Slipping, Crashing, or Flooded Out? When You Can Sue for Weather-Related Injuries in Rochester

In Rochester, the weather isn’t just unpredictable—it’s often dangerous. One moment, it’s a blizzard; the next, it’s an ice storm or flash flood. And when that weather causes an injury, it might seem like no one’s responsible. But here’s the truth: if someone failed to prepare for or respond to a weather-related hazard, you may have a case. Our personal injury attorneys can help you figure out who dropped the ball—and what you’re entitled to.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys represent Rochester residents hurt in winter storms, flooding events, and ice-related accidents. If you’re suffering because someone else ignored the forecast or failed to maintain their property, we’re here to help you take legal action.

Rochester Property Owners and Winter Hazards: Are They Responsible for Your Injury?

Snow and ice aren’t excuses for negligence. In New York, property owners have a legal duty to keep sidewalks, driveways, and entrances safe—even in a storm.

What Happens When Business Owners Ignore Ice and Snow Buildup?

Under New York Administrative Code § 16-123, property owners must clear snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time after a storm. When they don’t, serious injuries happen:

• Slip-and-fall accidents on unshoveled sidewalks or icy steps
• Head injuries or fractures from falling icicles or snow-packed stairwells
• Car crashes in parking lots that weren’t salted or plowed

If a business or homeowner fails to treat dangerous surfaces in a timely manner, they can be held liable for your injuries.

Can You File a Lawsuit After a Rochester Blizzard, Flood, or Storm?

Yes—but the key is proving your injury wasn’t caused just by the weather itself, but by someone’s failure to take reasonable precautions.

When a Weather Event Crosses the Line into Preventable Injury

We’ve seen Rochester injury cases caused by:

• Unsecured outdoor signage or awnings blown loose during windstorms
• Basement flooding due to poor drainage or blocked gutters
• Collapsed roofs on commercial buildings due to ignored snow load warnings

When a property owner, landlord, or contractor fails to anticipate severe weather and take preventive action, they may be liable for resulting injuries. These cases fall under New York’s premises liability laws, which require property owners to fix or warn about known hazards.

Did Rochester’s Failing Roads or Storm Drains Cause Your Injury?

Sometimes, the city’s own infrastructure is to blame. Dangerous road conditions, poorly maintained drainage systems, or unmarked hazards can cause serious harm to pedestrians and drivers alike.

How Neglected Infrastructure Contributes to Dangerous Conditions

In Rochester, common weather-related infrastructure issues include:

• Flooded intersections due to blocked or collapsed storm drains
• Black ice buildup on unplowed roads or untreated overpasses
• Erosion or potholes that get worse after freeze-thaw cycles

When the city fails to maintain public roads or drainage systems, they may be liable under New York Highway Law § 139, which outlines the municipality’s duty to repair and inspect streets. However, suing a government agency requires specific notice within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.

Your Insurance Claim Was Denied—Now What?

After a weather-related accident, it’s common to turn to your insurance provider for help—only to get hit with a swift denial.

Why Insurers Love to Use the "Act of God" Defense Against You

Insurers often claim that your injury was caused by an “act of God”—a natural event no one could’ve predicted or prevented. But that’s not always true.

You may still have a valid claim if:

• A landlord ignored drainage issues that led to flooding
• A business failed to clear ice, leading to your fall
• A vehicle was poorly maintained and skidded into you during a storm

We’ll review the fine print of your policy and build a case to challenge unfair denials and pursue compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance.

The Nightmare of Suing After a Severe Weather Injury

Suing over a weather-related injury in Rochester isn’t easy—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With the right legal team, you can hold negligent parties accountable.

The Legal Battles That Make These Cases So Difficult

These claims often involve:

• Multiple defendants – like property owners, cities, contractors, or landlords
• Complex evidence – including weather reports, maintenance logs, and surveillance footage
• Tight filing deadlines – especially for claims against government agencies

That’s why working with experienced attorneys is crucial. We gather evidence quickly, consult weather experts when needed, and prepare to fight insurers and defense attorneys who will try to shift the blame back onto you.

Your Rochester Legal Team for Weather-Related Injury Lawsuits

If a snowstorm, flood, or storm-related hazard in Rochester left you injured, Horn Wright, LLP, is ready to step in. Our personal injury attorneys hold negligent property owners, businesses, and municipalities accountable—even when the weather makes things more complicated.

Let us help you recover physically and financially. If you’re ready to hire one of the best law firms in America, we’re ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.