This winter season has been exceptionally bad in New York City, dropping tons of snow and leaving city sidewalks, footpaths, stairwells, and doorways blanketed by embankments and covered in ice. These conditions are tremendously dangerous for pedestrians out walking the streets or residents simply walking into apartment and offices buildings or retail businesses. While most people consider accidental slips simple accidents, the truth is that winter ice-related slip and fall accidents in New York City can dramatically change a victim’s life.
While most injuries from slip and fall accidents on icy sidewalks, stoops, and entrances resulted in bruises (and bruised egos), some are much more serious. Similar falls have been linked to serious injuries including torn tendons, broken bones, internal injuries, and even severe head trauma—or TBI (traumatic brain injury).
The bottom line is that you can’t take any fall for granted. What feel s like a strain or sprain now could actually signal a hairline fracture or serious soft tissue damage that is only going to get worse. In addition, any time a head injury occurs, there’s a tremendous potential for concussion or worse. Several high-profile celebrity deaths have recently been related to subdural hematomas in the skull. This internal bleeding can be caused by relatively minor bumps or jolts and can go unnoticed for hours or even days before they become fatal.
The best course of action for anyone who slips and falls on a defective sidewalk or staircase and injures their head in any way is to seek immediate medical attention. Simple scans can let medical professionals know whether or not you’re at risk for TBI.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious head trauma after a fall, premises liability law may be on your side. Contact an experienced slip and fall accident attorney in New York City today to speak confidentially about your accident and the legal options available to you. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel, PLLC at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation.