Slip-and-fall accidents constitute a significant portion of personal injury claims in New York. These unfortunate incidents often occur at shopping malls, office buildings, subways, public walkways, and private residences.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip-and-fall accidents cause fifteen percent of all accidental deaths in the country.
When property owners fail to keep their premises reasonably safe, inspect their premises regularly, or take adequate measures to warn guests of hazardous conditions prevailing on the premises, they are liable for breaching their legal duty to guests.
New York premises liability laws require property owners to maintain a safe environment for all visitors, patrons, guests, and employees.
Faulty equipment, lack of safety features, or obsolete structures can also pose severe risks.
Victims of New York slip and fall accidents can seek compensation if their injuries result from the property owner’s disregard for safety measures.
A New York personal injury lawyer with experience in premises liability laws can guide slip-and-fall accident victims through the legal process, evaluate the strength of their case, and advocate tirelessly for fair and just compensation.
Some significant factors that contribute to New York slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Wet, Icy, or Waxed floors
- Inadequate Lighting
- Defective sidewalks
- Broken floors or pavements
- Failure to post Warning Signs on or near known hazards or construction areas
- Spilled substances on floors
- Uneven floors
- Loose steps, mats, carpets, and handrails
- Malfunctioning elevators and escalators
A Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report reveals that floors and flooring materials contribute directly to more than two million fall injuries yearly in the country.
The Precautions To Take To Prevent Slip-and-fall Accidents
New York inhabitants can play a vital role in averting slip-and-fall accidents by staying alert and aware of their surroundings.
Tips to enhance safety include :
- Inspect the Surroundings
Always look around for potential slip or trip hazards as you walk. Be extra careful when walking on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces and loose floors, mats, or carpets.
- Read Signage And Warnings
Pay special attention to any signs or warnings about potential hazards. These signs are strategically placed to alert you of potential risks like wet floors, construction zones, or other obstacles and hazards.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear
Proper slip-resistant footwear with reasonable traction can help prevent slips and falls.
Promoting awareness among guests and visitors can significantly reduce slip-and-fall accidents. Public campaigns, brochures, or information boards can offer invaluable tips to address safety concerns.
Steps To Take After A Slip-and-fall Accident
It is crucial to take proper steps after a slip, trip, or fall to protect your health and legal rights.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care
Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident ensures the thorough assessment, treatment, and documentation of your injuries by a healthcare professional.
- Document the Accident
Documenting the accident is crucial for building a robust case.
Note down the date, time, and details of the accident accurately. Use your smartphone to take images or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the occurrence of the accident.
- Collect Witness Information
Gather contact information of the witnesses to the accident. Their statements may be valuable evidence during potential legal proceedings or while filing an insurance claim.
- Report the Incident
- Notifying the property owner or the relevant authorities can significantly impact your ability to recover adequate compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages.
After a slip-and-fall accident at a public place, workplace, or government-owned premises, you should file an incident report with the property manager or supervisor before leaving the accident scene. The contents of the incident report must include:
- Time, date, and the location of the slip-and-fall accident
- The description of the circumstances of the accident
- The description of the injury
- Names and contact details of witnesses to the accident
It is also essential to note the details of the pain you’re experiencing and the severity and extent of the injury.
An incident report also helps to demonstrate that your injuries are genuine.
Failure to report an accident within a certain time frame can thwart your ability to pursue a successful legal claim.
Contact A New York Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer
Slips and falls are preventable accidents that can have devastating consequences. By taking simple precautions and being aware of potential hazards, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from sustaining injuries.
New York property owners and businesses have a degree of obligation, in legal and fiduciary positions, to eliminate hazardous conditions to create and maintain a safe and secure environment for all.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a slip-and-fall accident in New York, consult an experienced New York slip-and-fall lawyer to know about your legal rights and whether you can hold the owner or the management of the property accountable for that incident.
Contact a New York personal injury lawyer with expertise in premises liability laws to request your free case consultation.
