Common New York Personal Injury Claims During Winter

Winter weather can lead to a wide range of personal injury claims, such as slips, trips, and falls, car accidents, and more. Winter weather is a leading force behind many personal injuries throughout New York. If you have been seriously injured as a result of winter weather and negligence, you should contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Snow, hail, and ice can all cause serious hazards for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and others.  Property owners and government entities have a duty to be aware of the hazards on their property that are at risk for causing accidents. Accidents involving winter weather should be handled by an experienced personal injury attorney because they are often complex and require a thorough investigation. A skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer can contact accident reconstructionist experts, meteorologists, engineers, and other professionals to determine who could be held liable for your winter weather accident.

If you have been injured and you believe that the injuries are a result of negligence by another party, you can seek compensation through a lawsuit. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our New York City injury attorneys have been helping victims of winter weather injuries for over 35 years. We will help you recover the compensation you need and deserve lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call now at 855-TOP-FIRM for a free and confidential consultation.

Car accidents

Because of the heavy snow and icy roads in New York, the number of car crashes usually increases during the winter months each year. People who drive carelessly or recklessly can be particularly dangerous during the winter.

Winter weather can also cause decreased visibility. If you are struck by another motorist who failed to maintain control of their vehicle, you are not at fault for the accident. If you get into an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. The experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. will be able to review your case, identify the liable parties, and determine what types of compensation you are entitled to.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Because alcohol impairs vision and judgment, the chance of being involved in a car accident increases substantially. Drunk driving is not only against the law, but it is even more dangerous during the winter because it’s already more difficult to see. If you are injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit separate from a potential criminal case.

Slip and fall accidents

Walking during the winter can be very difficult. It’s common for people to slip on patches of ice on a road, sidewalk, or curb. Slips and falls often lead to hip injuries. And when a slip moves the leg in an unnatural position, it can cause severe ankle injuries.

Property owners in New York have a duty to make sure they maintain a safe property during the winter for all visitors. This includes a host of tasks, such as:

• Inspect areas regularly: Property owners should look for hazards on their property and correct them before an accident happens. Safety rails need to be secured.
• Use mats: Property owners should put mats to help soak up water tracked in and prevent areas from getting slippery.
• Salt walkways: Walkways should be covered with salt or ice melt after it snows. This adds traction for visitors and reduces the dangerous buildup of snow and ice.
• Clear dangerous areas: Snow and ice should be removed from stairs and sidewalks. If a blizzard causes huge amounts of snow and ice to accumulate, the property owner must remove the hazards for safety.
• Post warning signs: Property owners must provide visitors with warnings of any known hazards. This may include postings signs that state the presence of a hazard.

If a property owner in New York fails to take steps to ensure the safety of visitors, they could potentially be held liable for a slip and fall accident that happens on their property.

Space Heater Accidents

Space heaters can be a serious hazard in your home. They can cause severe burns, and if the space heater becomes overheated, it can spark a fire. Space heaters can cause a host of personal injuries. If a space heater is defective and leads to your injury, the manufacturer of the heater may be held liable for your injuries.

Construction Accidents

Construction worksites are some of the most dangerous work environments. Winter weather conditions can cause severe accidents. Ice and snow can make the ground, platforms, and scaffolds slippery. Any fluids used in machines need to be rated for cold conditions so they do not freeze during use.

Construction workers injured on the job site during the winter have the same options as those injured at other times of the year. In New York, workers’ compensation is awarded without regard for who was at fault for the workplace accident.

Common Injuries

All accidents that are common during the winter can lead to serious personal injuries. Most of the following injuries are preventable and are the result of negligence:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Shoulder injury
• Ankle sprains and strains
• Hip and wrist fractures
• Cuts and lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Burns

What To Do Following Your Injury

If you are seriously injured in New York during the winter, you must take the following steps:

• If you are seriously hurt, seek medical attention immediately
• Collect the name and contact information of all parties involved
• Document the accident scene with photos and video
• Retain a New York personal injury lawyer before speaking with an insurance company

Contact a New York Personal Injury Lawyer

Winter accidents can be serious, causing severe injuries or even death. If you or someone you love has been injured in a winter-related accident in New York, contact the personal injury attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. by calling 855-TOP-FIRM for a free initial consultation or fill out an accident case review form online. We will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve for your injuries.