Slip On Ice Injury

Slip On Ice Injury Lawyer Manhattan NY

Wintertime in New York City is full of slip and fall hazards. By law, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to mitigate ice-related dangers that may cause a slip-and-fall accident. Landlords and property owners are held liable for all slip and fall accident injuries that happen on their property.

New York City property owner ordinances give property owners time to clear slip and fall accident hazards. Public and private properties are liable under these regulations. If a slip and fall injury takes place, speak with a seasoned fall lawyer about your injury claim for a free consultation right away.

Person Walking Down Icy Stairs

Who’s Responsible for Your Slip and Fall Accident?

Property owners are legally responsible for keeping ice and snow off their properties. If they don’t and a slip-and-fall accident occurs, they can be considered negligent. Those who suffer slip and fall accident injuries may be eligible to seek compensation.

New York City’s slip and fall law gives property owners and managers time to post clear warnings about slip hazards. When warnings about slippery surfaces are posted clearly, damages are harder to collect when fall accidents happen. Slip and fall claims must be “reasonable,” which leaves room for interpretation.

According to NYC Administrative Code 16-123, every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or another person in charge of any lot or building in New York City is legally required to remove ice and snow from the sidewalks and gutters adjacent to their properties:

  • Within 4 hours, if snow or freezing rain stops falling between 7 a.m. and 4:49 p.m.
  • Within 14 hours, if snow or freezing rain stops falling between 5 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
  • By 11 a.m. the following day, if snow or freezing rain stops falling between 9 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

Ice that is too difficult for successful removal is to be covered with ashes, salt, sand, sawdust, or some other appropriate material. New York City gutters and sidewalks are to be cleared immediately following breaks in the weather to prevent a fall injury. If a property owner fails to do this, fall lawyers can hold them responsible. 

An NYC slip and fall injury can have a drastic impact on your life. An NYC slip and fall accident victim can consult with an NYC slip and fall attorney to discuss their options. Medical bills can pile up, and slip-and-fall attorneys can help you get compensated.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

New York City slip-and-fall accidents occur far too often. The average New York City sidewalk is filled with commuters every day. The slip-and-fall accidents that ensue can create hazards for everyone. The majority of slip and fall accidents are caused by:

  • Icy walkways
  • Broken handrails
  • Loose floorboards
  • Loose electrical cords
  • Poorly lit staircase
  • Torn carpeting
  • Unsafe ladders
  • Wet floors

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Like the causes of the incidents, the ensuing injuries are several and diverse. Let’s examine the most common injuries:

Spinal Trauma

A slip-and-fall accident can cause spinal cord injuries (bruising, swelling, tears). A fall accident can have the following effects:

  • Balance issues
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Decreased Libido
  • Incontinence
  • Partial or total paralysis
  • Severe pain sensations

Closed Head Injuries

Closed head injuries are among the most life-threatening injuries a person can have. Traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, is a common trauma slip and fall victims experience. Traumatic brain injuries are a major source of fatalities in the USA. They should always be taken seriously. Symptoms include:

  • Amnesia
  • Headaches
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Loss of coordination
  • Moodiness
  • Nausea
  • Prolonged states of confusion
  • Seizures

Fractures and Breaks

Fall accidents can lead to hard times. Breaks and fractures can severely limit mobility, and quality of life is painful and costly.

Soft Tissue Trauma

Slip-and-falls can cause serious damage to joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscle tissues. Deep bruising can also occur. Treating these injuries means utilizing RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and sometimes painkillers. If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, speak with a seasoned fall attorney as soon as possible.

Person After Slip And Fall Accident

How Are Slip and Fall Damages Awarded?

In Manhattan, the amount of damages awarded to slip and fall victims hinges largely on the nature and seriousness of their injuries. In cases where trauma leaves a victim with life-long health challenges, awards will be greater. 

Reputable law firms specializing in New York City slip and falls usually focus on a core group of awards for slip and fall victims. At the core of their efforts is the goal of securing for the victim damages that help to protect the quality of life of the victim as they move forward with their lives. Some of the most commonly sought damages are:

  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Medical care
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitative expenses
  • Lost income

In the case of a wrongful death resulting from a slip and fall injury, funeral expenses and loss of consortium can be included in the damages sought. In all of these cases, consulting with a New York-based slip and fall accident lawyer is a wise move for moving closer to securing the compensation that any victim deserves. 

New York Statutes of Limitations Slip and Fall Lawsuits

New York slip and fall accidents have a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury and premises liability claims. So anyone in New York that finds themselves to be the victim of a slip and fall event resulting in injury needs to file suit within three years of the incident. Failure to file within the allotted time is forfeiture of the right to pursue civil proceedings.

Person Fills In Accident Report

The Legal Advantage of a Slip-on-Ice Injury Lawyer

In New York, having the right fall accident lawyers in your corner is an essential factor in making the best of an unfortunate occurrence. Consulting with qualified legal specialists positions you more closely to securing the damages that can help you to move on with your life after this traumatic event.

Fall accident victims have to deal with a lot when fall accidents occur. They have to communicate with the insurance company and more. If you’ve been injured because of a property owner’s negligence, contact us immediately for a professional fall accident attorney in Manhattan, New York City.

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