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Courses/Law/Personal Injury Law

NYC Sidewalks: Trip, Slip & Fall Cases in the Five Boroughs

Master the nuances of NYC sidewalk litigation by navigating the complex shift between municipal and private liability to secure favorable case outcomes.

Created byNYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
BeginnerUpdated Feb 12, 2026
NYC Sidewalks: Trip, Slip & Fall Cases in the Five Boroughs

What You'll Learn

check_circleInterpret NYC Administrative Code 7-210.
check_circleAssess liability for abutting owners.
check_circleApply the Prior Written Notice law.
check_circleExamine the 'Special Use' doctrine.
check_circleDetermine liability for snow and ice.

About This Course

NAM Hearing Officers, Beth Alson, Esq., and Michael B. Titowsky, Esq., will provide an overview of cases and laws applicable to sidewalk trip, slip, and fall cases in the five boroughs, including a brief history of the evolution of sidewalk claims in New York City.

This presentation will also include a review of the current applicable New York City Administrative Code provisions, particularly Section 7-210, followed by a study of several cases covering the applicability and limitations of the Administrative Code.

Key learning outcomes and topics include:

  • A detailed breakdown of NYC Administrative Code Section 7-210 and the shift of liability to abutting property owners.
  • Analysis of Administrative Code Section 7-201, including the "Prior Written Notice" requirement and the history of Big Apple Pothole Maps.
  • Snow and ice removal guidelines under Section 16-123, including the "storm in progress" doctrine and the four-hour rule.
  • Exceptions to liability, specifically regarding owner-occupied one-, two-, and three-family residential homes.
  • Case law reviews covering specific defect locations such as tree wells, curbs, bus stops, and pedestrian ramps.
  • The doctrine of "Special Use" and liability regarding utility covers, gratings, and the 12-inch rule.
  • Strategies for using evidence, including the admissibility and utility of Google Maps images.

Whether you represent plaintiffs or defendants, this course offers essential insights into evaluating exposure, identifying the correct parties to sue, and understanding the "quirks and nuances" of sidewalk litigation in the five boroughs.

Your Instructors

NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
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The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.

Michael B. Titowsky, Esq.
Michael B. Titowsky, Esq.

Mediator at NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)

Michael is a highly experienced attorney who has represented thousands of clients in litigation and private mediation throughout the New York metropolitan area for more than 40 years. As both an attorney in private practice and as a Hearing Officer for NAM, Michael has successfully resolved personal injury cases, some of which resulted in catastrophic injury, including labor law, slip and fall, premises liability, and automobile accidents. Prior to joining NAM, Michael was a partner in a prominent New York law firm. During his 29-year tenure with the firm, he litigated a variety of personal injury-related matters, such as high-exposure New York Labor Law, premises liability, motor vehicle, general liability, insurance coverage and indemnity, and medical malpractice cases from inception to trial and appeals

Beth  Alson, Esq.
Beth Alson, Esq.

Hearing Officer at NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)

Beth is an accomplished mediator and litigator who now applies her vast experience in settling cases as a full-time Hearing Officer with NAM. Prior to joining NAM, Beth served for many years as the Senior Negotiator for the Tort Division of the New York City Law Department. As Senior Negotiator, she was responsible for handling all high-exposure and high-profile cases, while also managing and supervising the large volume of settlements throughout the City. While working with the risk and insurance divisions to resolve indemnity and coverage issues, Beth provided legal and strategic insight to supervisory and trial staff to achieve global settlements of complex matters. Since joining NAM, she has successfully mediated a variety of personal injury cases involving slip-and-fall and premises liability.

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We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.