Ex-Rep. Carolyn Maloney Sues Over $1M for Icy Sidewalk Fall
The former congresswoman claims a fractured shoulder and permanent disabilities resulted from a slip on snow and ice.
Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney is seeking more than $1 million in damages, alleging a slip and fall on an icy sidewalk in February resulted in a fractured shoulder, hospitalization, and surgery.
Maloney, who represented New York's 12th congressional district for 30 years, filed a lawsuit against a former constituent and New York City, claiming the sidewalk in front of a Carnegie Hill townhouse was in a “dangerous, defective, and unsafe condition.” The lawsuit states the 79-year-old suffered “permanent and significant functional disabilities and limitations,” as well as lost wages and future earnings.
The incident occurred on the morning of Feb. 18. The townhouse, described as a multi-million dollar property, is owned by Mary Quinn, who purchased it for nearly $6 million in 2018. Quinn told The Post she did not recall seeing Maloney fall and had not yet seen the lawsuit.
Under New York City law, owners of one-to-three-family homes are typically exempt from civil liability for sidewalk injuries. This provision could shift financial responsibility for Maloney's claim to taxpayers, as the city generally holds responsibility for sidewalk maintenance and safety, especially when private property owners of larger buildings would otherwise be liable.
Maloney's public service career in Congress concluded after the 2020 census led to redistricting, merging her district with that of Rep. Jerry Nadler. She lost to Nadler in a primary contest.
Her attorney, Anthony Zullo, declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.