Autumn Leaves Are Here, but Don’t Fall for Their Beauty
The changing leaves that become the landscape of Upstate New York this time of year are truly a wonder to behold. In fact, people travel from miles around to get a glimpse of the radiant reds, vibrant oranges and stunning yellow hues.
However, like most things in life, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Unfortunately, once those beauties drift down onto the roadways, sidewalks, parking lots and walkways, the beautiful leaves turn into an accident waiting to happen.
Slip and falls and trip and falls are quite common throughout the fall because, with weather being so unpredictable, a morning frost or afternoon shower can turn a pile of leaves into a danger zone. Additionally, leaves can mask trip and fall hazards such as potholes, upended tree roots, sidewalk cracks, uneven pavement and more.
It’s important to take caution from both a property owner’s perspective and a visitor’s vantage point. The owner of a property could be facing a premises liability lawsuit if they fail to maintain their property. On the other hand, if you slip and fall, you may be able to collect significant damages for your personal injuries.
Property owners should keep all walkways, parking lots and stairs free of leaves. Additionally, keep an eye on entry ways to buildings where wet leaves can be brought in by visitors, creating a major hazard. Also, make sure that all lighting is in good working order. The combination of leaves and dim lighting can be extremely dangerous.
If you are injured in a slip and fall or trip & fall accident, it’s possible to sue the owner of the property for compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. This is especially true if the injuries sustained are catastrophic, meaning they will impact you for a long time to come.
Further, the effects of a personal injury accident go far beyond broken bones, cuts and bruises (and even traumatic brain injury or back pain). The emotionally ramifications from getting hurt, being in pain and falling behind on bills because you can’t work while recovering can become overwhelming.
Contact a personal injury lawyer who will fight for maximum compensation when you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident. We will explain your rights and fight for your family. Call the LaDuca Law Firm today for a free consultation.
