection. In many winter accidents, someone besides your employer may be responsible, such as:
- A property owner or management company that failed to clear snow and ice
- A snow removal or maintenance contractor that did a careless or incomplete job
- A general contractor or subcontractor on a construction site
- A negligent driver who caused a crash while you were driving for work
- A manufacturer of defective equipment, vehicles, or safety gear
In those situations, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim.
A third-party claim can help you pursue:
- Full past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Other out-of-pocket expenses and future medical care
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we carefully investigate winter workplace accidents to identify every possible claim and structure your case to maximize your total recovery.
What to Do After a Winter Workplace Accident in NYC
If you’re hurt in a winter accident at work in New York City, the steps you take right away can strongly affect your case:
- Get medical help immediately.
Please call 911 if needed. Even if you think it’s “just a bad fall,” many serious injuries are not apparent at first. - Report the accident to your employer right away.
Tell a supervisor or manager and, if possible, complete an incident report. Be clear that it happened at work and describe the winter conditions (ice, snow, equipment failure, etc.). - Document the scene.
- Take photos or video of icy surfaces, snow accumulation, downed wires, damaged equipment, or poor lighting
- Photograph your footwear, clothing, and any visible injuries
- Note the date, time, weather, and location
- Collect witness information.
Could you get the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident or the dangerous condition? - Avoid detailed statements to insurance adjusters before getting legal advice.
Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts. - Contact an experienced New York City winter workplace accident lawyer.
The sooner we’re involved, the better we can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and handle the workers’ comp and third-party aspects of your case.
Hurt at work this winter in NYC?
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Why Injured NYC Workers Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
When snow or ice at a worksite changes your life, you deserve a New York City work injury law firm that:
- Represents injured people – never insurance companies
- Understands both workers’ compensation and third-party lawsuits
- Knows how NYC worksites operate – from high-rise construction zones to commercial buildings, loading docks, hospitals, and city streets
- Combines clear legal explanations with genuine compassion and respect
- Works on a contingency fee basis: no attorney’s fee unless we win
Local, Accessible, and Focused on NYC
- Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
- Additional offices in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- Top-rated, award-winning lawyers (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers)
- We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Our firm’s motto is: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
FAQ: Winter Workplace Accidents & Your Rights in New York City
1. I slipped on the ice outside my job on the way in. Is that a workplace accident?
It depends on the specific facts, but often yes. If you were on property connected with your job – such as the employer’s parking lot, entrance, or a walkway you’re required to use – you may have a valid workers’ compensation claim. You may also have a separate claim against the property owner or managing agent if they failed to properly clear snow and ice.
Talk to a New York City winter workplace accident lawyer before assuming you’re not covered.
2. What if I fell on a public sidewalk while walking between job sites?
Suppose you were traveling for work purposes (for example, walking between buildings on an assignment or going to another job location at your employer’s direction). In that case, your injury may still be covered by workers’ comp. You might also be able to pursue a claim against the City of New York, a property owner, or another responsible party, subject to strict notice and time requirements.
These are time-sensitive cases – speak to an NYC work injury attorney quickly.
3. My employer says the ice was “obvious,” and it’s my fault I fell. Do I still have a case?
Very possibly, yes.
- Workers’ compensation in New York is generally no-fault – you may receive benefits even if you made a mistake.
- For third-party claims, New York follows comparative negligence, which means you may still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault; your percentage of responsibility may reduce your recovery.
Don’t rely on your employer’s opinion. Let a New York City work injury lawyer evaluate your case.
4. I’m an undocumented worker. Do I still have rights if I’m injured on ice at work?
Yes. In New York, undocumented workers are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and may also have the right to bring third-party injury claims. Your immigration status does not erase your right to a safe work environment.
Could you speak with a lawyer before discussing your status with anyone else?
5. How long do I have to file a claim for a winter workplace accident in NYC?
There are several different deadlines:
- You should notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible.
- Workers’ comp claims and personal injury lawsuits each have their own statutes of limitations.
- Claims involving government entities (like the City of New York) may require a Notice of Claim within a very short time frame.
Because missing a deadline can permanently bar your case, you should speak with a New York City winter workplace accident attorney as soon as you can.
6. How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
There is no upfront cost to talk with us or to hire us.
- Free initial consultations
- Representation on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we obtain a settlement or verdict
- If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us a legal fee
There’s no risk in learning about your rights. The bigger risk is waiting and doing nothing.
Talk to a New York City Winter Workplace Accident Lawyer Today
Winter in New York City is harsh enough when everything goes right. When a winter workplace accident leaves you injured, out of work, and overwhelmed, you deserve experienced legal help in your corner.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we’re here to:
- Listen to your story
- Explain your workers’ compensation and personal injury options
- Deal with the insurance companies and paperwork
- Fight for the compensation you need to move forward
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation.
Or contact us online – we proudly represent injured workers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
You focus on getting better. We’ll handle the legal fight.