For people who live in, work in or visit New York City; the city’s streets, businesses and public areas as full of potential slip, trip and fall hazards. Many people may be surprised to learn that, annually, more people in the U.S. visit hospital emergency rooms to treat injuries suffered in slip-and-fall accidents than from any other type of accident. For an estimated 17,000 people, injuries suffered as a result of a trip or slip and fall prove to be fatal.
A slip-and-fall accident can literally occur anywhere including restaurants, apartment buildings, retail stores, grocery stores, tourist attractions and office buildings. While some trips and slips may in fact be unfortunate accidents where no liability issues exist, others may stem from slippery surfaces, spilled substances, elevation changes and faulty stairs.
In cases where an individual suffers injuries after a slip and fall, he or she would be wise to take note of the circumstances and factors that may have caused or contributed to one’s fall and injuries. If liability may be an issue, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney who can help determine whether or not an individual may have a valid legal claim to recover damages.
For individuals affected by a slip-and-fall accident, the personal and financial stakes can be high. Not only are injuries like broken bones and head, neck and back injuries painful; but these types of injuries also require immediate and ongoing medical and rehabilitative care, which can be costly. Additionally, an individual may be forced to take time off of work and may even suffer permanent disabilities that negatively affect one’s ability to work.
Source: FindLaw.com, “Slip and Fall Accidents Overview,” July 9, 2015