Injured in a Snowball Fight in NYC?
What You Need to Know — And Why You Should Call Segal & Lax for a Free Case Review
What started as a winter celebration in New York City quickly turned into chaos — and injuries.
A large snowball fight that took place in Washington Square Park after a major snowstorm made national headlines when videos showed snowballs — and chunks of ice — being thrown into crowds and at responding NYPD officers. Several officers were reportedly struck in the head and face and required hospital treatment. Arrests followed. The political fallout began immediately.
But beyond the headlines and controversy, there’s a serious question:
What happens if you were injured during that snowball fight — or in any similar incident in NYC?
If you suffered a concussion, eye injury, facial trauma, or were hurt while trying to leave the scene, your situation may not be “just winter fun gone wrong.” It may be a legitimate personal injury case.
At Segal & Lax, we represent injured New Yorkers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. If you were injured in a snowball fight or chaotic public event, you should speak with an attorney right away.
We offer free case reviews — and you pay nothing unless we win.
The NYC Snowball Fight Controversy: What Actually Happened?
After a significant winter storm blanketed New York City in snow, crowds gathered in Washington Square Park for what began as a spontaneous snowball fight.
Videos posted online showed:
- Large groups throwing snowballs across the park
- Ice-packed snow being thrown at close range
- Snowballs striking people in the head and face
- Police officers being hit during crowd response
- Escalating tension between participants and law enforcement
Police later confirmed that several officers were struck and required medical evaluation. Officials described the behavior as reckless and potentially criminal. Some city leaders characterized it as “fun that got out of hand,” while police leadership called it assaultive and dangerous.
Arrests were made. More individuals are reportedly being sought.
The public reaction has been divided — some calling it harmless winter behavior, others pointing out the clear risk of serious injury.
But here’s what matters most:
People were injured.
And when someone is injured due to reckless behavior in New York, the law applies — even if snow is involved.
Can You Really Sue Over a Snowball Fight?
Yes — depending on the facts.
In New York, personal injury claims are based on negligence or intentional conduct. A snowball fight can create legal liability in several ways:
- Throwing ice-packed snow at someone’s face
- Aiming at someone who is not participating
- Reckless crowd behavior causing trampling
- Slipping due to unsafe crowd conditions
- Being pushed while trying to escape the chaos
- Failure to control a foreseeable dangerous gathering
- Intent does not always matter.
If someone’s actions were reckless or negligent and caused injury, you may have a civil claim for damages.
Injuries That Commonly Occur in Snow-Related Incidents
A snowball seems harmless — until it’s not.
Packed snow can be as hard as a rock. Ice chunks can cause real damage.
Common injuries from snow-related incidents include:
- Concussions
- Facial fractures
- Eye injuries
- Neck strain
- Dental damage
- Lacerations requiring stitches
- Spinal injuries from falls
- Shoulder or wrist fractures from slipping
- Emotional trauma
We have seen clients underestimate winter injuries — only to experience long-term symptoms weeks later.
If you were struck in the head in Manhattan, pushed in a crowd in Brooklyn, or slipped while trying to leave a chaotic event in Queens, you should seek medical care immediately.
Then speak to a lawyer.
Where Snowball Fight Injuries Can Happen in NYC
Large spontaneous gatherings often occur in:
- Washington Square Park (Manhattan)
- Central Park (Manhattan)
- Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
- Astoria Park (Queens)
- Union Square
- Bryant Park
- McCarren Park (Brooklyn)
- Flushing Meadows (Queens)
Dense neighborhoods like:
- Greenwich Village
- Lower East Side
- Williamsburg
- Astoria
- Harlem
- The Bronx’s Grand Concourse area
When snow accumulates and crowds gather, risk increases dramatically.
In chaotic situations, injuries don’t just happen to participants — they happen to bystanders.
Why You Should Call Segal & Lax After an NYC Injury
Many injured people assume:
“It was just snow.”
“It was my choice to be there.”
“It’s not worth pursuing.”
That thinking costs people compensation.
Here’s why speaking with a personal injury attorney matters:
1. New York Has Complex Liability Rules
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system.
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages.
Example:
If you were 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
An experienced attorney ensures fault isn’t unfairly assigned to you.
2. Insurance Companies Downplay “Fun Event” Injuries
If you file a claim, insurers may argue:
- “You assumed the risk.”
- “It was recreational activity.”
- “It was mutual participation.”
- “It’s minor.”
Assumption of risk has limits.
Throwing ice at someone’s face is not a protected activity.
3. Crowd Injuries Raise Unique Legal Issues
In chaotic events, liability may involve:
- Individual participants
- Event organizers (if any)
- Property owners
- Municipal considerations
- Third-party security providers
Identifying the correct responsible party requires investigation.
Segal & Lax conducts thorough case reviews to determine all possible avenues of compensation.
Medical Treatment in NYC After a Snow Injury
If you were injured in Manhattan or surrounding boroughs, you may have been treated at facilities like:
- NYU Langone
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- Bellevue Hospital
- NewYork-Presbyterian
- Elmhurst Hospital
- Kings County Hospital
Prompt treatment protects your health — and your case.
Delays allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries weren’t serious.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a snowball fight or winter-related crowd event, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room bills
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Imaging (CT scans, MRIs)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Future medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Long-term impairment
Even a “minor” concussion can require weeks of recovery.
Don’t assume your claim is small.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sue someone for throwing a snowball in NYC?
Yes, if the snowball or ice caused injury due to reckless or negligent behavior.
What if I was partially participating?
You may still recover compensation under New York’s comparative negligence rules.
What if I slipped during a snowball fight?
If unsafe conditions or crowd negligence caused your fall, you may have a premises or negligence claim.
Is a snowball fight considered assumption of risk?
Not always. Reckless conduct exceeds ordinary recreational risk.
How much is a snow-related injury case worth?
It depends on medical costs, lost income, severity of injury, and liability factors.
Do I need a lawyer for a winter injury in NYC?
Yes. Insurance companies often minimize winter-related claims.
What To Do Right Now If You Were Injured
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Seek medical evaluation immediately.
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Preserve any photos or videos.
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Save clothing if damaged.
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Identify witnesses.
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Do not give recorded statements to insurers.
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Contact Segal & Lax for a free case review.
Time matters. Evidence disappears quickly — especially when snow melts.
Why Choose Segal & Lax?
We represent injury victims throughout:
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- The Bronx
- Staten Island
We understand NYC courts, insurance carriers, and the complexities of public-incident injuries.
Our team offers:
- Free case evaluations
- No upfront fees
- Contingency-based representation
- Aggressive negotiation
- Trial readiness when necessary
If you were injured in Washington Square Park or anywhere in New York City, we are ready to help.
Final Thoughts: Snow Is Temporary. Injuries Aren’t.
The recent snowball fight controversy in New York City reminds us that even “fun” events can spiral out of control.
Head injuries.
Facial fractures.
Crowd-related falls.
Ice-related trauma.
If you were hurt, don’t minimize it.
You deserve clarity about your rights.
Talk to a lawyer at Segal & Lax today for a free case review.
Protect your health.
Protect your finances.
Protect your future.
Call Segal & Lax now — and let us evaluate your case at no cost to you.