Walking in New York City is part of daily life for millions of people, whether you are commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying the sights. Unfortunately, not every step is safe. Cracked pavement, loose bricks, or sudden height changes between sidewalk slabs can easily cause someone to trip and fall. While it might seem like an accident you just have to accept, you may actually have legal options if you were injured because of an unsafe sidewalk condition. If you were injured due to an uneven sidewalk, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Manhattan slip and fall lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about these accidents and how we can help if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Who Is Responsible for Maintaining NYC Sidewalks?
In New York City, responsibility for sidewalk maintenance does not always fall on the city itself. In most cases, property owners are legally required to keep the sidewalks adjoining their property in a safe condition. This includes repairing cracks, uneven surfaces, and other trip hazards. However, there are exceptions, such as sidewalks next to one-, two-, or three-family homes that are owner-occupied and used exclusively for residential purposes. In those cases, the city may still be responsible for upkeep.
If you were hurt due to an uneven sidewalk, determining who is responsible is one of the first steps in building your case. Sometimes, the liable party might be a private property owner. Other times, it could be a municipal agency. The rules surrounding this can be complicated, and making a mistake about who to sue could affect your ability to recover compensation.
Can I File a Claim for an Uneven Sidewalk Injury?
Yes, but only if you can prove that negligence was involved. In premises liability cases, the injured person must typically show that the party responsible for maintaining the sidewalk either created the dangerous condition or knew about it and failed to fix it within a reasonable time.
For example, if a property owner ignored a large crack that had been present for months, and that defect caused your fall, there could be strong grounds for a claim. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and maintenance records can be critical in showing how long the hazard existed and whether it should have been addressed.
It is important to note that claims against the City of New York have strict notice requirements. In most cases, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident before you can proceed with a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
If you have additional questions or believe you have a valid sidewalk accident injury claim, simply contact the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny for a free consultation today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a slip & fall lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
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