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

Depending upon the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim, the compensation may range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even higher for permanent injuries or death. Your future health, both physically and financially, is at stake, and you cannot take any chances when seeking fair compensation.

Cases involving a fall on an icy sidewalk require careful, professional, legal work. Attorney Justin D. Brandel is recognized throughout the legal community as a zealous advocate for the injured. He is responsible for many high value settlements, and is prepared to assist you immediately after a fall on an icy sidewalk. Take advantage of the firm’s offer of a free case evaluation, and find out how much your slip and fall case may be worth in compensation.

December 28, 2015
9:43 pm

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I Fell on an Icy Sidewalk — What Now?

Property owners and managers are required to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of the property. If you fell on an icy sidewalk, you may have legal recourse. Did the property owner or manager fail to clear the ice as required under the NYC code? The code requires the following:

Between the hours of 7 am and 5 pm, property owners are required to clear snow and ice within four hours.
Between the hours of 5 pm and 9 pm, the sidewalks are required to have snow and ice cleared within 14 hours.
Between the hours of 9 pm and 7 am, sidewalks must have snow and ice cleared by 11 am.

Property owners of commercial buildings, residential properties, and government buildings are all subject to this requirement. If you slipped and fell on an icy sidewalk and were injured, it is crucial that your case is evaluated by a skilled personal injury lawyer to help you determine how to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Unfortunately, icy sidewalks pose a serious safety hazard for pedestrians. Ice covered with fresh snow can often lead to severe or deadly injuries that could have been avoided had the walking surface been cleared as the law requires. Public property must also be cleared, including bus stop shelters, park paths, and walking areas in front of schools, police stations, and post office buildings.

Injured in a Fall on an Icy Sidewalk in New York?

Unfortunately, slip and falls are one of the most common and potentially deadly accidents. According to the CDC, one out of every five falls results in a serious injury, including fractures and head injuries, often with long term health consequences. The agency reports staggering statistics — over 700,000 people are hospitalized every year nationwide, with the majority suffering hip or head injuries.

Slips and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. These are potentially deadly, and when the person recovers physically, he or she can be left with either cognitive or physical impairments. Some of the most common injuries sustained if a person fell on an icy sidewalk in New York include:

Broken wrist
Broken ankle
Broken arm
Hip fractures
Head Injuries
Neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injury

Are you suffering from injuries sustained after you slipped and fell on an icy sidewalk? Connect with personal injury attorney Justin D. Brandel for help. You may have the right to pursue full compensation from the property owner, whether you fell in front of commercial, residential, or government property. The firm will fully investigate the facts and can advise you of your rights, what to expect, and the potential value of your claim. With an extensive record of success in personal injury law and a high-powered litigator managing your case, you can be confident that it will be handled with the highest level of professional skill.

December 21, 2015
9:50 pm

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Tag: icy sidewalk