Two 13-year-old boys in Queens have received recognition from the state of New York for their actions to help an elderly woman who was injured in a sidewalk trip-and-fall accident. According to an ABC7 New York report, Colin Winn and Christian Fiorillo, both students at St. Gregory’s School, were given official citations of honor by the New York State Assembly for rushing to help 76-year-old Janet Miranda after she tripped on the sidewalk, fell, dislocated her shoulder and broke her nose.
Act of Kindness is Recognized
Miranda said the boys sprang into action and stayed with her the entire time until the ambulance arrived. Winn and Fiorillo told Eyewitness News that they called the ambulance and Miranda’s daughter. They also fetched her napkins to help with the bleeding. After her ordeal, Miranda sent a letter to their school’s principal to praise the students, which led to their commendations.
Their kindness also won them internships at Assemblymember Davin Weprin’s office, which the students have accepted, according to the report. We also commend the two young men for their prompt and compassionate response. As personal injury lawyers, we understand the devastating injuries that can be caused by a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident. The boys took the right steps in calling for emergency assistance and informing a family member.
Sidewalk Trip-and-Fall Accidents in New York City
Sidewalk trip-and-fall accidents are a significant concern in New York City where thousands of pedestrians navigate the streets daily. The city’s dense urban environment, combined with aging infrastructure, increases the risk of accidents due to poorly maintained sidewalks. Cracked or uneven pavement, potholes, tree roots pushing through the concrete and improperly installed construction materials are some of the most common hazards. These conditions can lead to serious injuries, particularly for vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with mobility impairments.
Under New York City law, property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their buildings. This includes repairing any defects or hazardous conditions. If an individual slips, trips or falls due to neglect or inadequate maintenance, they may be able to file a personal injury claim against the property owner/manager for damages. Even though the city has implemented measures such as requiring property owners/managers to repair dangerous sidewalk conditions promptly and conducting periodic inspections. Despite these efforts, sidewalk slip and fall/trip and fall accidents remain a major safety issue in New York City, contributing to thousands of injury claims each year. Sometimes, New York City can be sued depending on how many and what kind of buildings are next to the defective sidewalk.
Sidewalk trip-and-fall injuries can vary greatly in severity. Minor injuries include sprains, strains, cuts and bruises, often to the ankles, wrists, or knees, as people instinctively try to break their fall. More serious injuries, however, include fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and wrists, as well as head injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, which occur when the victim hits his or her head. Back and spinal injuries, including herniated discs or fractures, are also common, especially in older adults. In some cases, falls can lead to knee or hip injuries that result in long-term mobility issues. These injuries can cause significant pain, require medical treatment and may lead to lasting physical limitations or the need for rehabilitation, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
New York Premises Liability Lawyers
Slip-trip-and-fall accidents can result in serious, disabling or even life threatening injuries. If you were involved in a slip-and-fall or a trip-and-fall accident as a result of someone else’s negligence (carelessness), please remember that you have rights. Some of the damages that victims of such accidents can claim include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, past and future pain and suffering, permanent injury, etc.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. For over 53 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims.
Our law firm recovered $1,700,000 for a woman who slipped and fell and received no hospital or medical treatment for one month after the accident. Our law firm also recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/queens-teens-receive-citations-honor-state-helping-woman-badly-hurt-fall/15772591/