How To Navigate Winter Storm Slip And Fall Cases
Posted on October 16, 2021 in Premises Liability
Winter storms can leave the ground slippery, putting pedestrians at higher risk of slipping and falling. When you slip and fall at the entrance of a commercial property or a parking lot, you could have a case of premise liability. It is also possible for sidewalk defects to cause pedestrians to slip and fall, particularly in New York where there are more than 12,000 miles of sidewalk.
Not every case is the fault of the property owner, and you will need to be able to prove that the property owner has breached their “care of duty” in order to have a legal case. A premise liability lawyer can point you in the right direction after listening to the circumstances of your case.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Some slip and fall injuries can be relatively minor whereas others require more extensive medical attention. Below is a list of common injuries that can be sustained during a slip and fall:
- Sprains, strains and tears involving the wrists and/or ankles, which can limit an individual’s range of motion for some time.
- Back & spine injuries including herniated, compressed and slipped discs – if you fall on your back at a particular angle, it can result in paralysis in serious cases.
- Fractured bones that can require a long recovery time.
- Head & brain injuries can occur when an individual hits the ground headfirst and can result in paralysis or impairment of cognitive abilities.
Did you know that slips and falls are one of the most common causes of injury during the winter months? It is the duty of all property owners to keep all areas that are accessible to guests reasonably safe. While every case is different, the property owner may be liable for the injuries you sustained due to a slip and fall on their premises.
Proving Liability for A Weather-Related Slip and Fall Case
All property owners are responsible for ensuring that areas accessible to guests are kept reasonably safe. This extends beyond the interior of a building to common areas such as entranceways, surrounding sidewalks and parking lots. When you slip and fall in a common area shared by numerous businesses, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible. It is important to make a report and seek out medical attention after the incident – this leaves a record behind and makes it hard for the property owner to claim your injuries arose due to other reasons.
Come to Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, PC for Premise Liability Cases
Have you been the victim of a weather-related slip and fall case? At Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C. , our premise liability lawyers are always ready to provide a free consultation when you come to us. We will determine the best legal route for your case after understanding the facts.
Looking for a trusted personal injury lawyer in New York? Call our New York number: (212) 847-5007 or Long Island number: (718) 954-9986 to schedule a free consultation with us today.