Sidewalk Accidents

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Sidewalk Accidents

Sidewalk concrete is vulnerable to damage caused by everything from poor soil irrigation to the natural growth of adjacent tree roots, and the resulting holes, cracks, and flags endanger pedestrians, particularly when they appear on a familiar route that was previously safe.

And damage isn’t the only source of sidewalk injury—failure to shovel snow, failure to put down ice, decorative sidewalk features, and insecure utility vaults all present their own risks.

Common Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents on Sidewalks:

  • Cracked or Uneven Pavement: Overtime, the natural wear and tear, shifting ground or invasive tree roots can lead to cracked and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of a trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk.

 

  • Weather-Related Hazards: Ice, snow, rain or wet leaves can turn a seemingly harmless sidewalk into a dangerous pathway, especially during colder seasons.

 

  • Obstructions: Objects that can obstruct normal walking routes, like scooters, bicycles, and fallen branches, force pedestrians to maneuver dangerously.

 

  • Poor Lighting: Hazards may be hidden on poorly lit sidewalks, making them dangerous to navigate at night and increasing the risk of fall.

 

  • Loose Gravel or Sand: Construction projects and erosion can leave loose gravel or sand behind, creating an unstable walking surface.
CALL 516-778-0441

Determining Fault in Sidewalk Trip and Fall Cases

You may be wondering who would be at fault in a sidewalk fall lawsuit.  Several parties may be liable if you trip and fall on a broken sidewalk.

  • The Property owner: If a sidewalk is linked to an adjacent property, the owners may be liable for failing to address the danger.

 

  • The City or Municipality: The city is often responsible for sidewalk maintenance. Proving negligence on the part of city may be fairly challenging but necessary for securing compensation.  An experienced attorney can assist in navigating the ins and outs of litigation involving sidewalk trip and falls.

 

  • Third-Party Vendors: Companies responsible for maintenance or street cleaning may share liability if they neglect their duties, such as failing to clear debris or repair damage.
CALL 516-ABOGADO

Legal Criteria for Proving Negligence in Sidewalk Cases

To hold a party responsible, you must demonstrate that they failed to uphold their duty of care:

  • Duty of Care: Both the City and property owners are legally required to maintain safe sidewalks.

  • Breach of Duty: This happens when a property owner ignores reported damage or fails to clear ice promptly.

  • Causation and Damages: You must prove that the breach directly caused your injuries and quantify the impact on your life, from medical to lost wages.

Steps to Take After a Trip and Fall on a Sidewalk

To protect your health and strengthen a sidewalk fall lawsuit, there are several step to take:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Help: Documenting your injuries immediately is crucial, as delays can weaken your case and compromise your health. Even if your injuries don’t show symptoms right away, it is important to prioritize your health.

  • Report the Incident: Depending on the location of the incident, report the hazard to City Officials, law enforcement, or property owners. Always ask for an incident report, which can be official accident documentation.

  • Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the area you fell and get the name and phone number of any witnesses.

  • Seek Legal Advice: The lawyers at The NYC Trial Lawyers Group can help you navigate complex liability issues, especially when dealing with government entities.
CALL 516-ABOGADO

Sidewalk Accidents

Sidewalk concrete is vulnerable to damage caused by everything from poor soil irrigation to the natural growth of adjacent tree roots, and the resulting holes, cracks, and flags endanger pedestrians, particularly when they appear on a familiar route that was previously safe.
And damage isn’t the only source of sidewalk injury—failure to shovel snow, failure to put down ice, decorative sidewalk features, and insecure utility vaults all present their own risks.

Common Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents on Sidewalks:

  • Cracked or Uneven Pavement: Overtime, the natural wear and tear, shifting ground or invasive tree roots can lead to cracked and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of a trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk.
  • Weather-Related Hazards: Ice, snow, rain or wet leaves can turn a seemingly harmless sidewalk into a dangerous pathway, especially during colder seasons.
  • Obstructions: Objects that can obstruct normal walking routes, like scooters, bicycles, and fallen branches, force pedestrians to maneuver dangerously.
  • Poor Lighting: Hazards may be hidden on poorly lit sidewalks, making them dangerous to navigate at night and increasing the risk of fall.
  • Loose Gravel or Sand: Construction projects and erosion can leave loose gravel or sand behind, creating an unstable walking surface.
CALL 516-ABOGADO

Determining Fault in Sidewalk Trip and Fall Cases

You may be wondering who would be at fault in a sidewalk fall lawsuit. Several parties may be liable if you trip and fall on a broken sidewalk.

  • The Property owner: If a sidewalk is linked to an adjacent property, the owners may be liable for failing to address the danger.
  • The City or Municipality: The city is often responsible for sidewalk maintenance. Proving negligence on the part of city may be fairly challenging but necessary for securing compensation. An experienced attorney can assist in navigating the ins and outs of litigation involving sidewalk trip and falls.
  • Third-Party Vendors: Companies responsible for maintenance or street cleaning may share liability if they neglect their duties, such as failing to clear debris or repair damage.
CALL 516-ABOGADO

Legal Criteria for Proving Negligence in Sidewalk Cases

To hold a party responsible, you must demonstrate that they failed to uphold their duty of care:

  • Duty of Care: Both the City and property owners are legally required to maintain safe sidewalks.
  • Breach of Duty: This happens when a property owner ignores reported damage or fails to clear ice promptly.
  • Causation and Damages: You must prove that the breach directly caused your injuries and quantify the impact on your life, from medical to lost wages.
CALL 516-ABOGADO

Steps to Take After a Trip and Fall on a Sidewalk

To protect your health and strengthen a sidewalk fall lawsuit, there are several step to take:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Help: Documenting your injuries immediately is crucial, as delays can weaken your case and compromise your health. Even if your injuries don’t show symptoms right away, it is important to prioritize your health.
  • Report the Incident: Depending on the location of the incident, report the hazard to City Officials, law enforcement, or property owners. Always ask for an incident report, which can be official accident documentation.
  • Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the area you fell and get the name and phone number of any witnesses.
  • Seek Legal Advice: The lawyers at The NYC Trial Lawyers Group can help you navigate complex liability issues, especially when dealing with government entities.