For many New Yorkers, autumn is their favorite season in the city. Trees become beautifully red, orange and yellow, and the weather is just perfect for a walk in the park, a bicycle ride or a run near the river. What many pedestrians ignore are the many slip and fall hazards that are not present during the rest of the year. These hazards increase the risk of experiencing an accident that can have severe consequences. According to the CDC, one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
In an effort to keep you and your family safe preventing slip and fall accidents, we’ve enlisted autumn’s most common hazards. This list will show you what you need to pay attention to when walking on the streets of New York.
- Poor Visibility: Falling leaves are beautiful but can limit your vision, as can rain and fog. Days are also shorter, which makes it more difficult to see objects on the streets.
- Wet and Slippery Floors: Rain is synonymous with Fall. During this season, streets and floors are often wet. Although premise owners are responsible for keeping floors dry and safe, many do not do so. Walk with caution, and wear appropriate shoes.
- Early Snow and Ice: Although not common, snow can surprise us at any moment during autumn. You should always watch out for ice as the temperatures drop further at night.
- Halloween and Christmas Decorations: New Yorkers love to celebrate Holidays! Businesses and private residents cover their entrances and facades with enormous decorations that may become loose and fall, injuring innocent passers-by.
If you or a family member experience this type of incident, it is important to remain calm. This will put you in the best position to communicate with others, especially with those responsible for your injuries. In addition, you should always consult with a medical professional. If your injuries are serious, you should contact a lawyer who can help you through the process of filing a claim against the negligent proprietor who caused the accident.
Our firm has a proven track record of fighting for the rights of victims who were seriously injured. Let our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.