As New York City endures another scorching summer, unexpected injuries are on the rise—many of which happen in everyday places like apartment buildings, retail stores, and sidewalks. What most people don’t realize is that extreme heat can create dangerous conditions, and property owners may still be held legally responsible if someone is hurt as a result.
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean safety rules go out the window. Under New York law, property owners and managers are required to keep their premises safe—regardless of the season. If they fail to address a hazard caused by the heat, and someone is injured, they may be liable for damages.
Common Summer Hazards That Can Lead to Injuries
Slip and fall accidents aren’t just a winter issue. In fact, summer heat can create unique risks across all five boroughs:
- Slippery store entrances due to condensation from A/C units or freezer cases
- Uneven, lifted, or cracked sidewalks caused by heat expansion
- Wet or poorly maintained pool decks, patios, or outdoor walkways
- Damaged or deteriorating stairs in residential or commercial buildings
In July 2025, NYC experienced multiple heat advisories from the National Weather Service—raising the risk for heat-related hazards in both public and private spaces.
When Property Owners Can Be Held Liable
New York premises liability law holds property owners, landlords, and business operators accountable for maintaining safe conditions for tenants, guests, and the general public. This includes:
- Performing routine inspections
- Fixing or warning about known dangers in a timely manner
- Posting signs when surfaces are wet, damaged, or hazardous
If a property owner knew—or reasonably should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to act, they may be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries.
You may have a valid personal injury claim if:
- A hazardous condition was present and left unaddressed
- There’s evidence the property owner knew (or should have known) about it
- Your injury led to medical bills, time off work, or other financial losses
What to Do After a Summer Slip and Fall
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall this summer—whether it happened in a grocery store, apartment building, public park, or sidewalk—take these critical steps:
- Get medical attention right away and document all treatments.
- Take clear photos or video of the scene, especially what caused your fall.
- File an incident report with the business or property owner and request a copy.
- Save the clothing and shoes you were wearing—they could support your case.
- Speak with an experienced NYC personal injury attorney to understand your legal options.
Don’t assume your injury was just “an accident.” Property owners are required to plan for and prevent heat-related hazards. Failing to do so is negligence—plain and simple.
Helping New Yorkers Get Justice Year-Round
At Jacoby & Meyers, we represent injury victims across New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Whether you slipped on a wet grocery store floor or fell on a cracked stoop, we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation—let’s talk about your case and your next steps.