You may be familiar with seeing the comical side of slip-and-fall accidents on television and reading about them in books. But in real life, many people who slip-and-fall are not able to get up, go on with their planned activities and laugh about their accidents. Many fall accidents cause serious pain and injury to the victims and have long-term consequences.
Slip-and-fall accidents are a lot more common than you may be aware of. Many people require medical treatment after slipping and falling on surfaces in their homes, workplaces, shopping centers, stores, parking lots, restaurants and other places around New York. It is not uncommon for fall victims to sustain broken bones, scrapes, bruises, fractures, torn and pulled muscles, brain damage and spinal cord trauma. Some victims experience financial hardship after their fall accidents. Due to the extent of their injuries, they face long recoveries and are often unable to return to work right away.
Property owners and managers may be accountable
Property owners and managers have an obligation to keep their premises safe. They must prevent hazardous conditions from developing that can cause slip-and-fall accidents. Part of their duty requires them to fix broken, cracked and warped surfaces so they are smooth and even for people to walk safely on. They must also clean up any spills and moisture in a timely manner. If that is not possible, they must take measures to inform guests of the dangers by posting signs near and in hazardous areas. They should also access their properties regularly to keep trip-and-fall hazards away.
Living with the aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident can be hard, especially if there are serious injuries involved. Some people may be eligible to receive compensation from property owners if they can prove their negligence contributed to their injuries. It is essential for you to consider the impact that a fall can have on your health, finances and lifestyle. If you sustain an injury in a slip-and-fall accident outside of your home, consider speaking to an attorney for guidance on how to resolve the matter.