New York is famous for its atmosphere and architecture. Millions of people travel all over our state every year to experience the scenery and traditions.
These large crowds require a solid infrastructure to support them. Unfortunately, our state’s love of tradition means that our infrastructure is often outdated, slow to update, and in some instances, deteriorating.
This aging infrastructure makes slip-and-fall accidents more common in New York, both for White Plains residents and for our welcomed guests.
Common New York Slip and Fall Accidents
- Subway Stations: New York’s aging subway infrastructure often has slippery or uneven surfaces in stations. If these conditions are on stairs or platforms, they can cause a significant hazard.
- Crowded Sidewalks with Old Pavement: The combination of high pedestrian traffic and poorly maintained sidewalks in New York increases the risk of falls. Issues like cracks, uneven surfaces, and unaddressed ice or snow are common causes of slip-and-fall accidents.
- Historic Buildings: Many of New York’s historical buildings have worn staircases and uneven flooring. They are deteriorating from age, but they were also designed when there were fewer people in New York. They may not have accounted for the sheer volume of tourists we see today.
- Weather-Related Issues: Inadequate drainage systems and poor street maintenance worsen the impact of weather conditions every year. When our drainage infrastructure isn’t maintained or updated, rain and snow have nowhere to go. They run over walkways and roads, causing the perfect conditions for a slip-and-fall accident.
- Potholes and No Street Repair: New York is well known for its potholes and how long it takes to repair them. They cause tripping hazards for pedestrians and damage to vehicles.
- Poor Lighting in Old Neighborhoods: Some of New York’s older neighborhoods have poor lighting because the infrastructure is outdated. Alleyways are dimly lit and cluttered, creating a common slip-and-fall hazard that many have experienced.
Who is Liable for a Slip-and-Fall Accident in New York Caused by Aging Infrastructure?
In slip-and-fall cases, liability often depends on the specifics of each case. If you have questions about your own incident, call Gash & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation.
Here’s a general overview of who could be responsible if your personal injury was caused by New York’s aging infrastructure:
- The Property Owners: They are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property. If a slip and fall occurs due to a hazard the owner knew about, they may be liable.
- Local Government: For falls on public sidewalks, streets, or public buildings, the city might be liable. Especially if they didn’t maintain safe conditions.
- Corporations: If the accident happened in a store or restaurant, and it was caused by the negligence of the staff, the corporation may be held accountable. Poor training and inadequate staffing can lead to spills and wet floors that the customer is not warned about. If a customer is injured, the company should pay for their treatment and medical bills.
Call Gash & Associates Today
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by New York’s aging infrastructure, call our White Plains office today at (914) 328-8800. Let our compassionate personal injury law firm handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovery.
