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

New York is subject to harsh winter weather conditions, with temperatures often plummeting to below freezing and many snow storms moving through the area during the season. Recent years have brought increased levels of snow and ice. A pedestrian can suffer serious injury from a fall on an icy sidewalk, and in many cases, will need many months of treatment to recover. The most serious injuries result in permanent impairments. Injuries associated with icy sidewalks can include:

  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Permanent impairment, physical, cognitive, or both
  • Hip fractures

What the Facts Tell Us About Falls: A Problem for the Elderly

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.

Compensation for a Fall on an Icy Sidewalk in New York

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