Slips and falls are much more common accidents than most people realize. These accidents occur most frequently when a person is walking on a wet or uneven surface, such as a recently waxed floor, a loose carpet or floorboard, an unshovelled sidewalk, or unsalted steps. If you need a slip and fall lawyer on Long Island, please contact Winkler Kurtz, LLP.
If a third party was responsible for the dangerous conditions that caused the slip or fall, there may be grounds for a personal injury case. An experienced slip and fall injury attorney can help you understand your rights.
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AVOIDING SLIPS & FALLS ON ICY SURFACES
When do slip and falls occur?
Slips, trips and falls are some of the most common causes of injury among adults 65 years old and older living in the community, accounting for 34% of all unintentional injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs). Older adults who suffer a fall, even if they do not fall to the ground, have a much higher risk of being admitted to a nursing home or long-term care facility after the injury.
6 steps for avoiding slips and falls
Selecting appropriate footwear for winter weather conditions is one way to prevent slips and falls. Hikers use buying guides which rank hiking boots based on different criteria. Many of these criteria can be used to select a winter boot for safe walking on ice and snow.
- Look for a solid, slip-resistant outsole construction that provides traction on different surfaces such as gravel or wet rocks, especially if you walk to work every day. Pay close attention to the density of the outsole material and both lateral and medial side stability.
- Check the upper materials and linings. Boots with a waterproof membrane or coating provide extra insulation to keep your feet dry, which is especially important if you plan to walk in snow for extended periods of time. Added insulation also helps keep feet warm when walking for long periods on cold surfaces. Lining materials such as fleece or faux fur provide thermal insulation, wicking moisture away from your feet.
- Sturdy eyelets and lace hooks are best for snow boots, as they hold laces firmly in place to prevent slipping during activity or if you step on the laces by accident. A durable, strong lace is also helpful to achieve a tight fit around your ankles.
- Select boots with durable, slip-resistant outsoles and relatively shallow heels (1/2 to 3/4 inch). Avoid boots with multiple layers or cushioning under the insole as these can compress after extended wear, reducing the boot’s slip-resistance. 5. Look for easy on and off designs like pull-on handles or buckles and zippers. This is especially important if you need to remove your boots quickly (for example, at the bus stop).
- Look for well-defined insteps that provide support and prevent your foot from sliding forward when walking downhill. Also, avoid boots that are extremely wide around the ankle – these can make it difficult to walk. Also, don’t choose boots with laces that are too long as they can get caught if you trip or slip.
Remember, some manufacturers will have different models specifically designed for winter conditions so check their specifications before making a purchase.
Avoiding slips and falls in the workplace
For workplaces, employers should work with employees on a safe footwear program and provide them with information on different types of winter footwear. This may be especially important for older workers as they face a greater risk of slips and falls due to reduced balance and vision, among other things.
Workplaces should also ensure that employees know the appropriate footwear required for work and how it affects their safety. Employees can benefit from on-site training on proper footwear use. They should also be encouraged to participate in regular “toolbox talks” that provide employees with updates on specific workplace hazards and how to prevent them. If you feel that your employer has led to you suffering an injury, please contact our slip and fall lawyer on Long Island for assistance.
Slips, trips and falls are not just inconvenient; they can often result in serious injury. Winter is a good time for all of us to be reminded of the importance of using appropriate footwear for different surfaces.
Remember, when in doubt, leave it out!
Contact our slip and fall lawyer on Long Island
Winkler Kurtz, LLP can be reached by giving us a call at 631-928-8000 or by scheduling an appointment via our website forms.
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN NEW YORK FOR A SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT?
New York Statute of Limitations for a Slip & Fall
Is the “clock ticking”? Contact a New York slip and fall attorney!
The statute of limitations is only one factor to consider. For example, you can always file an injury claim after a serious incident, even if it’s been three years since the accident occurred. This is called filing a “late notice” or “tardy notice.” The court will simply extend the statute of limitations for a reasonable amount of time, usually one year. However, you should always file your claim as soon as possible since the court may refuse your request for an extension.
In addition to filing a late notice, it’s also wise to consider other circumstances that could interrupt the running of the statute of limitations – such as personal injury claims that are disguised as property damage claims, or if the defendant poses a threat to your physical safety.
Does Location Play a Role?
The other important factor is your location; since New York state law says personal injury cases must be filed within three years of the incident, you should not rely on the date of an accident in another state. For example, if you were driving in North Carolina and got into a minor car accident, then later suffered an injury in New York that’s related to the earlier accident, you would have three years from the date of your New York injury to file a claim with the court.
Other Factors to Consider From Our Slip and Fall Lawyer on Long Island
Finally, if you are under age 18 at the time of your personal injury incident or any property damage incident, you have until your 19th birthday to file a claim. For example, if your car is damaged in a hit-and-run accident when you are 17 years old, but it’s not reported for another year after your 18th birthday, the statute of limitations would still start on the day of the first incident (that is, the moment when the other driver made contact with your car).
If you have a question about a slip and fall accident, contact our slip and fall lawyer on Long Island today by giving us a call at 631-928-8000 or by filling out a form on our website.