Photo Courtesy of Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News
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When winter weather sweeps across Westchester County and New York City, even the most familiar streets and sidewalks can become accident zones. Snow, ice, and freezing rain are a fact of life in our region — but when property owners or drivers fail to take reasonable precautions, these natural conditions can quickly turn into serious legal matters.
At The Law Offices of Norman Gershon, we’ve spent decades representing New Yorkers injured because someone else didn’t do their part to keep others safe. Whether it’s a car crash on I-287, a slip-and-fall in a poorly maintained parking lot, or a pedestrian accident on icy sidewalks in White Plains or the Bronx, understanding how weather plays a role in liability is critical to protecting your rights.
Weather, Negligence, and Responsibility
It’s easy to think of bad weather as an “act of nature” that can’t be blamed on anyone — but in reality, negligence often plays a decisive role. Property owners, municipalities, and drivers all have a legal duty of care to act reasonably under hazardous conditions.
That means:
- Drivers must slow down, maintain control, and adjust to road conditions.
- Property owners must clear snow and ice, provide warnings, and keep walkways safe.
- Businesses and municipalities must ensure parking lots, entryways, and public walkways aren’t left in dangerous disrepair.
When they fail to meet these standards, and someone is injured as a result, the law provides a remedy — and that’s where a skilled New York personal injury attorney makes the difference.
Common Weather-Related Hazards in Westchester and NYC
In Westchester County, from White Plains to Yonkers, and throughout the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan, winter weather routinely creates dangerous situations that lead to serious injury claims.
Some of the most common hazards include:
- ❄️ Icy sidewalks or driveways not cleared or salted by property owners.
- 🌧️ Water pooling in store entrances with no mats or warning signs.
- 🌬️ Falling branches or debris left unattended after high winds or storms.
- 🚗 Slippery roadways and bridges where drivers lose control and cause multi-vehicle crashes.
- 🧊 Hidden potholes or uneven pavement buried under snow, leading to pedestrian or bicycle accidents.
Even something as simple as a patch of black ice on a parking lot or residential walkway can result in a fractured bone, back injury, or traumatic head injury — all of which can have life-altering consequences.
When Weather Doesn’t Excuse Negligence
In many cases, defendants argue that snow, ice, or rain were to blame for the accident — but weather alone doesn’t absolve responsibility. The question under New York premises liability and negligence law is whether the responsible party took reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.
For example:
- Did a store owner place warning signs near wet entryways?
- Did a landlord in Yonkers shovel and salt their property after a snowstorm?
- Did a driver on the Bronx River Parkway reduce their speed during sleet or fog?
- Did a delivery company inspect its trucks before sending drivers out in freezing conditions?
If the answer to these questions is no, then negligence — not nature — caused the injury.
Real Case Results: Justice for Victims
Attorney Norman Gershon has built a 35-year career proving that negligence has no place to hide behind bad weather. His courtroom skill and deep understanding of accident reconstruction, expert testimony, and New York’s liability laws have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients across the state.
Some examples include:
- Mason v. NYC Board of Education — $2.55 million verdict (Bronx Supreme)
A fall on snow and ice led to severe hip injuries. Norman proved the property owner failed to clear and treat the area properly, securing life-changing compensation. - Yurkovic v. Cepin — $2.5 million verdict (Westchester Supreme)
Motor vehicle intersection accident caused by negligent driving on icy roads. Norman demonstrated that poor judgment and lack of caution, not the weather itself, caused the crash. - Dessasore v. NYCHA — $5 million verdict (Bronx Supreme)
Trip and fall in a stairwell with a broken handrail and hazardous conditions, resulting in partial paralysis. Norman’s preparation and cross-examination exposed the defendant’s neglect of tenant safety.
Each of these victories reflects what Norman’s clients have long known: he doesn’t just handle tough cases — he wins them.
What Property Owners Are Expected to Do
Under New York premises liability law, property owners and managers must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. This obligation doesn’t vanish when temperatures drop. Instead, owners are expected to anticipate and address seasonal hazards, such as:
- Promptly removing snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, and parking areas.
- Salting or sanding surfaces before and after storms.
- Providing adequate lighting so pedestrians can spot icy patches or uneven areas.
- Installing mats and warning signs in indoor entryways to prevent slip hazards.
- Repairing storm-damaged structures, like loose railings or cracked pavement.
Failing to take these steps can result in liability for injuries sustained due to their inaction.
As Norman often reminds clients, “Property owners can’t control the weather — but they can control how they respond to it.”
Car Accidents Caused by Weather Negligence
Weather-related car crashes are also far too common in New York’s dense traffic corridors. Every winter, highways like the Saw Mill Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, I-95, and I-287 see collisions caused by drivers who ignore posted warnings, follow too closely, or fail to maintain their vehicles for icy conditions.
Even if the roads were slippery, drivers are still required to operate safely for the conditions. Speeding in snow, using bald tires, or driving distracted during rain or fog are all forms of negligence.
Norman Gershon has tried numerous motor vehicle accident cases resulting in record-setting verdicts, including:
- Betancourt v. NYCTA — $16.5 million verdict (bus passenger collision).
- Lin v. MTA — $14.5 million settlement (catastrophic bus accident injuries).
- Mungo v. Traviseo — $5.45 million verdict (car accident resulting in spinal fusions).
- Young v. Bal and Nissan Lift of NY — $5.07 million verdict (sideswipe accident causing cervical fusion).
These results prove that even in challenging conditions, accountability matters — and the right attorney can make all the difference.
What to Do After a Weather-Related Accident
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe weather conditions — whether in a car accident or a slip-and-fall — taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your case and protect your recovery.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately.
Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation from a medical professional is vital. Many serious injuries — like concussions or soft-tissue damage — can worsen over time. - Document the Scene.
Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the area, showing icy surfaces, puddles, lack of signage, or the condition of the property. - Report the Incident.
Notify the property owner, store manager, or police, depending on the type of accident. Get a copy of any incident or police report. - Preserve Evidence.
Keep copies of medical bills, correspondence, repair receipts, and any communication with insurers or property managers. - Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney.
Never deal with insurance companies alone. Their goal is to minimize payouts — your attorney’s job is to maximize your compensation.
Why Experience Matters in Weather-Related Injury Claims
Weather-related cases are complex. Proving negligence often requires expert analysis, including meteorological data, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and eyewitness testimony. Insurance companies may try to argue that “it was just the weather,” but Norman Gershon knows how to dismantle those defenses.
For more than three decades, Norman has been the trial lawyer other attorneys call when cases get difficult. His meticulous preparation, commanding courtroom presence, and history of success — including verdicts exceeding $16 million — make him one of the most respected personal injury attorneys in the region.
As one client put it:
“Norman worked his magic and got me a bigger settlement than I expected. He is kind, caring, compassionate — and tough. I highly recommend him.”
— Nancy Joyce
Another said:
“Norman is an extraordinary trial attorney… He’s very knowledgeable, dedicated, and treats clients like family. He delivers results.”
— S.W., New York
These testimonials reflect not just results, but the trust and compassion that define Norman’s approach to every case.
Standing Up for Injured New Yorkers — One Case at a Time
From White Plains to Queens, Bronx to Manhattan, and across Westchester County, Norman Gershon has dedicated his career to helping injured victims rebuild their lives. He’s fought — and won — against major corporations, transit authorities, landlords, and negligent drivers who failed to act responsibly when weather made conditions unsafe.
When you’ve suffered a serious injury, you deserve an advocate who won’t back down — someone who combines decades of experience with genuine care for your recovery and future.
Contact The Law Offices of Norman Gershon
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, slippery surfaces, or a weather-related car accident in Westchester County or the greater New York City area, don’t wait. Evidence fades quickly — and the sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the stronger your case will be.
Put 35 years of proven trial experience to work for you.
Call The Law Offices of Norman Gershon at (914) 485-1444 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.
Norman Gershon — The attorney other lawyers call to try their toughest cases.
Photo Courtesy of Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News
Listen to our podcast
When winter weather sweeps across Westchester County and New York City, even the most familiar streets and sidewalks can become accident zones. Snow, ice, and freezing rain are a fact of life in our region — but when property owners or drivers fail to take reasonable precautions, these natural conditions can quickly turn into serious legal matters.
At The Law Offices of Norman Gershon, we’ve spent decades representing New Yorkers injured because someone else didn’t do their part to keep others safe. Whether it’s a car crash on I-287, a slip-and-fall in a poorly maintained parking lot, or a pedestrian accident on icy sidewalks in White Plains or the Bronx, understanding how weather plays a role in liability is critical to protecting your rights.
Weather, Negligence, and Responsibility
It’s easy to think of bad weather as an “act of nature” that can’t be blamed on anyone — but in reality, negligence often plays a decisive role. Property owners, municipalities, and drivers all have a legal duty of care to act reasonably under hazardous conditions.
That means:
- Drivers must slow down, maintain control, and adjust to road conditions.
- Property owners must clear snow and ice, provide warnings, and keep walkways safe.
- Businesses and municipalities must ensure parking lots, entryways, and public walkways aren’t left in dangerous disrepair.
When they fail to meet these standards, and someone is injured as a result, the law provides a remedy — and that’s where a skilled New York personal injury attorney makes the difference.
Common Weather-Related Hazards in Westchester and NYC
In Westchester County, from White Plains to Yonkers, and throughout the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan, winter weather routinely creates dangerous situations that lead to serious injury claims.
Some of the most common hazards include:
- ❄️ Icy sidewalks or driveways not cleared or salted by property owners.
- 🌧️ Water pooling in store entrances with no mats or warning signs.
- 🌬️ Falling branches or debris left unattended after high winds or storms.
- 🚗 Slippery roadways and bridges where drivers lose control and cause multi-vehicle crashes.
- 🧊 Hidden potholes or uneven pavement buried under snow, leading to pedestrian or bicycle accidents.
Even something as simple as a patch of black ice on a parking lot or residential walkway can result in a fractured bone, back injury, or traumatic head injury — all of which can have life-altering consequences.
When Weather Doesn’t Excuse Negligence
In many cases, defendants argue that snow, ice, or rain were to blame for the accident — but weather alone doesn’t absolve responsibility. The question under New York premises liability and negligence law is whether the responsible party took reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.
For example:
- Did a store owner place warning signs near wet entryways?
- Did a landlord in Yonkers shovel and salt their property after a snowstorm?
- Did a driver on the Bronx River Parkway reduce their speed during sleet or fog?
- Did a delivery company inspect its trucks before sending drivers out in freezing conditions?
If the answer to these questions is no, then negligence — not nature — caused the injury.
Real Case Results: Justice for Victims
Attorney Norman Gershon has built a 35-year career proving that negligence has no place to hide behind bad weather. His courtroom skill and deep understanding of accident reconstruction, expert testimony, and New York’s liability laws have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients across the state.
Some examples include:
- Mason v. NYC Board of Education — $2.55 million verdict (Bronx Supreme)
A fall on snow and ice led to severe hip injuries. Norman proved the property owner failed to clear and treat the area properly, securing life-changing compensation. - Yurkovic v. Cepin — $2.5 million verdict (Westchester Supreme)
Motor vehicle intersection accident caused by negligent driving on icy roads. Norman demonstrated that poor judgment and lack of caution, not the weather itself, caused the crash. - Dessasore v. NYCHA — $5 million verdict (Bronx Supreme)
Trip and fall in a stairwell with a broken handrail and hazardous conditions, resulting in partial paralysis. Norman’s preparation and cross-examination exposed the defendant’s neglect of tenant safety.
Each of these victories reflects what Norman’s clients have long known: he doesn’t just handle tough cases — he wins them.
What Property Owners Are Expected to Do
Under New York premises liability law, property owners and managers must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. This obligation doesn’t vanish when temperatures drop. Instead, owners are expected to anticipate and address seasonal hazards, such as:
- Promptly removing snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, and parking areas.
- Salting or sanding surfaces before and after storms.
- Providing adequate lighting so pedestrians can spot icy patches or uneven areas.
- Installing mats and warning signs in indoor entryways to prevent slip hazards.
- Repairing storm-damaged structures, like loose railings or cracked pavement.
Failing to take these steps can result in liability for injuries sustained due to their inaction.
As Norman often reminds clients, “Property owners can’t control the weather — but they can control how they respond to it.”
Car Accidents Caused by Weather Negligence
Weather-related car crashes are also far too common in New York’s dense traffic corridors. Every winter, highways like the Saw Mill Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, I-95, and I-287 see collisions caused by drivers who ignore posted warnings, follow too closely, or fail to maintain their vehicles for icy conditions.
Even if the roads were slippery, drivers are still required to operate safely for the conditions. Speeding in snow, using bald tires, or driving distracted during rain or fog are all forms of negligence.
Norman Gershon has tried numerous motor vehicle accident cases resulting in record-setting verdicts, including:
- Betancourt v. NYCTA — $16.5 million verdict (bus passenger collision).
- Lin v. MTA — $14.5 million settlement (catastrophic bus accident injuries).
- Mungo v. Traviseo — $5.45 million verdict (car accident resulting in spinal fusions).
- Young v. Bal and Nissan Lift of NY — $5.07 million verdict (sideswipe accident causing cervical fusion).
These results prove that even in challenging conditions, accountability matters — and the right attorney can make all the difference.
What to Do After a Weather-Related Accident
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe weather conditions — whether in a car accident or a slip-and-fall — taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your case and protect your recovery.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately.
Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation from a medical professional is vital. Many serious injuries — like concussions or soft-tissue damage — can worsen over time. - Document the Scene.
Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the area, showing icy surfaces, puddles, lack of signage, or the condition of the property. - Report the Incident.
Notify the property owner, store manager, or police, depending on the type of accident. Get a copy of any incident or police report. - Preserve Evidence.
Keep copies of medical bills, correspondence, repair receipts, and any communication with insurers or property managers. - Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney.
Never deal with insurance companies alone. Their goal is to minimize payouts — your attorney’s job is to maximize your compensation.
Why Experience Matters in Weather-Related Injury Claims
Weather-related cases are complex. Proving negligence often requires expert analysis, including meteorological data, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and eyewitness testimony. Insurance companies may try to argue that “it was just the weather,” but Norman Gershon knows how to dismantle those defenses.
For more than three decades, Norman has been the trial lawyer other attorneys call when cases get difficult. His meticulous preparation, commanding courtroom presence, and history of success — including verdicts exceeding $16 million — make him one of the most respected personal injury attorneys in the region.
As one client put it:
“Norman worked his magic and got me a bigger settlement than I expected. He is kind, caring, compassionate — and tough. I highly recommend him.”
— Nancy Joyce
Another said:
“Norman is an extraordinary trial attorney… He’s very knowledgeable, dedicated, and treats clients like family. He delivers results.”
— S.W., New York
These testimonials reflect not just results, but the trust and compassion that define Norman’s approach to every case.
Standing Up for Injured New Yorkers — One Case at a Time
From White Plains to Queens, Bronx to Manhattan, and across Westchester County, Norman Gershon has dedicated his career to helping injured victims rebuild their lives. He’s fought — and won — against major corporations, transit authorities, landlords, and negligent drivers who failed to act responsibly when weather made conditions unsafe.
When you’ve suffered a serious injury, you deserve an advocate who won’t back down — someone who combines decades of experience with genuine care for your recovery and future.
Contact The Law Offices of Norman Gershon
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, slippery surfaces, or a weather-related car accident in Westchester County or the greater New York City area, don’t wait. Evidence fades quickly — and the sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the stronger your case will be.
Put 35 years of proven trial experience to work for you.
Call The Law Offices of Norman Gershon at (914) 485-1444 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.
Norman Gershon — The attorney other lawyers call to try their toughest cases.
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