Nobody has to tell you that New York has some pretty cold winters. With the reduced visibility of longer nighttime hours and the icy roads, steps, and sidewalks, winter in New York can be downright dangerous. A slip on an icy sidewalk can send you falling to the ground, potentially shattering one or more bones or causing you to suffer a traumatic brain injury. Even inside, there are potential slip and fall hazards like broken steps, wobbly railings, and uneven floors. During your holiday shopping excursions and visits with loved ones this winter, take care to notice and avoid any slip and fall hazards on the premises where you are, indoors or outdoors.
When an individual is injured in a slip or fall that could have been prevented if the property owner had taken greater care to remove the hazard, he or she may seek compensation for his or her damages through a premises claim.
Seasonal Slip and Fall Dangers
Some slips and fall hazards are present all year: broken sidewalks, uneven steps, and potholes can create hazardous conditions at any time. But in the winter, shorter daylight hours can make any outdoor hazard more dangerous because of reduced visibility. Outdoor hazards can also be concealed by piles of leaves or snow, making them easy to miss.
Ice and snow can make otherwise safe objects dangerous during the winter. A few examples of these include stairways and park benches.
Reduce your Chance of Slipping, Falling, and Being Injured
You can cut down on your chance of suffering a slip or fall by taking a few safety precautions. When you go out after dark, carry a flashlight so you can see any hazards present in your environment. When walking up outdoor stairs, grip the handrail firmly as you ascend. If you are a property owner, you can help yourself and visitors avoid slip and fall accidents by shoveling snow soon after it hits the ground and salting your steps and walkways liberally.
If you Are Injured in a Slip or a Fall
If you are injured in any type of accident, document the accident in the moments that follow. This can be through photographs or through taking down the contact information for witnesses to the accident. If you or anybody else involved in the accident needs emergency medical attention, seek it right away. Otherwise, seek medical attention for your injury in a timely manner. The sooner you receive medical attention, the better chance you will have of making a complete, easy recovery.
Work with an Experienced New York Personal Injury Law Firm
You can take steps to reduce your chance of being injured in a slip or fall accident, but you cannot completely eliminate that chance. If you have been injured in a slip or fall that was caused by another party’s negligence, work with one of the experienced slip and fall lawyers on our team at Grant & Longworth, Attorneys at Law to pursue the compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim.
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