What are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in New York?
In any metropolitan area, there is sure to be a high number of slip & fall incidents. And New York is no different. With so many people and so much foot traffic, there are bound to be a lot of slips, trips, and falls. Fortunately, most of these accidents are not serious, and the injuries are usually minor. But there are always going to be some that result in more serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, or even death.
The legal term for these types of accidents is “premises liability.” And when it comes to proving liability, premises owners have a duty of care and must ensure the premises remain safe for visitors. This also includes the city, or any other type of property owners, such as a store owner, a landlord, or a homeowner. There is a wide multitude of causes of slip and fall accidents to be fully aware of, especially in New York. Some of the most common include:
Wet Or Icy Surfaces
Perhaps the most common cause of slip & fall accidents is when people walk on wet or icy surfaces. This can be due to weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice. It can also be the result of a spill that was not cleaned up properly or a leak that was not fixed. Owners need to take reasonable measures to prevent these types of hazards. This includes putting up warning signs, using sand or salt on icy surfaces, and cleaning up spills promptly.
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces can be due to cracks in the sidewalk, potholes, raised curbs, or anything else that makes the surface uneven. These hazards often result from poor maintenance and can be very dangerous, especially if they are not visible. Measures that premise owners can take to prevent these accidents include regular maintenance and repairs, as well as putting up warning signs.
Poor lighting
In areas or premises that are not well-lit, it can be difficult to see potential hazards. This means that a passerby is more likely to trip over something or slip on a wet surface. To prevent these types of accidents, property owners should make sure that all areas are well-lit and that there are no dark spots.
Objects In the Way
Clutter and debris in walkways can also lead to slip & fall accidents. This includes things like boxes, cords, toys, and other objects that people can trip over. To avoid these accidents, owners should ensure that all walkways are clear and free of any potential hazards.
Other causes
Several other causes are not as common but can still lead to slip & fall accidents. These include loose carpeting, stairs that are in disrepair, holes in the ground, escalators, elevators that are not working properly, and more. As with the other causes, owners should take measures to prevent these hazards from occurring. In failure to do so, they can be held liable for their negligence.
Conclusion
Slip & fall accidents are unfortunately quite common in New York. But mostly, these accidents are not serious, and the injuries sustained are minor. There are many causes, such as wet or icy surfaces, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and objects in the way. The owner or manager should take measures to prevent these hazards from occurring on their property.