You might have 60 days, not two years.
People think they have two years to sue after an injury. That's true for filing — but a snow or ice fall needs written notice within 60 days, and just 10 days on city property. Miss it and your claim can vanish.
Free. No payment to start. This is information, not legal advice.
In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- If you slip on snow or ice on private property, you must give written notice within 60 days to the owner or snow contractor — or you can lose the right to sue.
- If you're hurt on city property, like a municipal sidewalk, the notice deadline is even shorter — just 10 days to notify the municipality.
- You generally have two years to actually start a lawsuit, from when you knew you were hurt — but the short notice deadlines come first.
- A property owner isn't automatically responsible. You have to show they failed to take reasonable care to keep the place safe.
- Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency — no win, no fee — so you don't pay upfront. Being partly at fault reduces your claim, it doesn't end it.
How the process works
Get medical help right away
See a doctor immediately, both for your health and because it's the foundation of any claim. A gap between the injury and treatment can be used against you.
Document the scene now
Take photos of exactly where and how you fell, note the date and time, keep the footwear you wore, and get names of any witnesses. Conditions like ice disappear fast.
Give written notice fast
For a snow or ice fall on private property, send written notice within 60 days to the owner and any snow contractor. On city property, notify the municipality within 10 days.
Figure out who's responsible
It could be a property owner, a tenant, or a snow-removal contractor — sometimes more than one. When in doubt, give notice to everyone who might be responsible.
Talk to a lawyer before you settle
Most injury lawyers offer a free consult and work on contingency. Don't accept an insurer's first offer without advice. Start a free PLAIN session to understand your options.
What to do next
- See a doctor as soon as possible after the injury.
- Photograph the scene, hazard, and your footwear.
- Write down the date, time, and exact location.
- Get names and contact info of any witnesses.
- For snow/ice on private property, give notice within 60 days.
- For city property, notify the municipality within 10 days.
- Identify everyone who might be responsible.
- Get a lawyer's advice before accepting any settlement.
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| I have two years, so there's no rush. | Dangerous. A snow or ice fall needs written notice within 60 days, and just 10 days on city property. The two years is only to file the lawsuit itself. |
| The notice deadline is the same everywhere. | No. It's 60 days for snow or ice on private property, but only 10 days for an injury on municipal property like a city sidewalk. |
| The property owner is automatically liable if I fall. | No. You have to show they failed to take reasonable care to keep the property safe. Just falling isn't enough. |
| I don't need to report a fall right away. | You do. Short notice deadlines apply, and evidence like ice or a wet floor disappears quickly. Report and document it immediately. |
| I have to pay a lawyer upfront. | Usually not. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency — they only get paid if you win. |
| I can't claim if I was partly at fault. | You can. Being partly at fault reduces your compensation in proportion, but it doesn't bar your claim. |
| Slip-and-fall claims are easy money. | They're not. You must prove negligence, meet strict notice deadlines, and show real injuries and losses. |
| A car accident claim works the same way. | No. Car accidents involve no-fault accident benefits and a separate threshold and deductible system for pain and suffering. |
Last reviewed June 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with a licensed professional.
Free. No payment to start. This is information, not legal advice.