- January 28, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Slip and Fall Accident
Walking around Manhattan is an adventure. Even on relatively quiet days, most streets and businesses are teeming with foot traffic. It is hard to walk a few feet without having to dodge around someone, which means you are constantly at the mercy of the terrain. And if that terrain is treacherous, you could get hurt in a slip and fall accident. You won’t always be able to avoid crowds, but you may be able to avoid slip and fall accidents if you’re aware of which parts of the city are the most dangerous.
Nursing Homes
Unless you live in a nursing home, this common location for falls in the city probably isn’t a danger to you. However, if you do live in a nursing home or have a relative in a nursing home, you should be aware of the danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 75% of nursing home residents fall every year. Some of those falls are understandable, given the age and infirmity of the residents. But many of them could have been prevented if nursing home staff had been more diligent. Unfortunately, negligence is responsible for a significant percentage of falls. If you are considering a nursing home for yourself or a loved one, you should research how common falls are in the facility.
Subways
While the Manhattan subway system is one of the best in the world, it can still be quite dangerous. Nearly every subway entrance is open to the elements; the stairs running into the subway are often slick with rain, snow, or other debris. You should never run up or down those stairs, even while in a hurry, and you should always hold tightly to the railing.
The interior of most subway stations is pretty dangerous, too. Many subways have tile floors, which can become slick when someone spills food or a drink, especially if janitorial services don’t clean up the mess quickly. Finally, while it is rare for subway platforms to be slick, except on snowy days, a fall off the platform is particularly treacherous. You should stay far back from the platform until the train has stopped.
Construction Sites
It is hard to find even a single block in Manhattan that doesn’t have at least one construction project going on, and this means that the city is filled with dangers for pedestrians. Construction sites put up blockades that require you to cross streets or briefly walk in the street. They also often litter the nearby area with debris, creating a treacherous walking path. If your route takes you by a construction site, the safest way to avoid slipping is to cross at a crosswalk before the site and avoid it completely.
The danger of a construction site is even greater if you work at the site. With power tools and construction vehicles everywhere, you have to be careful at all times. The ground quickly becomes littered with wood shavings, loose gravel, and various metal bits. This is difficult to walk on even if you are wearing boots. If you are working above the ground, you have to keep a close eye out for walkways that aren’t secured. When working at a construction site, always follow all safety regulations, and if someone else isn’t following those regulations, report your concerns to a manager or OSHA immediately. It is better to be safe than to have to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Central Park
While Manhattan doesn’t have a lot of green areas, it does have one of the most impressive parks in the world — but you won’t be that impressed if you slip and break a leg. Central Park has plenty of dangers. Like any park, the grass is inherently slick., and if you are running or playing, you could easily lose your footing if you aren’t wearing good sneakers. Furthermore, the park has lots of trees and rocky terrain. While these make it look nicer, they also make it more dangerous if you fall.
Another threat to be aware of is that several roads are running through the park. If you aren’t paying attention, you could walk over a hill and step right in front of a car — avoiding that could cause you to fall. Finally, Central Park has an almost legendary ice rink. Even if you are a good skater, you should wear pads while skating to avoid a nasty injury.
How to Respond to a Slip and Fall Accident
Sometimes accidents just happen. You trip over your feet and there isn’t anyone to blame, but many slip and fall accidents in Manhattan are a result of negligence. If you are injured due to the negligence of another, you deserve compensation for the harm you suffered. If you slip and fall in Manhattan, you should call Tucker Lawyers immediately. Our trip and fall attorneys will investigate your case and determine whether you have a claim. If you do, we will fight to get you every dollar possible so you can recover quickly from your injuries.
Staying Safe from Slip and Fall Accidents in Manhattan
Unfortunately, it is possible to get into a slip and fall accident almost anywhere in the city. But the places you should be most wary of are places where people gather, such as airports, subways, and parks. The more foot traffic there is, the more likely you will get into an accident. Whenever you are visiting these types of places, keep a close eye out for hazards like slick ground or a lack of maintenance. These are clear warning signs of slip and fall dangers.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Manhattan Today
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Manhattan, the owner of the premises where you were hurt may try to pay you off quickly. Don’t fall for that. Contact our law firm at (516) 399-2364 immediately to speak to a slip and fall lawyer and learn about your legal options.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]