Serious Injury From a Fall on an Icy Sidewalk — Facts and Statistics

Statistics issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveal falls are the leading cause of injuries for older adults. There are five New York neighborhoods in which the risk of a fall is higher, according to the agency: Staten Island, east Manhattan, and northwest Bronx. Other neighborhoods with high numbers of falls include West Queens and Flushing-Clearview. When sidewalks are icy, the risk of a fall is far higher; when a property owner has failed in his or her duty to keep the walking surfaces safe, it is time to take action and seek justice.

An icy sidewalk is a risk for a pedestrian of any age. No matter how sturdy the footwear, a patch of ice makes it almost impossible to avoid a dangerous, or potentially deadly slip and fall accident. CBS New York recently reported that unkempt sidewalks and violations of snow and ice clearing regulations are at their worst in the Bronx. Abandoned buildings and foreclosed properties are not maintained, leaving those in the area dealing with hazardous walking conditions.