Winter in New York is a sight to behold. There’s no denying its beauty. However, as beautiful as New York winter is, it’s equally hazardous. Snow and ice create stunning imagery, but they are also prime conditions for slip-and-fall accidents. The conditions that winter creates are incredibly dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. New York property owners, both public and private, are responsible for maintaining their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable for damages.
The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP is a personal injury committed to helping injured victims recover the fair compensation they are owed and deserve. The attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP help our clients hold people and entities who fail to adhere to their duty of care accountable for their actions. It’s never easy to suffer a serious injury, but it can be especially challenging when it could have been prevented. We can help you deal with the aftermath of your injury by providing you with the moral and legal support you need.
4 Common New York Winter Slip-And-Fall Hazards
Slip-and-fall accidents may not sound severe, but the injuries sustained from falling on hard surfaces are not something to be taken lightly. There’s more at risk than bumps and bruises from a serious fall, including torn ligaments and broken bones. As winter rolls around, it’s important to be aware of the possible hazards. Below are four common New York winter slip-and-fall hazards to look out for to help you stay safe.
1. Icy Surfaces
Icy sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways are significant slip-and-fall risks for New York residents. New Yorkers may be used to walking in these dangerous winter conditions, but dangerous ice can hide beneath thin layers of snow or be nearly invisible to the eye when melted and refrozen over asphalt. Ice can cause accelerated falls, leading to serious injuries.
2. Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Any surface can become easily wet, especially when snow and ice are melting or it has rained. Wet and slippery surfaces can cause people to fall and land with immense force that causes severe physical damage.
3. Surface defects
Commercial and governmental property owners are as legally responsible for their property’s maintenance as private owners. When walking on surfaces with defects (loose flooring, ruts, potholes, etc.), owners are responsible for being aware of those defects. Once they’re made aware of these defects, they must notify visitors and ask them to stay away from the area until it’s fixed. Property owners must fix the defects within an adequate time frame.
4. Faulty Stairs or Handrails
Falling on faulty stairs or because of a broken handrail can be incredibly dangerous. Depending on the height of the staircase, victims can end up suffering many impacts and sustaining multiple injuries as a result.
Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their lots, driveways, and other surfaces reasonably clear of ice and potential winter hazards. The weather is beyond anyone’s control, which can make liability for injuries caused by winter conditions tricky to determine. This is why it’s important to have a skilled attorney at your side who can look into the conditions that cause your injuries and determine the best way to recover compensation if possible.
Work With an Experienced Slip-And-Fall Accident Lawyer Today
When you’ve been injured by someone’s negligence, it’s important to act quickly and secure an experienced attorney who can obtain the necessary evidence to support a claim for fair compensation. An attorney can take care of your claim, giving you the opportunity to rest and recover.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we have years of experience helping our clients secure fair compensation. Pursuing a claim for injuries involving winter conditions can be tricky, but our attorneys understand the nuances of the law and can help you reach the best possible resolution. You can schedule a consultation at 516-358-6900 or complete our contact form so we can get back to you. To stay on top of laws that may impact your claim, you can also subscribe to our Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP YouTube Channel.
