‘Tis the Season for Slips and Falls

Slips and falls account for numerous injuries and accidents annually. A slip and fall case can be minor, such as falling off a short curb and twisting an ankle, or more severe such as a fall that results in a head injury from hitting the head on pavement. Slips and falls are not to be taken lightly and can occur for a multitude of reasons. This type of accident can lead to serious injury that could hospitalize someone for weeks, particular if the victim is elderly where recovery time is much longer. Can you ever predict an area where a slip and fall could occur, and what can you do when it happens to you?

Shopping centers and parking lots are common areas for slip and fall cases. Parking lots have potholes, cracks, obstructions, and black ice, particularly in shaded areas where the sun might not melt any ice that has accumulated. A sudden slip or fall could cause a broken hip, a head injury, or a broken leg. Other areas of concern when on any type of property are stairways, balconies, steps and curbs. Often we are busy engaging in other activity like talking to our companions or texting. We don’t see the car backing out of the parking space, or see the pothole that makes us trip and twist our ankle in the parking lot. Other times we are forced off the sidewalk and end up falling of the curb when carrying packages to our car.

How can these accidents be prevented?

• Start with being aware of our surroundings. That awareness is the number one key to avoiding any type of slip and fall accident.
• Watch where you are going at all times.
• Save shopping excursions until later in the day when ice may melt and walking conditions will be better.
• Pay attention to signs on the sidewalk or shopping center entrances that warn you of ice or water on the floor.
• Hold handrails when they are available.
• Take your time and walk slowly.
• Wear shoes with proper tread that might help avoid slipping.

A slip and fall case is complicated. There are many factors that come into play, depending on whether the property was public or private. Enlisting the support of a New York attorney is your best bet for staring an investigation.