Slip and fall accidents occur more frequently than you might suspect in New York City. For example, on a crowded sidewalk or in an interior space without room for movement. Even during climbing and descending stairs—these accidents can finger-wave and result in serious injuries.
As the owner of those properties, learning what causes these types of incidents and how you can take measures to avoid them are very important. Proactive behavior not only ensures the safety of everyone involved but also prevents legal trouble later on. We will go through the major reasons for slip and fall accidents, as well as how you can reduce these risks.
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
The most common cause of a slip and fall is when the floor becomes too wet or slippery. Floors and walkways, regardless of whether they are outdoors or indoors, can become slippery from rain, snow, or even spilled liquids. A small amount of moisture is all it takes to make slip accidents materialize. Rainwater is often brought inside the buildings, especially at the entrance to them, and snow and ice surrounding sidewalks and driveways make it risky. Spills from drinks, cleaning solutions, or even pipes can make a run to the commode nothing less than an accident in the making.
Property owner alert needed to head off accidents promptly, mopping and deploying cautionary signs in a building. These are simple practices that can minimize the incidents. Indoors, try to keep entryways dry and use slip-resistant mats. Salting and shoveling the sidewalks and pathways promptly in winter is key to preventing falling.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting is another common factor involved in slip and fall accidents. Poorly lit corridors, stairwells, and parking lots can obstruct vision, leading to fall accidents. Uneven surfaces or steps can be hidden by shadows, as well as any obstacles that a person may trip on. Lighting is the most important thing to ensure that a property is kept safe.
Property owners should regularly check that lights are working and replace any burned-out bulbs as soon as possible. A motion-sensing light can also deter accidents while cutting down on energy costs in the rooms through which everyone walks. If your slip and fall were caused by inadequate lighting, schedule a consultation about the legal details and how we can help.
Uneven Flooring or Sidewalks
Cracked or uneven flooring, as well as sidewalks with bumps and gaps in them, are common culprits in slip-and-fall accidents. Older buildings or areas with a lot of foot traffic are, in particular, places where these kinds of hazards can be oppressive. Small variations of elevation exist between the flooring and the sidewalk, and such minor differences in height can even cause a fatal injury. An irregular step or broken tile can easily catch a distracted person, and they are more likely to injure themselves.
The importance of regular assessments and maintenance can never be understated in all forms. Install non-skid surface treatments or replace higher-prone surfaces, repair cracks, and flatten uneven floors to prevent falls. If you have questions regarding your lawful rights following a trip and fall incident, take a look at The Law Office of Olena Manilich’s slip and fall services. We are here to help with your legal rights.
Clutter and Obstacles
Clutter and obstructions in hallways are the most common reasons behind fall injuries. Things like boxes, wires, or cleaning substances placed in hallways can become tripping hazards. Hallways or stairwells in busy regions where a person may overlook an impediment when they are rushing about quickly with things to carry. To avoid unnecessary accidents, property owners also have to keep these areas clean and neat.
Clear walkways for safety purposes. Periodically examining these spots and removing items that get in the way of traffic can greatly eliminate hazards. If you have taken a fall on an errant cable or bump in your path, contact us today. Let us help you explore the next steps.
Faulty Staircases and Railings
In addition, defective staircases and railings are responsible for many slip and fall injuries. Unsafe steps, whether the step is cracked or uneven, and loose/broken railings severely increase your chance of falling. Staircases are a common place for falls. If the railings do not offer any support or if the steps themselves need repair. The property holds legal boundaries, and the entity is responsible for making sure that staircases are safe to use.
Owners should frequently inspect stairs and railings to avoid accidents so that immediate repair work is not required. Repair loose handrails, steps, and any treads that are missing or raised. If you or a family member has been harmed in an accident related to a defective staircase and hand railing system, please do not hesitate to schedule your consultation with The Law Office Olena Manilich today. As they say, no one knows the law like a lawyer, so our team has got you covered.
Conclusion
When it comes to New York City, slipping and falling can be a big deal for both guests and property owners. According to our injury attorneys, numerous types of falls are entirely preventable with standard building practices. The most common hazards, such as wet floors, poor lighting, or cluttered areas in homes and businesses, can be prevented.
Maintaining shows that you care about the well-being of all your employees and are not looking to run into legal troubles downstream. Whether you have been in a slip-and-fall accident or know someone involved in one of these accidents, our team is ready to help. Call us today, and will help you to protect your legal rights.
