Slip-And-Fall/Trip-And-Fall Accidents
It may not be seem like it, but a Bronx sidewalk or parking lot can actually be a very dangerous place. Pavement that is damaged, in disrepair or covered with ice and snow can be a hazard to an unsuspecting pedestrian.
Accidents such as tripping on an uneven sidewalk or slipping on a wet supermarket floor can create sudden, catastrophic injuries – injuries such as broken bones, head trauma and worse. People who have suffered these kinds of injuries can consult with a trip and fall accident attorney, such as the ones at the offices of Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, for assistance.
What Are Common Hazards That Lead To Slip-And-Fall Accidents?
Slips, trips and falls are some of the most frequent causes of serious injuries in the Bronx and throughout New York. Some of the most common culprits behind such injuries include:
- Uneven or broken stairs to buildings
- Missing or loose handrails on stairs
- Uneven surfaces between rooms and raised or sunken thresholds
- Uneven walkways and broken pavement
- Wet, slippery floors due to spilled liquids, snow, ice or rainwater
- Cracked, damaged floor, loose tiles and torn carpets
- Clutter or debris on floors
- Stray electrical cables or cords
- Rugs or mats that are not properly secured
- Inadequate lighting in halls, stairwells and parking lots
- Missing slip-guards in tubs, on stairs and on ramps
- Potholes, broken cement and loose asphalt
- Gaps between escalators and floors
Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere, but they are particularly likely to be actionable when you fall in a grocery store, shopping center, restaurant, bar, hospital, doctor’s office, professional building, hotel, entertainment venue, public building or on public transportation.
Liability For A Slip, Trip Or Fall In The Bronx?
When slip-and-fall accidents happen, one of the first questions it is important to ask is, “Who is responsible?”
In general, property holders – whether that is the owner, manager or tenant – have a certain responsibility to keep the premises reasonably safe for others. If a property holder created the hazard, knew that the hazard was there and did not take corrective action within a reasonable time frame or should have known the hazard was there, they can be held responsible for any injuries that are caused as a result.
Liability can often be shown through circumstantial or direct evidence that shows how the property holder was negligent. This can include things like video evidence that shows the property’s condition before the fall, video after the victim’s fall, eyewitness testimony, maintenance records and more. An experienced attorney can act quickly to make sure that important evidence is properly preserved so that liability can be established clearly and easily.
Giving A Voice To Those Who Need To Be Heard
Property owners are required to keep their walkways clear and in good condition. This applies to sidewalks in front of homes, parking lots of businesses and aisles of stores. When negligence leads to unsafe conditions that result in injuries, a premises liability lawyer can work to recover compensation for those injuries.
While the elderly may be more susceptible to fall-related injuries, it’s not just senior citizens who could hurt themselves by tripping and falling. People of all ages can be injured due to negligence or improper maintenance.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, choose an experienced attorney close to you in the Bronx. Contact Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today by calling 929-523-0869. Because your initial consultation with us is free, there is no risk to you. You can also fill out and submit our online contact form to get in touch with the firm.