Snow Day

Our office will be closed on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 due to inclement weather in the New York City area. We expect to reopen for regular business on Thursday, February 11, 2010.

How To Avoid A Slip And Fall | Slip And Fall Prevention In Ice and Snow

With the weather forecasters calling for upwards of 18 inches of snow in the next day in the New York City area, we hope these reminders can help keep our clients and friends safe.

While walking on sidewalks and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of snow and ice.

Each winter slip and fall accidents claim the lives of hundreds and leave thousands more with devastating injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice is covering your pathway putting you at serious risk. When you approach a sidewalk or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution.

The following 9-tip checklist can help you avoid the possibility of a broken bone that could easily lead to an expensive surgery and a long recovery:

1. Take sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk and the street is clear, and you have no other choice, walk against the flow of traffic and stay as close to the curb as possible. Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too!

2. If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.

3. Wear clothing that does not restrict your vision. Stay warm, but DO NOT impair your vision with hoodies, ski masks, scarves, hats, etc. This type of clothing could prevent you from spotting icy conditions that may lead to a fall or not enable you to see a car that is spinning out of control.

4. Snow and ice cause havoc quickly, so use extra caution when crossing roadways, and always cross at designated crosswalks.

5. Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls.

6. When walking on unfamiliar sidewalks or roads, keep your eyes open, as you may not have knowledge of where potential danger exists.

7. If you can’t avoid the ice and snow, bend your knees slightly and take slower, shorter steps to help reduce the chance of a slip and fall and an injury.

8. If forced to use the steps at someone’s home, apartment, or other public facility, walk slow and take shorter steps when descending. The same is true of driveways and other hilly terrain; these areas can be very dangerous when they become slippery with ice or snow. Steps especially can be hard to clear and build up ice easily.

9. Be aware of overhead hazards! Falling icicles and chunks of ice kill hundreds of innocent people each year. Icicles can build up in size very quickly. Their size and dagger-like formation are extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Again, each year, hundreds of people are killed by falling ice, so be aware of what’s happening above you, and stay clear from the edges of buildings.

If you were injured as the result of a fall due to slippery/icy roads, parking lots, or sidewalks, feel free to contact our office to discuss your rights.

Overview of New York City Subway, Bus, and Rail Accidents

Millions of people ride public transportation in our city every day, trusting the transit authority to get them where they need to go safely. But when accidents happen and passengers or pedestrians are injured, injury victims must get the care and coverage they need to recover. At the New York City law office of Cheriff & Fink, P.C., we represent injury victims who have suffered in accidents on a New York City bus, subway or rail line.

Cheriff & Fink, P.C. has extensive experience providing injury victims and their families with the comprehensive legal support and advocacy they need. In the last few years alone, our office has been retained and brought to successful conclusions cases where our clients suffered serious injuries in the following scenarios:

Client's car was struck by a LIRR train;
Client suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a City bus;
Client was injured when her hand was caught in a subway door that malfunctioned; and,

for many other clients who fell and suffered injuries because of dangerous conditions on buses and in the subway.

We can help you. We have extensive experience providing injury victims and their families with the comprehensive legal support and advocacy they need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a subway or bus accident, on the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad or due to negligence or carelessness by the NYC Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), or other city or state agencies, contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

If you have been injured in an accident on a New York City bus or subway, you must file your notice of claim with the appropriate entity within ninety days of the subway or bus accident, otherwise your claim may be barred.

Sometimes third parties are at fault in these accidents, such as other drivers. We will act quickly to determine who is at fault and take every step necessary so that the liable parties are held responsible for your care, coverage, and compensation.

Injuries sustained in a subway or bus accident may be caused by:

Bus collisions
Slip and fall inside the bus or subway
Getting crushed or caught in the subway doors
Being dragged by the subway
Sudden stops
Assault on the bus or subway
Negligent maintenance
Negligent equipment installation

We also represent individuals in pedestrian injury claims when they have been hit by a bus or subway.

We provide attentive and responsive service. We will listen to you, carefully evaluate all of your needs, and guide you throughout every step of the legal process. You likely will have major concerns about your medical care, paying for medical treatment, lost wages, and taking care of your family. We will handle the insurance issues and exhaust all available options to respond to your needs and ease your worries. We try to settle claims outside of court, but if litigation becomes necessary we are highly reputable and skilled trial lawyers.

Cheriff & Fink, P.C. - Email Newsletter, February 2, 2010