Woman Killed After 17-Story Fall
According to premises liability attorneys, it is the legal responsibility of any owner to ensure that the property on which visitors traverse is safe, secure and free of obstacles that may harm them. If you are a homeowner, it is your obligation to ensure that your sidewalk and driveway are clear of snow and debris for pedestrians; if you are a business owner, you must ensure that your premises are safe for patrons. Unfortunately, in some instances, companies are faced with lawsuits from visitors and premises liability attorneys claiming that the victim was injured at their establishments.
Woman Falls to Her Death
Such was the case in New York City on August 1, 2013. A 35-year-old woman, Jennifer Rosoff, was on a first date when she decided to go out onto the balcony to have a cigarette. As she leaned on the railing, her date reportedly heard snapping noises as the railing broke and Rosoff plummeted 17 stories to her death. According to the man, he had warned her not to lean against the railing and after it broke, witnessed the woman fall backward and land on a construction scaffolding located on the first floor. While police at the scene originally found the woman unconscious, they then declared her dead at the scene.
Since the accident, the building, Stonehenge 57, and the city’s Department of Buildings have posted an order for residents to remain indoors and not to go onto their balconies until the railings can be inspected. The woman’s family may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the owner of building with the help of premises liability attorneys because it was the establishment’s responsibility to ensure their facility was safe. However, investigators must conclude that the death was not the result of drugs, alcohol or another factor caused by the woman.
Understanding Premises Liability Cases
When you enter someone’s property, you have the legal and reasonable expectation of doing so without getting injured. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that the environment is relatively safe. While the instance of the NYC woman who fell to her death is one example, many environments can be hazardous for others. For example, in one case filed by premises liability attorneys, a courier was delivering a package and attempted to sue the homeowner because he slipped and fell on an icy driveway. However, if it was proven that the courier was under the influence of drugs, intoxicated or acting in an otherwise unsafe manner, he may not have had a valid claim.
Are They Preventable?
According to many premises liability attorneys, such cases are preventable. Whether you are a property owner, a visitor or a resident, watch for these conditions that can be grounds for a lawsuit and work to correct them immediately:
- Appliance cords left in aisles
- Unmaintained or uncontrolled foliage
- Defective equipment
- Dangerous debris
- Broken glass
- Inadequate railings
- Poor lighting
- Unsafe building design
- Animal attacks
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Raised carpet
- Cracks in sidewalks
- Slipper floors
Plaintiffs can work with premises liability attorneys to file lawsuits for any number of reasons, so if you are responsible for the property, make every attempt to rectify the problem to prevent injuries from occurring. Conversely, if you are a visitor, watch out for unsafe conditions and report them immediately to reduce the likelihood of others suffering from adverse surroundings.
Contact Premises Liability Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love have been injured at another individual’s home or at a public establishment or business, you may be entitled to pursue a claim. Our affiliated premises liability attorneys at Attorney Group will work to review your case to determine if you are eligible to seek compensation. If we find that the injury occurred out of your control and was the direct result of another party’s negligence, you may be able to seek damages such as lost wages, medical bills or, in the case of a loved one who has passed, end-of-life expenses and wrongful death. Contact us today.
