Premises Liability Lawyer Bronx, NY

A Bronx, NY premises liability lawyer knows that winter in New York is a good time to stay indoors and get cozy by the fire with your loved ones. However, we all must keep commitments during the colder months, and work, school, and running errands all require us to leave the house at one time or another. Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone at any time of the year, but they are more likely in the winter months, due to slippery surfaces caused by snow and ice. If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident, contact Blitz Law Group, LLP for legal assistance.

National Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one million Americans are injured each year as a result of falling on ice and snow. Tragically, approximately, 17,000 of these victims die from their injuries.

There is a chance for a slip or fall anytime there is a wet surface indoors in a location such as a store, or outside on a sidewalk or parking lot. Slips, trips, and falls on snow and ice do pose a serious risk for injury. Some of the more common include:

• Broken bones, particularly the wrists, knees, shins, and hips
• Concussions or other head trauma from hitting your head on the ground
• Herniated discs in the spine, particularly in the lower back
• Spinal fractures and other compression fractures
• Ligament and muscle sprains and strains

Who Is Liable for Snow Removal

As a Bronx premises liability lawyer knows, under New York law, every property owner, property manager, lessee, tenant, or any other party that has charge of a property is required to clear ice and snow from the sidewalk adjacent to the property. This removal must take place between four to 14 hours after the snow has stopped falling. There are specific stipulations to this law that owners can find on the city’s website. Failure to comply with the law can result in fines.

In addition to fines, a property owner or another responsible party may also be named in a personal injury claim if they fail to clear the snow and someone falls and is injured. Victims can pursue damages for their medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, disfigurement, scarring, permanent disability, and other losses their injuries have caused.

Avoiding Winter Slips And Falls

If you find yourself walking in a slippery area, there are things you can do to help avoid slipping. Always be aware of the footing around you as you are walking. That fluffy snow could actually have a dangerous sheet of ice underneath it. If an area looks too dangerous, consider walking around that area, even if that means crossing to the other side of the street. It can be a good idea to carefully check an area using your foot to see how slippery it might be. Walk slowly and carefully and try to avoid any icy areas.

Contact Our Office For Help

If you do suffer an injury from a slip and fall because of a negligent business or property owner, contact Blitz Law Group, LLP to meet with a skilled Bronx premises liability lawyer and find out what type of personal injury claim you may have.

Types of Accidents

As a Bronx, NY premises liability lawyer can explain, both state and municipal laws require property owners to keep their properties hazard free and safe. This applies to all business and residential owners. If the owner fails to do this and a person is injured because of that negligence, the owner would then be legally liable for any damages those injuries cause the victim to suffer.

There are any number of types of incidents that can occur on a property that can leave a victim seriously injured, however, at Blitz Law Group, PLLC, the following are some of the most common that our lawyers have successfully handled for our clients.  

Slip and Fall Accidents

These are the most common types of premises liability cases that each Bronx premises liability lawyer at our firm handles. Although slip and fall accidents are often the topics of comedy skits, the reality is that they can result in very serious injuries for the victim. For example, hitting a floor or the ground hard in a fall can cause traumatic brain injuries or fractured bones that can leave a victim facing months of recovery or even permanent disabilities.

Stairway Accidents

Every stairway should have a solidly attached handrail, a non-skid covering on the steps, and proper lighting. Steps should also not be steep. Failure to ensure that any one of these issues is not met can result in a victim falling down stairs and suffering terrible injuries. Brain injuries, neck or back injuries, and even paralysis can be tragic results.

Falling Objects

Unsecured objects can be a serious problem, especially in retail establishments. Piling shelves too high can cause shelves to collapse on top of customers. Too much product piled up can also leave the piles unstable, also resulting in items falling on customers. Victims can suffer broken bones, head injuries, and injuries to the back or neck. Display cases can also cause issues, especially if they are blocking aisles and entrances, and exits.

Security

In addition to ensuring there are no physical hazards on their property, owners also have a duty of care to make sure that they have safety factors in place to protect customers (or tenants) from assaults and other violent acts. Failure to repair security alarms or locks, failure to replace burnt-out lighting, etc., that results in a victim being robbed or assaulted can leave the property owner liable for the losses the event causes the victim to suffer.

Pursuing a Case

If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of a property owner, you have the legal right under New York law to file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner to recover financial compensation for the following:

Medical expenses, including any future expenses if you have been left with any disabilities

Lost wage if you were unable to work while recovering. This also includes future income if you are left disabled.

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Permanent disability

A Bronx premises liability lawyer from Blitz Law Group, LLP can help. Call our office today for a free case evaluation.