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Posted on March 31, 2018 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Safety is one of the most important considerations in any construction project. To be sure, construction incorporates electricity, heights, and machinery, making it one of the most dangerous industries. In fact, it has the third-highest rate of workplace fatalities.
Accidents happen quite often, even when there are supervisors on hand. Many of these accidents involve falls. Falls account for 30 percent of fatalities in the construction industry.
Posted on March 27, 2018 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
A friend comes over to your house and slips on a patch of ice while walking up your driveway. In another incident, a trespasser sneaks into your backyard, falls down a hill and breaks an arm. Are you, as a property owner, responsible for either of these incidents?
Under premises liability law, property owners have a duty to avoid exposing people to an unreasonable risk of harm due to a natural or artificial condition. The law states that if the property owner should be aware of the risk and does not remedy the situation in a timely manner, then he or she could be considered negligent and potentially held liable in a lawsuit requesting compensation for damages.
Posted on February 27, 2018 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
When a person is killed by another person’s accidental or intentional acts, it is considered wrongful death. The surviving family members of the victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party. This allows the family to receive compensation for damages, whether or not the liable party is convicted of a crime.
However, each state has specific laws that apply. In order to receive any type of compensation, you must first prove that your loved one died a wrongful death.
Posted on January 29, 2018 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
It’s cold this time of year in New York. Temperatures drop below freezing, sometimes bringing ice, rain, winds and heavy snow.
The extreme weather conditions bring about concerns regarding snow, heating, and rodents, especially for tenants. Landlords have a responsibility to provide livable conditions for tenants. With the average apartment in New York City renting for roughly $3,000 a month, you’ll want to know what exactly you’re getting for that kind of money. Who is responsible for snow removal? Do you have to pay for pest control?
Posted on January 25, 2018 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Texting and driving is becoming more prevalent in our society. Virtually everyone has a smartphone nowadays, and many people want to be connected to it 24/7—even while driving. However, driving and texting is a dangerous activity that leads to many car accidents every year. Many cause serious injuries and even death. As a result, many states have enacted laws prohibiting drivers from using cell phones.
Posted on December 20, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Holiday car accidents can really take the joy out of the Christmas season. But with winter weather and people drinking and driving, it’s something you need to be concerned about. This is the deadliest season to be driving, so if you must be out on the roads this time of year, make sure you drive safely.
The holidays can be hectic, but instead of speeding on the roadways, slow down and take a little extra time to get to your destination. Here are some other tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season, as well as sometimes to avoid driving.
Posted on December 11, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
This time of year is dangerous when it comes to walking and driving. Winter weather conditions can lead to icy sidewalks and roads. These can be dangerous for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Cars and bicycles have no traction on ice, while pedestrians can slip and fall on ice and suffer back and head injuries and even die.
Not everyone can see black ice, which makes it especially dangerous. Black ice forms in rainy weather, when the air’s surface is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The rain freezes once it hits the ground, creating ice. When the ice or snow melts and then freezes again, it creates black ice.
Read on to learn about where to find black ice, how to stay safe and what the law says about liability for slipping on ice injuries.
Posted on November 20, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, and Juno have changed how people in the United States and around the world get around. Before, your transportation options in New York City were generally:
Each of these has its pros and cons. One of the greatest cons of riding a cab is its high price. Now, rideshare cars permeate the roadways, giving carless New Yorkers a fast, affordable alternative to the options above.
Posted on October 27, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Wet floors can be a scary situation for employees and customers alike. After all, wet floors are the most common cause of slips, trips, and falls. They also cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths.
If you’re an employee, a resident or a property manager, it’s important to understand wet floor regulations so that you can take action if you have been a victim of a slip and fall.
Posted on October 26, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Stairways are a part of everyday life in New York City, from apartment buildings and subway stations to office buildings and retail stores. While most people use stairs without a second thought, dangerous or poorly maintained stairways can quickly lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Broken steps, missing handrails, slippery surfaces, and poor lighting are just some of the hazards that contribute to stair-related falls. If a dangerous condition caused your injury, speaking with a stairway accident lawyer may help you understand your legal rights.
At the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum, we help injured victims throughout Brooklyn and New York City pursue compensation after preventable slip and fall accidents.
Unsafe stairs can be found in apartment buildings, subway stations, parking garages, restaurants, and other public or private properties throughout New York City.
Some of the most common stairway hazards include:
Curved or unusually angled stairways can also increase the risk of falls, especially when stair dimensions are narrow or difficult to navigate safely.
Many Brooklyn apartment buildings rely heavily on stair access, especially older properties without elevators. Carrying groceries, moving furniture, or navigating dim stairwells can increase the risk of falls if stairs are not properly maintained.
Subway station stairways can also become dangerous during rainy or icy weather conditions. Slippery steps, damaged surfaces, and crowded conditions may contribute to serious injuries.
Outdoor stairways require special attention during winter months because snow and ice accumulation can create hazardous walking conditions. Property owners are generally expected to take reasonable steps to address dangerous conditions in a timely manner.
Determining liability after a stairway accident often involves examining whether the property owner violated state or city building codes. Under the NYC Building Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining buildings and related structures in a safe and code-compliant condition.
The NYC Building Code establishes minimum safety requirements for interior and exterior stairways, including standards related to stair construction, width, handrails, lighting, and obstruction prevention.
If a staircase fails to meet these requirements and someone is injured as a result, the property owner or manager may be held liable for negligence.
Weather conditions can also play a role in stairway accidents throughout Brooklyn and New York City. During the winter months, wet or icy outdoor stairs can become especially dangerous. Property owners are generally expected to take reasonable steps to remove snow and ice or apply salt and other anti-slip treatments to help prevent accidents.
An experienced Brooklyn stairway accident lawyer can investigate whether unsafe conditions, code violations, or negligent maintenance contributed to your injuries.
While property owners are responsible for maintaining safe stairways, there are also precautions individuals can take to reduce the risk of falls.
Safety tips include walking carefully, using handrails whenever possible, wearing shoes with proper traction, and avoiding distractions while using stairs. During winter weather, extra caution should be taken on outdoor stairways that may be wet or icy.
Good lighting and clear walkways can also help prevent accidents in residential and commercial buildings.
A fall down unsafe stairs can result in serious injuries, including fractures, back injuries, head trauma, and long-term mobility issues. Medical treatment and missed time from work can quickly create financial stress for injured victims and their families.
A stairway accident lawyer in NYC can investigate the cause of your accident, gather evidence, identify liable parties, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. In some cases, compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you were injured because of broken stairs, unsafe handrails, or hazardous stairway conditions, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
The Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum helps clients throughout Brooklyn and New York City navigate complex premises liability and slip and fall claims. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover after a serious accident.
Call (718) 237-5586 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced stairway accident lawyer today.
