All New Yorkers should know about the various slip-and-fall hazards and how to work around them. That way, they can avoid accidents. Slip and falls occur most frequently from December to February when slippery ice is more prevalent. However, other common causes include liquids or grease on the floor, unsafe use of scaffolding or ladders and poorly lit stairs. Most falls are from the same level.Even falling from a couple feet can result in major injuries. Slip-and-fall injuries can include sprains and strain, bruises and contusions and broken bones and concussions. By following a few tips, however, people can reduce slip-and-fall risks.No matter the work industry, everyone should wear well-fitting and slip-resistant shoes at work. People should also refrain from texting while walking or doing anything else that will distract [...]

The CDC estimates that there are 7.4 million swimming pools in residential and public use in the U.S. Homeowners in New York will want to consider the following three safety tips if they own a pool. Though more than 3,500 non-boating drowning accidents occur each year in this country, drowning is not the only concern to watch out for.First, homeowners should secure the pool perimeter with a climb-resistant fence and an alarm. The fence should be at least 4 feet high, and the vertical slats should be spaced no more than 4 inches apart. The gate should be a self-closing gate, and the latch should be above the reach of small children. Homeowners should be aware that they are protecting their pools against trespassing children too, not just their own.Every [...]

Hotels owners in New York must balance providing a friendly atmosphere with ensuring the safety of guests. This may be done in part by making sure that room keys are only given to registered visitors. Security should also do its part to ensure that only guests have access to the building. Taking these steps may reduce the odds of theft occurring on the premises.Staff members should be given adequate training in key distribution and other safety measures the hotel wants to implement. Ideally, they will be allowed to intervene to protect guest safety and security when necessary. Furthermore, guests should be encouraged to take steps toward protecting their items.For instance, they could be told not to give their keys to someone else or announce their room numbers at a loud [...]

Researchers from CNA Financial Corporation have reviewed records of slip-and-fall liability claims from 2010 to 2016, finding several common factors in the accidents recorded. Businesses in New York and across the U.S. will want to consider the advice that the researchers gave on how to improve floor safety.CNA concluded that the flooring in 50 percent of surveyed sites did not meet the national standard for dynamic coefficient of friction, or DCOF, levels. This means that half of all floors were not slip-resistant enough. Approximately 40 percent of the accidents took place on walking and working surfaces, especially entry flooring, while 27 percent occurred on sidewalks leading up to the entrance. More than 30 percent of slips and falls happened in parking lots.The majority of claims were leveled against real estate [...]

People who enjoy visiting New York amusement parks may have also heard about some serious accidents. For example, in May, a 10-year-old boy in California was thrown off a water slide at the park's grand opening. He did not suffer any serious injuries, but it was necessary to close down some areas in the park.A more serious incident occurred in 2016 in Kansas when a child was killed on a water ride. While the settlement was not disclosed, it was believed to be about $20 million. Both the owners and operators of the ride and the manufacturer of the raft in the ride were found financially liable.Such incidents are rare, but manufacturers may carry insurance policies that cover these types of accidents. There may be general liability, excess liability and [...]

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is transmitted when people consume substances that have been infected with fecal matter. People in New York should be aware that the number of yearly reported Cryptosporidium outbreaks caused by swimming pools doubled to 32 between 2014 and 2016, according to early data from the Centers for Disease Control.Crypto is the main cause of illnesses and outbreaks related to diarrhea associated with water playgrounds and pools. This is primarily because it is very difficult to kill with chlorine and able to survive in properly treated water for up to 10 days. A mere mouthful of water infected with Crypto can sicken healthy people for up to three weeks with vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea and watery diarrhea. These symptoms can cause the affected individuals to become [...]

New York residents may see skateboarding as a recreational activity or as a way to get around town. However, there is an extreme element to it that can result in liability issues for property owners. Each year, there are more than 25,000 trips to the emergency room related to skateboard injuries, and nearly 60 percent of those who are injured are under the age of 15. This is according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.Typically, the same laws that apply to bicyclists or other pedestrians apply to those who use a skateboard. In Los Angeles, those who use a skateboard are required to obey stop signs, follow speed limits and avoid other vehicles. Local ordinances may ban skateboarding in bike lanes or on sidewalks. It is actually illegal for [...]

New York property owners are responsible for ensuring that their property is safe for visitors or customers. However, when the cold weather approaches, keeping property free from ice and snow, which could lead to serious slip-and-fall accidents, can be a difficult task. Even so, there are things that property owners can do to avoid liabilities.Before any changes to the property are made, property owners should check their local laws and regulations. These regulations are provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If a customer wants to file a lawsuit for slip and fall injuries, the courts will use the regulations before determining whether the case is valid or not. During the winter, property owners should be on the lookout for leaks, as this could lead to ice when the [...]

New York homeowners might want to be aware of laws governing premises liability before they invite their next house guests over. In general, they are responsible for the safety of their invited guests, and even some who may not have been invited, at all times.When people are injured on someone else's property, they have the right to seek compensation through the homeowner's insurance policy as long as they had a legal right to be on the property at the time the injury occurred. This means that they were either an invited guest or allowed onto the premises for some other reason, such as a delivery person or a repairman.Trespassers are not covered under homeowner's policies, with at least one exception. If a young child drowns in a backyard swimming pool [...]

A shopper in a New York store who slips and falls on a wet surface or is hurt by falling merchandise could pursue a premises liability lawsuit. However, a business owner can take many steps to create a culture of safety and reduce the odds that anyone is hurt because of owner negligence. It is important to note that a company is not always responsible when an individual is hurt on its premises.For instance, a person who slips on an icy sidewalk or a wet floor would have to prove that the company did nothing to mitigate the situation. If salt is put on the sidewalk or a wet floor sign in place, that may relieve the owner from liability. Furthermore, customers and others who may pursue a lawsuit are [...]