Autumn Is a Season of Beauty as Well as Slip and Fall Accident Risks

Fall in the Northeast brings cool, crisp air, colorful foliage and festive outdoor activities. While these make autumn a cherished time of year for Long Islanders, the season also presents a set of hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries. It is important to recognize potential dangers in order to prevent them. Equally important is knowing that when accidents are due in any part to negligence, property owners can often be held legally responsible to compensate victims for injuries.

The most common accidents during autumn are slips and falls, which can occur due to several causes:

• Leaf accumulations — Sidewalks, driveways and hiking trails often become covered in layers of foliage. When leaves are wet from rain or morning dew, they can be extremely slippery, creating a significant risk for pedestrians. Blankets of leaves also obscure underlying imperfections such as cracks, holes or uneven pavement, further adding to the hazard.
• Icy patches — Autumn temperatures in the Northeast can dip below freezing during the night, causing early morning frost. Icy patches, particularly in shaded areas that see little sunlight, can catch pedestrians off guard, resulting in unexpected slips and falls.
• Acorns, cones and other tree litter — Many properties in the Northeast are home to oaks, pines and other trees that shed acorns, cones and litter throughout the season. These items can act like ball bearings, causing people to lose their footings on steps or walkways.
• Falling branches — Autumn storms with strong winds can cause dead or weakened tree branches to fall, posing threats to anyone nearby and risking damage to property.

• Reduced visibility — The combination of shorter daylight hours, frequent fog and heavy rain can significantly impair visibility for pedestrians.

• Dangerous sports venues — Grandstands and bleachers pose slip and fall hazards of their own, especially if handrails are missing, spills are left unattended or debris accumulates. Inadequate maintenance can turn an exciting event into a trip to the emergency room.

When they fail to address these seasonal hazards, property owners may be held liable for injuries sustained on their premises. If you have been injured due to unsafe conditions this autumn, speak with an experienced premises liability attorney who can evaluate whether your injuries entitle you to compensation and who can pursue legal action on your behalf and protect your rights.

Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in St. James, New York represents slip and fall accident victims all across Long Island. Call 631-360-0400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.