Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
Falls are among the top three leading causes of preventable injury-related death. According to statistics, in 2022, more than 46,600 people died from falls at work and home. Many more suffered injuries. Slip and fall accidents, a subcategory of falls caused by a loss of traction between a person’s foot and the walking surface, are especially common in urban environments like New York. With its busy sidewalks, aging buildings, and unpredictable weather, the Big Apple presents many hazards that can lead to these accidents.
Understanding what causes slip and fall accidents is crucial not only for preventing them but also for holding negligent parties accountable. The following are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in New York.
- Wet Floors
Many slip and fall accidents happen when spills are not cleaned up promptly. Freshly mopped floors are also a common cause of slip-and-fall accidents. Wet floors are common in restaurants, grocery stores, and office buildings. Even a small spill can have disastrous consequences if not cleaned up quickly or marked with a warning sign. Property owners and managers in New York are responsible for addressing hazards such as wet floors. This may entail cleaning up spills promptly and displaying warning signs.
- Snow, Ice, or Rainwater
Snow, ice, and rainwater are common in New York during the winter months, making outdoor surfaces extremely slippery. Wet or icy sidewalks, walkways, or parking lots can be quite dangerous. That is why property owners are required to clear snow and ice promptly. However, not all property owners bother to do so, resulting in preventable slip and fall accidents.
- Uneven or Damaged Surfaces
Uneven or damaged surfaces are another common cause of slip-and-fall accidents in New York. Uneven sidewalks and pavements, for example, are common in New York. These surfaces can result in injuries among pedestrians and joggers. The adjacent property owner is often responsible for sidewalk or pavement maintenance.
Other examples of uneven or damaged surfaces that can cause slip and fall accidents include loose floor mats or rugs, bulging or loose carpeting, peeling flooring, and missing or damaged steps.
- Poor Lighting
Stairwells, hallways, parking lots, and building entrances and exits should all be properly lit so that people can see potential hazards or changes in floor levels. Poor lighting can reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of missteps. Property owners are responsible for ensuring common areas are properly lit.
- Cluttered Walkways
Obstructions in aisles, hallways, or sidewalks are a disaster waiting to happen. Commercial establishments such as warehouses and retail stores must ensure that sidewalks, aisles, and hallways are clutter-free. If they fail to do so and a customer slips and falls, they may be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries and damages.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Suppose a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, resulting in you slipping and falling and suffering severe injuries. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you need legal help, contact a Long Island slip & fall lawyer at Jacobson Law to schedule a consultation.
Source:
nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls/slips-trips-and-falls-home?srsltid=AfmBOoo1OIYGB0Q9uVTUnoGz7OqqWy4qk0sNIbb7WMdSF9XOKka5wyn-
