Winter Weather and Ice-Related Falls in Monroe County

Understanding Your Rights During New York's Harshest Season

Every winter, Monroe County gets hit hard. Freezing rain sweeps in from Lake Ontario. Temperatures swing wildly. Sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways turn slick before most people even head out the door. If you live in this part of New York State, you already know how unpredictable the winters can be. One moment you're walking to your car, and the next, you're on the ground, shocked and hurt.

These types of falls can leave you with more than just bruises. They can upend your life. If you’re injured because someone didn’t clear snow or salt an icy surface, the law may be on your side. At Horn Wright, LLP, our attorneys represent people across Monroe County who’ve been injured in preventable winter falls. We’ll handle the legal process, so you can focus on healing.

Ice, Snow, and the Rising Risk of Winter Falls in Monroe County

Monroe County winters create the perfect conditions for falls. Snowstorms drop heavy blankets of snow, and lake-effect flurries keep roads and walkways coated. When the snow starts to melt during the day and refreezes overnight, black ice forms on everything from sidewalks to driveways.

You’ll find dangerous conditions in places like:

• Sidewalks along Monroe Avenue in Rochester
• Parking lots outside Marketplace Mall in Henrietta
• Walkways near Monroe Community College and other campuses

The risk is widespread. Falls happen in driveways, store entrances, bus stops, and residential neighborhoods throughout the county. And when the snow piles up quickly, property owners don’t always respond in time.

What Causes Most Winter Falls in Monroe County?

Most winter falls start with something simple: untreated ice. But when you dig into the details, several factors contribute to why these falls happen in the first place.

Property owners don’t always keep up with changing weather. A sunny afternoon might melt morning snow, but if no one clears that runoff, it freezes into a slick sheet by dusk. This cycle repeats often during New York State winters, especially during the freeze-thaw pattern common in December and January.

Other contributing factors include:

• Sloped driveways that drain poorly
• Snowbanks pushed onto walking paths
• Cracked pavement where ice builds unevenly
• Poor lighting in apartment complexes or retail lots

In neighborhoods like Greece or Brighton, even residential sidewalks can become hazardous if homeowners skip their shoveling or salting. Some ignore the risk. Others assume someone else will take care of it. Either way, the danger builds.

Common Ice-Related Injuries and Their Effects

Winter falls can cause serious harm. Even a short slip on a sheet of ice can change someone’s life in seconds. The impact often happens fast, without warning, and without a chance to brace for it.

The most common injuries we see from ice-related falls in Monroe County include:

• Broken wrists, arms, or hips
• Concussions and other brain injuries
• Sprains or ligament tears in knees and ankles
• Spinal compression fractures or slipped discs

Older adults in towns like Irondequoit and Webster are especially vulnerable. A fractured hip for someone over 65 can lead to surgery, extended rehab, and permanent mobility issues. Even younger adults face real disruption. Some can’t return to work right away. Others face mounting medical bills while trying to recover.

These injuries often bring hidden costs, like emotional stress and lost independence. When you're hurt and stuck at home, everything feels harder, from getting groceries to caring for kids.

Who's Responsible? Premises Liability Laws in New York State

In New York State, property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. That includes clearing snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm. If someone slips on ice because a business or landlord ignored that duty, they may be liable under premises liability law.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Private property owners must shovel and salt their walkways, especially in cities like Rochester with local ordinances
• Commercial landlords or tenants share responsibility for maintaining storefronts and parking lots
• Municipalities like the Town of Pittsford or Village of Fairport must clear public sidewalks and government buildings in a timely manner

Failing to act on known hazards can count as negligence. Timing matters. New York law allows a reasonable window after a snow event for cleanup. If someone slips minutes after a storm ends, the case may look different than if the hazard sits ignored for days.

When and How to Report a Fall in Monroe County

If you fall on ice, report it right away. Timing is key, both for your health and for your potential legal claim.

Here’s what to do immediately:

• Tell the property owner or store manager what happened
• Take photos of the ice, snow, lighting, and surrounding area
• Get the names of any witnesses
• Seek medical attention, even if the pain seems minor

If the fall happens on public property, such as outside a Monroe County office or on a Rochester city sidewalk, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. That’s a strict deadline. You can file reports through the City of Rochester or your local town office.

These early steps can protect your rights. They also help your doctors document how and when the injuries happened.

Understanding Your Legal Options After a Fall on Ice

If you were injured in a winter fall, you might wonder what to do next. In New York State, you may have legal grounds to seek compensation. Not every fall leads to a claim. It depends on the details.

You can generally pursue a claim if:

• A property owner or business ignored a clear hazard
• They delayed salting or shoveling after knowing about icy conditions
• The ice formed because of poor design or drainage that wasn’t fixed

A successful injury claim may help cover:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages from missed work
• Pain and suffering from physical or emotional effects

New York uses a comparative negligence rule. That means even if you're partly at fault, such as wearing slick shoes or not noticing the ice, you can still recover damages, though they may be reduced.

Taking legal action is about making sure someone else’s negligence doesn’t leave you alone to bear the cost.

How a Monroe County Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

Handling an injury claim alone can feel overwhelming, especially while you're in pain or trying to recover. A lawyer familiar with Monroe County and New York State slip and fall cases can guide you through it.

Here’s what a local attorney can do:

• Visit the site quickly to document the conditions
• Gather weather records and maintenance logs
• Interview witnesses and collect surveillance footage
• Handle communication with insurance companies
• File the necessary legal paperwork before deadlines expire

Monroe County courts, including the Hall of Justice in downtown Rochester, have specific procedures for personal injury cases. Missing a step can set you back. An attorney will stay on top of every detail, so nothing gets missed.

Winter Safety Tips: How to Prevent Falls Around Your Home or Business

Preventing winter falls starts with preparation. Whether you own a home in Penfield or run a business near Eastview Mall, you can reduce risks with simple actions.

Try these steps:

• Shovel snow early in the day before foot traffic compacts it
• Apply salt or sand before temperatures drop in the evening
• Clear downspouts and gutters to prevent water from pooling and freezing
• Improve outdoor lighting around steps and walkways
• Repair uneven pavement before winter sets in
• Hire reliable snow removal help with a written agreement

Don’t wait until someone slips. Winter in Monroe County demands early action and regular upkeep. It’s safer for everyone, including neighbors, customers, and family members.

Stay Safe and Know Your Rights in Monroe County

Winter in Monroe County can be tough, especially when snow and ice turn everyday errands into safety hazards. But if a property owner fails to take reasonable care and you end up injured, the law may offer a way forward. 

Horn Wright, LLP, helps people across New York State seek justice and support after serious falls. If you’ve been hurt in a preventable winter accident, we’re ready to listen and help you figure out what comes next.