Bronx Slip and Fall Lawyer

Why do wet floors cause people to slip and fall?

Let’s start with the basics, friction. Friction is the force that resists motion between two surfaces sliding against each other. When you walk, friction between your shoes and the ground helps you move forward without slipping.

When a surface is dry, there is a lot of friction because the soles of your shoes can grip the tiny bumps and grooves of the surface. However, when the surface is wet, a thin layer of water acts like a lubricant, reducing the grip. This happens because the fluid fills the grooves and creates a smoother surface, so there’s less friction.

On very wet surfaces, your shoe might not even completely touch the ground. Instead, it could be gliding on a thin layer of water, much like a car tire hydroplanes on a wet road. This further reduces friction and increases the likelihood of slipping. With reduced friction, you have less control over your movement. Your foot can slide easily, making it harder to keep your balance, and thus, you might slip and fall.

What are some common causes of slip and fall accidents?

These accidents, while similar to trips and falls, stem from distinct hazards. A wide range of hazardous conditions often lead to many slip and fall incidents. Some of these include:

• Leaking Roofs
• Slippery floors in a supermarket
• Wet floors due to mopping
• Overuse of wax or floor polish
• Urine on staircases or hallways
• Water leaks from refrigeration units
• Drips from air conditioning units
• Accumulated snow and ice

What do you need to prove to win a slip and fall case?

In New York, a slip and fall case typically involves certain key elements that the plaintiff must prove in order to win. These include establishing that the condition that caused the fall was not reasonably safe. It also must be established that the property owner either caused the dangerous condition, or that they were aware of the dangerous condition before the incident occurred.

You must also remember that with slip and fall cases, like all injury cases, there are strict time limits within which your claim must be filed. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is dependent upon many factors. These factors include the type of claim being brought, the type of the defendant being sued, the age of the plaintiff as well as other potential factors.

The Notice Requirement

It is also important to note that not every slippery surface results in a valid legal claim. For a surface to be considered actionable under New York law, it must be considered “not reasonably safe”, and the property owner must have had “notice” of this unsafe condition. “Notice” is a legal term that indicates the property owner:

• Created the hazardous condition; or
• Was aware of the condition but did not take steps to rectify it; or
• Should have aware of the condition, considering how long it had been present prior to the accident.

Establishing “notice” in a slip and fall case is often complex and generally requires witness testimony to ascertain how long the hazardous condition was present before the accident occurred. The longer a condition existed, the stronger the argument that the property owner should have been aware of it and taken corrective action.

Important Evidence To Help Win Your Case

To successfully prove and win a slip and fall case, the specific evidence required varies based on the individual case’s circumstances. However, there are general steps you can take to strengthen your claim:

• Document the hazard: Take photos or videos of the accident site immediately.
• Gather witness accounts: Talk to people who are familiar with the location to determine how long the hazard was present.
• Check for prior notifications: Investigate if the property owner was previously informed about the problem.
• Look for surveillance footage: Seek nearby video cameras that might have recorded the incident. This is crucial as such footage can reveal how and when the hazardous substance appeared on the floor.

What Are Common Injuries That Are Cause by Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can result in a range of injuries, varying severity. Common injuries from such accidents include:

• Broken Bones: These injuries are frequent in slip and fall accidents, with the elderly being particularly susceptible to bone fractures. Common areas for fractures include hips, lower legs, arms, rib cage, shoulders, and collarbone.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from fractured vertebrae and herniated discs to pinched nerves. The severity can vary widely, potentially leading to pain, limited mobility, or in severe cases, paralysis. The spinal cord injuries can be classified based on where they occur in the spine, such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal injuries.
• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can occur if the head hits the ground or another object during the fall. Symptoms can range from dizziness and nausea to more severe cases like memory loss, cognitive impairment, or even a coma. Types of TBIs include concussions, hematomas, and skull fractures.
• Neck Injuries: These can result from damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck, sometimes leading to conditions like whiplash, which is common in slip and fall accidents.
• Shoulder and Elbow Injuries: These can occur from trying to brace oneself on an out stretched arm during a fall, leading to broken bones, nerve, and soft tissue injuries in the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
• Knee and Ankle Injuries: Twisting a knee or ankle during a fall can lead to a range of injuries from sprains and strains to broken bones and tears.

It’s important to note that the impact and consequences of these injuries can vary greatly depending on the individual’s age, health status, and the specifics of the fall. In any case, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our experienced slip and fall accident lawyers by email or calling (800) 762-9300 for a free consultation.  You can also simply fill out one of our case intake forms and we will have one of our attorneys get right back to you.

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