As one of our New York City readers, there’s a good chance that your own two feet are your primary mode of transportation. Unfortunately, there are times when pedestrians are involved in a serious accident that leads to injury or even death.
In addition to pedestrian-car accidents, you should never overlook the fact that an indoor slip and fall can be extremely dangerous. You might think cars pose the biggest threat to pedestrians, but you shouldn’t overlook the dangers of indoor slip-and-falls.
When you visit an office building, retail location or any other indoor environment, you hope that you never face a safety concern. But there’s no way of knowing for sure, which is why accidents happen.
2 top causes
There are many reasons for indoor slip-and-fall accidents. Furthermore, these often occur in one of two places:
1. Floors
It goes without saying that property owners are expected to clean, mop and polish their floors. They do this to keep them clean, to keep them looking good and to hopefully avoid an accident.
The problem with this is simple: Wet floors can be extremely dangerous, especially when people expect them to be dry.
A property owner may be held responsible for an accident if it results from:
Failure to provide warning, such as through the use of a sign, that the floor is wet
Failure to block off areas that could be considered dangerous
Applying wax or polish unevenly or using too much of the product
Neglecting to use a non-skid product when necessary
Carpet that is worn or bulging
Mats or rugs with curled edges, thus acting as a trip hazard
2. Stairs
Stairs can be extremely dangerous, especially when they aren’t cared for in the appropriate manner. Stairway accidents can result from:
Missing stairs
Inadequate lighting
A step that is worn
Debris on the stairs, including paper
A broken or missing handrail
Stairs that have been polished or waxed, thus making them slippery
Stairs that do not have the appropriate non-skid surface
As a pedestrian, you don’t spend much time watching the ground in front of you. Instead, your eyes are straight ahead and you assume that the floor and stairs are in good condition.
Unfortunately, there are times when this isn’t the case, which ultimately leads to a slip-and-fall accident.
If you’re involved in such an accident, don’t rush to move. Instead, call for help to ensure that you receive immediate medical attention. You can then learn more about your legal rights, such as the opportunity to receive compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.
This article was reviewed and approved by Daniella Levi, Esq. Ms. Levi is an experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney. In practice for over 35 years, she has dedicated her legal career to helping injured persons receive the compensation they deserve. Clients of Ms. Levi have received compensation worth tens of millions of dollars through tireless efforts with settlement negotiations and successful trial verdicts. Read full bio
The information on this website provided by Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C. is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for competent legal counsel. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Website Design, Content & Search Marketing by Local Search for Lawyers™ | Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.