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Most accidents happen in the home- the good news about accidents
that happen outside of yours is that someone else might be at
fault. Unless they’ve put a sign up.
According to attorney Leondros A. Vrionedes, who has been practicing
for over 15 years, caution or danger signs warning of conditions
that are “open and obvious” can limit liability
for companies or government agencies.
He gives the example of an oil company that has placed a hose
across a sidewalk in order to fill an indoor tank. If the hose
is “open and obvious” and the company has put out
caution signs, someone who trips and falls on the hose would
be hard pressed to prove the oil company was liable.
Sidewalks are a different matter. Cracks in sidewalks or potholes
that aren’t indicated by signs are fair game for litigation.
Vrionedes says one of his most common claims is the “trip
and fall” accident, like those that happen on city sidewalks.
Other common claims are car accidents, including pedestrians
knocked down by cars, and construction cases. Labor laws ensure
that victims of construction accidents are still protected,
regardless of whether a sign is posted or not. Vrionedes points
out that “there aren’t any warning signs for most
accidents.” Construction companies are unlikely to post
signs warning people not to fall off ladders or get hit by flying
debris.
As for pedestrians hit by cars, generally the driver’s
insurance will cover the expenses. However, Vrionedes points
out that a little common sense doesn’t hurt: “If
the damn thing says don’t walk, don’t walk.”
All in all, Vrionedes does not believe New York is any more
dangerous than other cities. “Do things happen? Absolutely,
that’s why they call them accidents,” he said.
“If they’re intentional, it’s not an accident,
it’s a crime.”
He believes the only way to ensure that accidents aren’t
repeated is to make the offenders responsible.
He said. “The only way to get companies, corporations
to make changes is to have the ability to sue; if you don’t,
it would be a more unsafe world to live in.” |
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Queens County
