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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 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.
Posted on May 15, 2015 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Playgrounds in New York provide children and their families with a healthy, enjoyable form of outdoor entertainment. Playgrounds, however, can also pose significant safety and health risks for children if they are not properly maintained. For example, injuries can occur from improperly maintained surfaces or protruding nails from playground equipment. Notably, injuries at playgrounds in New York have become an increasing problem. Continue reading
Posted on April 23, 2015 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Construction sites can 
pose significant dangers for construction workers, especially when adequate safety precautions are not taken. There is, however, another group that also faces dangers from construction sites: pedestrians. A recent online article in the Wall Street Journal looked into the dangers that pedestrians throughout New York City face from construction sites.
According to the article, at least once a month, a pedestrian walking the streets of New York City is injured by something at a construction site. The culprit? New York City pedestrians are injured by a variety of different objects that fall from a construction site or that are improperly maintained. Examples include falling bricks or tools, windblown fences, and collapsing sidewalks. Continue reading
Posted on January 20, 2015 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
There are about 6.5 million construction workers employed at about 250,000 different worksites across the United States. And every year, thousands of construction workers are injured or killed at these worksites, often as a result of negligence on behalf of the construction site owner, contractor or sub-contractor. Some of the most dangerous hazards at construction sites include scaffolding, excavations, ladders, falling objects, and electrical wiring. Construction sites present precarious situations and even the most innocuous objects can be deadly.
