A Slip And Fall Can Happen To Anyone
Slip and Fall Accidents Are a Leading Cause of Serious Accidents in the U.S.
It can happen to anyone, at any time. In the blink of an eye, an unexpected fall can change your life dramatically. Slip and fall accidents are the most common cause of injuries in the United States. As reported by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost two million people go to the hospital each year due to slip and fall accidents.
The CDC separates slip and fall accidents into two general categories:
- those that concern a fall from an elevated height (60% of this type of fall is from a height of less than 10 feet);
- and those that arise on the same level (usually on a walking or working surface).
Injuries after a fall can include almost anything, ranging from broken bones to spinal cord injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Very often these TBI’s occur due to a fall by an elderly adult in a nursing home or rehabilitation setting.
Responsibilities for Property Owners in Westchester County
Here in Westchester County, with the build-up of snow and ice on sidewalks, parking lots and entrances, slip and falls often occur in the winter months. The law states that Westchester County residents are responsible for keeping their property clean and safe.
This law applies not only to residents, but also to stores, businesses and municipal properties. Property owners have a certain amount of time after an adverse weather event to remove or treat any snow or ice that may have accumulated. If the failure to properly clean up after a storm causes an accident, the owner may be liable for any injuries.
What to Do After a Slip or Fall Accident
Seeking immediate medical treatment should always be your number one concern. It is also critical that you report the accident. Try to document everything in as much detail as you possibly can. What were you doing right before? What were the weather conditions? What was the time of day? Take photos of exactly where the incident occurred and check for security cameras.
Although a slip and fall can be life changing, creating a historical record of the facts and circumstances that contributed to the accident, and documenting the condition that existed, will help to ensure the best possible outcome for any legal proceeding you may pursue.
Injured in a Slip or Fall Accident? Denlea & Carton Can Help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip or fall accident, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Denlea & Carton. We can help you understand your legal options and whether you can pursue compensation in a personal injury claim. Consultations are FREE, as we work on a contingency-fee basis. You pay us nothing until we secure compensation for you in your case.
Contact us online today or call our office at (914) 873-1404 to get started.
