Trip & Fall Accidents
According to the National Safety Counsel, falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries. There are more than eight million emergency department visits each year due to fall related injuries.
One of the more serious injuries one may sustain due to a trip and fall accident is a bone fracture. When a fracture cannot be properly reduced by a closed reduction, surgery may be required.
The National Floor Safety Institute reports that of all of the fractures resulting from falls, “hip fractures are the most serious and lead to the greatest health problems and number of deaths.”
Where do Trip & Fall Accidents Occur?
The National Safety Counsel lists the following as common locations for trip and fall accidents:
- Doorways
- Ramps
- Cluttered hallways
- Areas with heavy traffic
- Uneven surfaces
- Stairs
How to Protect Yourself?
No one can guaranty that you will not have a trip and fall accident. There are, however, some easy measures that can be taken to lessen the risks.
The National Safety Counsel recommends the following prevention tips:
- Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
- Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping
- Remove tripping hazards (paper, boxes, toys, clothes, shoes) from stairs and walkways
- Periodically check the condition of walkways and steps, and repair damages immediately
What Should You do if you have a Trip and Fall Accident?
If you are involved in a New York City trip and fall accident on the premises of another person or entity and are injured or hurt, you should immediately call for emergency medical assistance or request a passerby to do so for you.
You should also, if you are able to, report the accident to the property owner or manager if it is a private owner such as an office building, store, apartment building or residence. If the accident occurred on public property owned by the City of New York or some other public entity, a Notice of Claim must be filed with that entity within the appropriate time allowed by law.
In this day of camera phones, it is also a good idea to immediately take photos of the defect that caused the fall. If your medical condition makes this impossible, then photos should be obtained as soon as possible after the accident before the condition is altered or repaired.
Do not wait to speak with a New York City trip and fall lawyer to discuss your case. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate the claim and advise you of your rights and protect you against time sensitive filing requirements in order to preserve your rights.
