Dangerous Conditions That Can Trigger Slip and Fall Accidents
Now that spring is here and summer will soon be on its way, you can (hopefully) expect some beautiful, warm weather in our State of New York. Needless to say, life is going to be a little bit busier due to the hint of summer, meaning more and more people will emerge from their homes to take strolls around town or out in the countryside. However, even though the threat of winter ice is gone, you have to consider that some walking conditions can still be hazardous, particularly in the cities.
In the blink of an eye, you can easily slip on an unkempt sidewalk or take another unpleasant fall due to a poorly-maintained walkway or parking lot. For today, let’s take a closer look at some dangers conditions that can trigger slip and fall accidents in New York.
The Frequency of Fall-Related Injuries
Based on statistics collected by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), approximately eight million emergency room visits are related to slip and fall accidents, accounting for about 21.3% of reasons for ER visits. In about 50% of cases, most of these injuries are sustained during falls in private households.
What Are the Common Causes?
Here is a closer look at some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Uneven or slippery surface materials: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirms that two million slip and fall injuries are caused by poorly maintained floors and flooring materials on an annual basis.
- Poor weather conditions: Although property owners, superintendents, and city workers have an active responsibility to keep buildings and property clear, weather can prove to be an unpleasant, unpredictable factor.
- Lack of training: If construction workers and maintenance employees aren’t properly trained, they can suffer from severe accidents. In fact, 85% of worker’s compensation claims are directly connected to slip and fall accidents related to workplace accidents.
- Neglect in nursing homes: Roughly 67% of deaths stemming from slip and fall accidents occur among victims who are at least 75-years-old. Officials have also estimated that 60% of nursing home patients will suffer from one of these accidents.
For more information concerning your defense in court, please review details concerning the piece of legislation entitled Slip and Fall Law.
Seeking a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
Sometimes, the simple act of taking a walk can become a battle for life and death. Taking a simple slip and fall can result in a painful and inconvenient injury that will leave you frustrated and angry. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries after enduring a slip and fall accident, you will no doubt feet terrified and unsure of what steps you should take next.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
We at Gattuso & Ciotoli have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver the some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of slip and fall accidents in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.