Revelling In The Hidden Dangers Of Nyc Sidewalks—And What To Do If You’re Injured
New York City is a city on the move. With some 12,000 miles of sidewalks winding their way through the boroughs, every day pedestrians rely on their use. But then what turns a cracked slab, a pothole hidden with a looming menace, or an icy patch into a commuting trip of yours to the ER?
The other world of sidewalk injuries cannot be glamorous—seriously common, and very often ignored, hazards in the city that never sleeps.
Gaps, Cracks and Trip Hazards
Uneven concrete slabs, loose tiles, tree roots, and ill-maintained curbs-these are some of the hidden potentials for causing serious accidents. Besides being an irritant, a sudden one-way fall can cause sprains, fractures, concussion, or even worse. When icy or snowy sidewalks are ignored during winter, the hazards increase tenfold.
And, to add insult to injury, in many of such cases the city is not liable.
The One that Should be Held Responsible
Contrary to popular belief, responsibility often lies with the property owners–not necessarily with the city. Under NYC law, adjacent sidewalk repairs must be carried out by property owners, particularly commercial properties, who are responsible themselves for repairs, snow removal, and fixing hazards for tripping.
If they fail to do so and subsequently cause your injury, you could have grounds to start suing them for personal injury.
So, What Have You Got to Do If Injured?
If you’re ever involved in a sidewalk accident, don’t let it go. Try these:
- Document Everything: Take adequate photographs of the exterior that caused your fall. Take shots from different perspectives of the scene, and use nearby landmarks for reference.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get checked out, even if you think the injuries are not that serious. Some injuries, especially if they are head injuries or soft tissue injuries, can become worse with time.
- Report This Incident: If at all possible, file a report with the property owner or the building management. If the upkeep of the sidewalk bordering the building is under the city, make sure it is documented.
- Where To Turn with Legal Questions: Navigating NYC liability laws can be confusing. Was it the City’s fault? The building’s? The contractors’? An experienced pedestrian accident attorney In New York will help you sort out the situation.
How NYLawnet Can Help
At NYLawnet, we are intimately familiar with the intricacies of New York personal injury law. We have countless sidewalk injury cases under our belt; we know how to find the liable party, preserve critical evidence, and fight for your deserved compensation.
If someone drops the ball, you should not have to pay—especially when the ball is dropped right beneath your feet.
Don’t allow a sidewalk injury to keep your life on hold. If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe sidewalk conditions, get in touch with NYLawnet for a free case evaluation. We’ll get you back on your feet—both literally and legally.
