One of the most frequent accidents of everyday life is a slip-and-fall. Injuries resulting from falls can range from bruises to life-threatening head trauma.
You can do little about darkness, bad weather, or other natural hazards except to proceed with extra care. But when a slip fall is caused by negligence on the part of a property owner, there are steps you can take to mitigate the effects of an injury.
The most common preventable slips are uneven pavement, snowy or icy sidewalks, unfilled potholes, slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, and lack of warning signs in construction zones. Pedestrians need to wear appropriate footwear, watch where they are going, maintain a safe walking speed, and adjust their behavior for changes in weather or surface conditions.
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the safety of their premises. Areas such as sidewalks and parking lots must be
- Smooth and even, with no abrupt discontinuities;
- Clear of loose materials that might cause a trip;
- Adequately lighted;
- Free of holes, cracks, or other irregularities;
-
Marked with warning signs during construction periods.
After a Slip-and-Fall
Should you suffer a sidewalk fall accident, make a detailed record of the incident as soon as possible:
- Note the exact location where you fell;
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. If this is not possible, note their appearances, so you can describe them to a police officer or a lawyer;
- If you have a cell phone with a camera, take pictures of the accident site;
- Immediately tell someone exactly what happened, and get that person's contact information;
- Keep a running record of all expenses you incur, such as cab fares and cleaning bills for soiled clothing.
If you are involved in such an accident, a lawyer with experience in personal-injury claims can explain your rights and help you assess the need, if any, for legal action. An initial consultation is free.
![[picture of] Daniel A. Kalish](/design/images/attorneyPic.jpg)
