Residents of upstate New York are familiar with harsh winters. You are probably aware of the risk of a slip and fall accident in snowy or icy conditions in the winter, but slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, in any season, including the summertime.
Slip and fall accident injuries are often severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of every five slip-and-fall accidents causes a major injury, such as a broken bone or a head injury, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Pools, water parks and beaches
There are many places that increase your chance of a slip-and-fall accident in the summertime. Many falls happen at public pools, which should have visible posted warning signs, cautioning people to walk carefully and not run, since surfaces can be slippery.
Any place there is water puts you at risk of a slip-and-fall accident, as well, including water parks or beaches. You should always wear appropriate shoes for whatever surface or area you will be walking on and follow all instructions on any warning signs you see.
Crowded tourist areas
Tourist areas in general can increase your chance of a slip-and-fall accident. Since the summertime is a major travel season, most tourist areas, such as sports stadiums, museums or downtown areas, are more crowded than usual.
The large number of people means that there is a greater chance that spills will not be cleaned up or materials will be left on the ground too long, creating dangerous conditions.
Know your rights after a slip-and-fall accident
When you suffer injuries due to a slip-and-fall accident, you could recover compensation if your fall occurred because of someone else’s negligence.
The people responsible for maintaining public areas have a legal duty to make sure these areas are safe. When this duty is breached and directly causes an accident that results in injuries, they can be legally liable.
It is important to know your legal options after a summertime slip-and-fall accident. A personal injury attorney can help.