Sidewalks are an essential part of New York City’s landscape, as most people choose to walk rather than drive. As such, they must be proeprly maintained to prevent accidents and injuries. If a property owner has ignored sidewalk conditions and you’ve suffered injuries as a result, it’s important ot understand your rights and legal options. Please continue reading as we explore the most common sidewalk hazards, who can face liability for your injuries, and how an experienced New York City Sidewalk Accident Attorney can help you fight for the compensation you need tog et your life back on track.
What Sidewalk Hazards Should I Be Aware of in New York City?
In New York, property owners are legally required to maintain a safe environment for visitors. This includes ensuring sidewalks bordering their property are free of hazards. Failure to uphold this duty can lead to dangerous conditions that can result in serious accidents and injuries. Some common hazards that lead to sidewalk accidents include:
- Uneven surfaces (cracks, potholes, uneven pavement, or other changes in elevation)
- Slippery surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Clutter or loose debris
- Obstructions (trash cans, bicycles, construction materials, or equipment)
- Overgrown vegetation (exposed tree roots)
- Loose bricks or broken tiles
- Lack of accessibility (sidewalks without proper ramps or curb cuts)
- Damaged or missing handrails
- Inadquate drainage
- Weather-related hazards that are left uncleared (snow, ice, sleet, standing water, etc.)
These hazards can make it difficult to navigate the streets safely and increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries?
Generally, property owners adjacent to a sidewalk usually bear liability for any resulting accidents. This is because they have a legal obligation to ensure the premsies are safe and free from hazardous conditions. However, you may be able to take legal action against a government entity if they were responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. This is often the case when an indivdual sustains injuries while using a public sidealk.
If you’ve been injured on government property, you’ll need to file a formal notice of claim with the government agency you intend on pursuing elgal action aginst within 90 days of the accident or you’ll lose your right to sure. To have a successful claim you must prove that the property owner or government entity knew or should have reasonably know about the hazardous condition on the sidewalk that caused your injury and failed to take the necessary steps to remedy it.
Navigating the legal complexities of a premises liability case can be challenging. As such, it’s crucial to consult with a seasoned attorney from Swerling Law who can assess the facts of your case, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights. Our legal team is prepared to guide you through each step of the legal process, negotiate on your behalf, and represent your interests in court if necessary.