Fall has begun and the streets and parks of New York City are vibrant with the leaves changing and beautiful scenery all around. Fall also brings a list of new hazards that can lead to serious personal injuries. Unraked leaves, slippery sidewalks, and heightened risks of slips, trips, and falls increase during this time of the year. The Licatesi Law Group wants to ensure that you and your family are aware of these potential dangers and understand your legal rights if you do sustain an injury due to someone else’s negligence.

FALL HAZARDS TO WATCH OUT FOR

New York streets during the fall can be filled with falling leaves and other types of seasonal debris. The leaves can quickly pile up and create many potential dangers that can result in an injury occurring. Wet or unraked leaves can cause hazards that are sometimes as dangerous as ice in terms of causing slip and fall accidents. Additionally, seasonal rain, getting dark earlier, and weather patterns changing can increase these risks making outdoor surfaces more slippery and causing visibility issues.

Common hazards that may cause slip/trip and fall accidents during the fall season can include accumulation of leaves, poor lighting, obstructed walkways, and unmaintained sidewalks. Accumulation of leaves can occur when leaves in a specific area are left to pile up hiding uneven pavements, cracks, or holes that usually are visible. When these leaves are wet, they can become slippery increasing the risk of a slip and fall accident occurring. Poor lighting tends to happen when the days begin to get shorter making it difficult to see obstacles or changes in floor elevation making trip and fall accidents more likely to occur. Obstructed sidewalks or walkways can occur when branches fall, debris build up, and yard tools are left outside creating more tripping hazards. Furthermore, unmaintained sidewalks by property owners who are responsible for keeping their sidewalks and entryways clear from leaves piling up, debris, or any other hazard. If they fail to do this the result is serious accidents occurring.

PROPERTY OWNERS' RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE FALL

Homeowners, business owners, or city property all are responsible for maintaining the premises and have to exercise reasonable care to keep their property safe for individuals and visitors. Regularly clearing leaves and other debris from walkways, staircases, and other areas is of importance. When these duties are neglected by property owners, they can be held liable for injuries sustained. This will allow the injured individual to be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED

If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip/trip and fall accident this fall season it is important to take action. This can include seeking medical attention, documenting the scene, reporting the incident, and contacting an experienced personal injury attorney. The Licatesi Law Group has a group of experienced and dedicated attorneys with a successful history of dealing with slip/trip and fall cases. The Licatesi Law Group provides a free consultation so you can speak to an attorney about your case and get the guidance you need. Stay safe this fall and remember if you or your loved one have been injured due to a property owner's negligence, The Licatesi Law Group is here to provide the support and representation you