Slip and Fall Accident Legal Help Long Island, NY – Contact Winkler Kurtz, LLP
Winkler Kurtz, LLP has been providing Slip and Fall Accident Legal Help on Long Island for over 25+ years. Our office can be found in Port Jefferson Station, NY.
At Winkler Kurtz, LLP, we strive for more than just winning a case. Our clients are considered part of the family, and we treat each one with the utmost level of respect and dedication they deserve. When our clients come to us for help, they are facing some of the most challenging times in their lives. We never underestimate the level of pain and suffering each situation can bring. Our exceptional team provides quality services that are unique to each individual’s needs to ensure you are educated and supported throughout the entirety of the legal process.
Our attorneys at Winkler Kurtz, LLP are experts in handling cases in the areas of personal injury, family law, elder law, wills and trusts, and real estate. These cases cover some of the most emotionally draining and sensitive topics for individuals and families. We know the consequences of an injury or traumatic loss can have global implications on your life, and we take extreme pride in taking on the responsibility of helping you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Whether you’ve suffered a work injury, are planning for the loss of a loved one, or looking to buy or sell your home, our team possesses the necessary resources and knowledge to secure a favorable outcome for your case and exceed your expectations around every turn.
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Understanding Slip and Fall Injuries
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 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.
Falls Among Older Adults
Falls are serious, costly, and unfortunately, prevalent among Americans 65 and older. The CDC estimates that one quarter of adults over the age of 65 falls each year. In fact, 3 million older people are treated for fall injuries in emergency rooms every year, with at least 300,000 hospitalized for hip fractures. Nearly all hip fractures are caused by falling.
For the elderly, fall injuries are among the 20 costliest injuries to treat. Treating fall injuries costs more than $50 billion per year, and the average hospital cost for a fall injury is over $30,000.
Among older adults, one in five falls results in a serious injury such as a broken wrist, arm, ankle, or hip, or even a traumatic head injury. Half of all elderly adults who are hospitalized for hip fractures can no longer live independently after the fracture.
Anyone who wishes to reduce a senior’s risk of falling should:
- Add railings and grab bars in bathrooms and on stairs
- Ensure the home is well lit
- Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs or clutter
- Repair broken or uneven steps
Because older adults are at significant risk of falling, nursing home staff should carefully monitor and assist elderly residents to prevent falls.
Falls in the Workplace
Falls are a primary cause of injury in the workplace, with 85% of workers’ compensation claims attributable to employee falls. Slips and falls also account for the majority of absences from work: 22% of slip and fall workplace injuries result in the worker being absent for more than a month.
Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height, such as scaffolding and ladders. Sadly, these falls are 100% preventable when following proper safety procedures.
Falls in Public Spaces
From slippery floors in the supermarket to poor lighting in a parking lot, falling hazards are everywhere. The law requires businesses and homes to maintain their premises so that people can travel safely. This responsibility is known as premises liability.
What to do if You Are Injured in a Fall
If you are injured due to a slip or fall, your first priority should be taking care of your health and obtaining the appropriate medical care. Then, it is imperative that you collect evidence to support your case. Follow these steps:
- Obtain medical treatment
- Report the accident to the owner or manager of the premises where you fell, and ask them for a written statement
- Document the circumstances surrounding your fall, and collect contact information of any witnesses
- Stay calm and do not discuss your fall with the property management, an insurance company, or on social media
- Get legal help from an experienced slip and fall attorney
Hire Us For Slip And Fall Accident Legal Help On Long Island
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident that is due to the negligence of a property owner or manager, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. The knowledgeable and experienced slip and fall accident lawyers at Winkler Kurtz, LLP will help you seek justice. Contact us online or call us today at 631-928-8000 for a complimentary consultation.
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 Us For Slip And Fall Accident Legal Help 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.