Winter Weather Slips & Falls
Staying safe during the winter isn’t always easy. Icy roads and sidewalks can make traveling a slippery mess. If stores and office buildings aren’t careful to prevent it, tracked-in snow and ice can melt and become an invisible hazard on slick tile or marble floors. While the weather may not be predictable, businesses still have an obligation to clean up wintertime precipitation from their property when it falls.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in New York, you may be facing expensive rehabilitation, costly doctor’s visits, and lost income from being off work. You may have a right to money damages as a result of your accident. The dedicated and effective Manhattan personal injury lawyer Leandros A. Vrionedes has been fighting for slip-and-fall victims for decades and knows how to get results for his injured clients. Contact him today for a no-cost consultation after being injured in a wintertime slip-and-fall accident.
Businesses and property owners have a duty to keep their premises free from hazards
Winter weather and precipitation can cause accidents both on the road and off, but the ice and snow that come along with winter are nothing new. New York property owners and business owners are expected to know what’s entailed in keeping their property safe for customers and visitors during the cold months. When owners and business managers don’t clean up hidden hazards or place nonslip mats on surfaces that have become slippery with snow or ice and a visitor is injured in a slip-and-fall accident, these businesses may be financially liable for the victim’s injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. New York City laws on sidewalk snow and ice are very clear about property owner duties during and after winter storms.
Reduce the risk of wintertime slip-and-fall accidents with these tips
Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to keep yourself from becoming the victim of a slip-and-fall accident, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of serious injuries from a fall:
- Wear the right shoes: While they may not be as stylish, wearing boots with nonslip rubber soles that have deep treads can keep you safe from slips and falls. Make sure they fit snugly, and consider adding clip-on metal ice cleats if you’re at an added risk of slipping.
- Stay warm: Wear the right winter garments in cold weather. Feeling warm will keep your muscles and joints from becoming stiff, which can help to prevent a fall.
- Use flat, short steps on icy surfaces: Your best bet is to avoid surfaces that appear icy, which can foil even the young and nimble. If you’re stuck crossing a patch of ice, however, use small, short, shuffling steps, and watch out for uneven surfaces.
If you’re the victim of a winter slip-and-fall accident and want help pursuing the damages you deserve, contact the aggressive and knowledgeable New York personal injury lawyer Leandros A. Vrionedes, in Manhattan at 212-889-9362, or in Queens at 718-777-5895.
