There’s no denying that this winter has been tough — it’s tough, not only for drivers, who have to shovel out their cars, scrape ice and drive slowly and carefully over icy streets. There’s also a major impact on urban pedestrians or anyone else who has to travel on foot in the kinds of low temperatures where normal surfaces get icy and slick.
Recent reporting from last month on the Daily News includes a slideshow of pedestrians slipping, falling and actually sliding out into busy intersections. In the majority of cases, pedestrians will have right-of-way in the intersection, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a significant threat to health and safety each time someone goes sliding out into traffic areas. It’s clear from looking at these photos just how helpless these travelers are, and that anyone who is in a hurry can quickly find themselves going from a standing and walking position to lying on their back on the ice.
The Realities of Slip and Fall Ice Accidents
This safety threat evident in the Daily News series of photos is only one part of the risks that pedestrians take in this kind of climate. The reality is that even a regular slip on an icy surface can cause major injuries. One reason is that most of those who fall and injure themselves didn’t anticipate falling, and did not brace themselves properly. Even the least damaging types of falls onto hard surfaces can strain joints, cause lacerations and abrasions, or even break bones. Some of these accidents may not even reveal themselves in symptoms until days after the fall. That may cause problems for those who want to go ahead with a personal injury claim, and other local laws and statutes can also limit how individuals can sue other parties.
New York Trip and Fall Attorneys: Personal Injury Cases
In looking at a slip and fall personal injury case, New York trip and fall attorneys have to be knowledgeable about what constitutes risk and responsibility. For example, a local business or local government may or may not have liability in a case, depending on what was done to help prepare these frozen spaces for pedestrians. Whether or not a business or property owner used salt, cinders or some other remediation material is a major part of assessing personal injury cases that revolve around icy surfaces. Local New York personal injury lawyers will also look at how local municipalities responded to storms that cause brought dangers for all residents.
Getting Legal Help in New York City
Those in and around the five boroughs who experienced a slip and fall personal injury can contact qualified New York trip and fall attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. We have helped many New York City residents to handle these types of cases, and other personal injury or wrongful death claims. We work with you every step of the way to seek compensation for the costs of care and recovery.
