Winter Hazards in New York: Slip and Fall Accidents

In the state of New York, winter ushers in frigid temperatures. Regular snow and ice storms create hazardous conditions both indoors and outdoors, making surfaces slippery. These conditions raise the risk of a slip and fall accident.

Common Winter Slip and Fall Hazards

• Snow and Ice – Slippery sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways pose significant slip-and-fall risks for pedestrians. The presence of snow and ice increases the likelihood of rapid falls, resulting in potentially severe injuries.
• Potholes – In winter, potholes are a hazard formed when water freezes in pavement cracks, causing them to break. Pedestrians are at risk of tripping and falling. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their property. When they become aware of defects, like potholes, they should promptly fix them to ensure visitor safety.
• Wet Floors – In winter, visitors to a building can track in snow, which can melt and cause the floor to be slippery. Wiping your feet before entering a building can enhance safety.

When To Call A Lawyer

Each year, people sustain injuries from slip and fall incidents on ice and snow that property owners should have cleared or attended to. If you experience a slip and fall injury on ice or snow as a result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, lawyers at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP can help. Contact us today for a consultation.