New York City is beautiful in the winter but can also be dangerous. To prevent slips and falls, it’s essential that you are cautious, aware of your surroundings, and wearing appropriate footwear. Whether walking on city streets or in the parks, slick conditions can lead to slips, trips, and falls that often cause serious injuries. The good news is slip and fall hazards during winter in New York can often be avoided—the following guide details how to keep out of harm’s way.
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If you have been hurt due to the negligence of another party, contact Friedman Levy for a free consultation. Property owners and managers have a duty of care to keep the city safe during the winter. If they’ve failed, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages and losses. Trust that our dedicated legal team will leverage our considerable resources to fight for your rights.
Choose Your Footwear Wisely
Staying safe begins with footwear that provides traction and stability on icy streets. Avoid plastic and leather-soled shoes because they tend to be the most dangerous. Instead, look for boots with large treads and soles with deep lugs constructed with a rubber and neoprene composite. Many people also attach ice cleats with small spikes to the soles of shoes and boots. Generally, the more texture on the soles of your shoes, the more likely you will avoid a fall.
Be Cautious and Take Your Time
Avoid rushing when there is snow and ice on the ground. Take small steps or even shuffle if it is especially slippery so that you maintain your center of gravity. The faster you walk, the more likely you are to lose your balance when you least expect it. If you commuting to work, the best way to avoid being late and having to rush is to leave home with plenty of time to spare. Even heading out fifteen minutes early could give you the time you need to carefully pace your steps.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Be aware that some areas are going to be more dangerous than others. For example, ice is more likely to accumulate in the shadows of buildings than in sunlight. Sometimes, the pavement could be glazed with black ice. By carefully evaluating your options, you are more likely to chart a course that avoids falls. If possible, avoid sidewalks or streets and walk on the grass, which provides more traction.
Most of these suggestions apply to ice-covered roads or sidewalks. However, remember that in congested areas, entrances to buildings can also be hazardous, as people track in ice and water on their shoes, making the floors slick and dangerous.
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Issues with Liability
Property owners and managers bear responsibility for clearing ice and snow from NYC sidewalks. However, their insurance companies often argue that the injured victim bears some fault for the accident. For example, they can claim that you should have been aware of the danger and taken steps to avoid the area, that you were not wearing appropriate footwear, that you were not paying attention, e.g., talking on your phone, or that you were on a part of the property that wasn’t open to visitors.
Since New York is a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction, if you are found to bear any responsibility for your injuries, your damages award will be affected. If you’ve been hurt, missed work, or sustained other losses, speaking with experienced legal counsel is important.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Friedman Levy
If you slipped and fell, you may have the right to seek compensation. Often, it could have been avoided if the property owner had taken reasonable steps to protect you from harm. Let a winter slip and fall accident lawyer assist with your case. Call us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.
