Over one million Americans suffer a slip and fall injury on an annual basis and over 17,000 people die in the U.S. as a result of these injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20% to 30% of people who experience a slip and fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or head injuries. The most common type of falls in the U.S. is categorized as “same-level” falls, which are accidents on walking surfaces.
The majority of injuries from slip and falls are bone fractures however; these types of accidents are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, and account for 46% of fatal falls among older Americans. The CDC estimates that over 15,000 people 65 and older die annually from slip and fall injuries, account for 15% of all job related injuries, and is the single largest cause of emergency room visits in the U.S.
Slip and falls in New York City are indeed numerous and caused by various types of environmental or physical conditions such as; weather, unlevel sidewalks, uneven stairs, unsafe floor conditions, potholes, poor lighting, or unsafe working conditions. In New York, if a slip and fall accident is due to a negligent condition, you may be able to recover monetary damages for your physical, emotional and economic suffering.
A personal injury attorney experienced in slip and fall cases has the knowledge and expertise to determine if legal action may be pursued. The personal injury attorney will not only seek the maximum recovery for pain and suffering for the injuries sustained in the accident along with any unpaid medical expenses and lost income but will also provide guidance and counsel to help resolve any medical and financial issue arising out of the accident.