(U.S. Law and generally) Most people do not plan their days around the risk of falling down and getting injured. While they may underappreciate slipping and falling, the consequences of these accidents can be devastating. In fact, slip and fall accidents commonly occur in a variety of places, calling for people to be aware of their surroundings and take caution to avoid falling. If they do fall and injure themselves, people are encouraged to consider the ramifications and whether their accidents are being properly addressed.

The Risk of Escalators

Most people enjoy riding up and down escalators. However, these fixtures can be dangerous for anyone, particularly elderly people. In fact, OSHA recently reported that in a 15 year span from 1991 to 2005, more than 40,000 people have been injured by falling off escalators. Public venues that have escalators on their premises have a variety of recourses available to them when someone falls and gets hurt on their properties. They typically are expected, if not legally required, to pay for victims’ medical expenses.

These locations may also have recourse to make repairs or adjustments to the escalators as well. Victims who are ignored by property owners or managers, are not offered help with medical bills, or referred to the venues’ legal team should contact a new york escalator accident lawyer to help them recoup compensation for their injuries.

Sidewalks Needing Upkeep

Both public and private property owners must keep up their sidewalks. Cracks, uneven pavement, and holes must be repaired so that passersby do not fall and get hurt. People who slip and fall on sidewalks can pursue legal action against the property owners. Even so, these accidents are often go unreported because many people do not seek medical help after they fall.

Accidents on Playgrounds

Adults are not the only ones prone to these accidents. The Center for Disease Control estimates as many as 200,000 children are injured each year by falling and slipping while playing on playgrounds. If a child falls on public property, such as at a city or county park, parents may seek legal remedy from the government agency that is responsible for the property’s upkeep. If a child falls on private property, those parents would have to pursue action against that private owner. A manhattan slip and fall lawyer can advise on the best course of action and who the responsible party would be.

Nursing Homes and Medical Facilities

The CDC estimates that close to 1800 people slip and fall in nursing homes and medical facilities each year. While these accidents occur on premises where medical staff is on hand to help, people still should have the expectation of being able to walk safely throughout these locations without falling and getting hurt. Any attorney, whether a NY slip and fall accident lawyer or one in Kansas, will agree that owners of private businesses and properties may have a responsibility to take care of victims who are injured onsite or under their care. Victims of slip and fall accidents should contact an attorney to find out what actions can be taken and how to negotiate with these facilities’ owners.

Slip and fall accidents can occur literally anywhere. Places that are generally assumed to be safe can actually pose a risk to people, especially elderly individuals or small children who are less mobile and steady on their feet. Property owners have an obligation to address the cases of slip and fall victims and provide financial assistance as needed. Victims can find out what legal actions are available to them after an accident by contacting a reliable attorney.

Freelance author/artist and self-proclaimed klutz Molly Pearce writes to inform readers on common-place injuries in today’s world and human rights as they relate. NY slip and fall accident lawyer group, the Perecman Firm, PLLC are advocates for the injured in the courtroom and have aided those suffering from paralysis, injuries to the head, broken bones and other serious injuries because of property owner negligence.