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Tips on Preventing and Reporting Slip and Fall Accidents in NYC

Posted in Premises Liability,Slip and Fall Accidents on November 27, 2012

The United States is home to hundreds of millions of ambulatory people. Every day people are walking and working, and sometimes slipping and falling. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that unintentional falls account for 19,565 fatalities per year. Slip and fall accidents can cause moderate to severe injuries including:

• Spinal cord and cranial injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Muscles sprains

Slip and fall accidents can also cause complications, including:

• Death
• Incapacitation
• Long-term medical complications

Slip and fall accidents can be extremely serious, but they can also be prevented if you heed the following tips:

• Tip #1: Always wear appropriate footwear. This means wearing footwear with the proper treads. Wearing shoes without treads or shoes that are open-toed can lead to a serious slip and fall experience.
• Tip #2: Always take care when walking in bad weather. Walk slower in icy, snowy, or rainy conditions. Stay alert for ice or other fall hazards. Use all of your senses to stay alert for possible slip and fall hazards.
• Tip #3: Before operating a ladder of any height make sure to read and understand the operating instructions.

What to do if you have suffered a slip and fall injury

Doing everything you can to prevent slip and fall accidents don’t always turn out the way you’d like. If you’ve experienced a slip and fall accident you’ll need to follow these tips to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

• Tip #1: If your accident occurs outside of your home, immediately report the accident to the property owner, the supervisor, the manager, or whoever is in charge of the property. Get a signed copy of the accident report before leaving the scene.
• Tip #2: Get the names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Tip #3: Take notes, pictures, and samples of anything at the scene that may have caused the accident. This should include a sample of any fluids or slippery substances. Photos should be clear, labeled and time-stamped.
• Tip #4: Get medical help and keep detailed records of any medical treatments for injuries caused by the slip and fall accident.
• Tip #5: Carefully remove and store the shoes and clothing you were wearing when the accident occurred. Place them in Ziploc bags and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Tip #6: If you or someone you love has been injured by a slip and fall accident; immediately contact an experienced slip and fall accident attorney to learn about your rights.

Slip and fall accidents in NYC can be prevented, however, when they do occur you may need to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney in New York with proven experience and success with premises liability cases. Contact the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel for a free case review or second opinion. There is never a fee unless they win your case.