Sidewalks are a vital part of life in New York City. Every day, millions of people walk on city sidewalks to get to work, school, the subway, or local businesses. While pedestrians expect these walkways to be safe, cracked pavement, icy surfaces, and other hazards can lead to serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt because of an unsafe walkway, a sidewalk accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we’ve helped countless sidewalk injury victims secure the Moorejustice they deserve after suffering preventable harm due to negligence.
What Qualifies as a Sidewalk Accident?
A sidewalk accident occurs when a person is injured due to a dangerous or defective condition on a public or private walkway. These accidents can happen anywhere—outside apartment buildings, businesses, parks, or government-owned properties. A sidewalk accident lawyer understands that these cases often involve falls caused by cracked concrete, broken curbs, ice and snow, debris, uneven pavement, or lack of proper maintenance.
Not all sidewalk accidents are legally actionable, but if your injury was caused by someone’s failure to repair, warn about, or remove a hazard, you may have a strong claim. A sidewalk accident lawyer will investigate whether the property owner, the city, or another entity is liable for your injuries.
Who Is Responsible for a Sidewalk Accident in NYC?
Responsibility for sidewalk maintenance in New York can vary depending on where the accident occurred. In most cases, adjacent property owners—not the city—are responsible for maintaining sidewalks that border their buildings. For example, a business owner is usually responsible for clearing snow or repairing cracks in the sidewalk directly in front of their store.
There are exceptions. If your injury occurred on a sidewalk next to a government building, subway entrance, public park, or city-maintained structure, then the City of New York may be the responsible party. A sidewalk accident lawyer can identify who owns or controls the sidewalk and whether they failed in their legal duty to maintain it.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
A sidewalk accident lawyer frequently sees clients who were injured due to hazards that could have been easily prevented. The most common causes of sidewalk accidents include:
- Cracked or uneven concrete slabs
- Loose bricks or tiles
- Ice or snow that wasn’t removed in a timely manner
- Tree roots lifting pavement
- Poor drainage causing slick, wet surfaces
- Construction debris or equipment left in pedestrian paths
- Open cellar doors or grates left unsecured
These conditions can lead to slips, trips, and falls that result in serious injuries. A sidewalk accident lawyer will document the hazard and determine whether it existed long enough that the responsible party should have known and corrected it.
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Types of Injuries from Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalk accidents often cause more than just scrapes or bruises. A sidewalk accident lawyer frequently handles cases involving fractures, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, concussions, spinal injuries, and dental damage. Older adults are especially vulnerable to serious harm in falls, including hip fractures and head trauma.
The physical pain from a sidewalk injury can be matched by emotional and financial strain. Victims may be unable to work, attend school, or care for themselves during recovery. A sidewalk accident lawyer works to recover full compensation for both short- and long-term impacts on your health and livelihood.
What to Do Immediately After a Sidewalk Accident
If you’re injured in a sidewalk accident, your actions immediately following the incident are crucial to your health and your legal case. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious. A medical evaluation will document your injuries and tie them directly to the incident.
Next, try to take photos of the area where the fall occurred, especially the defect or hazard that caused the injury. If there were any witnesses, gather their names and contact information. Report the incident to the property owner or city agency, if possible. Then, contact a sidewalk accident lawyer right away to ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Why Hiring a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Matters
Navigating a sidewalk injury claim can be complex, especially when it involves government agencies. A sidewalk accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine ownership, review maintenance records, consult experts on sidewalk safety standards, and collect all necessary documentation to support your claim.
In cases involving city property, strict deadlines apply. You may be required to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days of the accident. A sidewalk accident lawyer will ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, giving you the best chance at securing compensation
Your lawyer will also handle negotiations with insurance companies, who may try to downplay your injuries or shift the blame. With a sidewalk accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team fights for justice.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on the severity of your injuries and the specifics of your case, a sidewalk accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we work tirelessly to ensure every loss—physical, emotional, and financial—is accounted for. That’s the essence of Moorejustice.
How Long Do You Have to File a Sidewalk Injury Claim?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of a sidewalk accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your claim involves a municipal agency, such as the NYC Department of Transportation, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and bring your lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
Failing to meet these deadlines can result in your claim being dismissed. That’s why it’s essential to contact a sidewalk accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal action also helps preserve vital evidence before it’s repaired or disappears.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore?
When you’ve been injured in a sidewalk accident, you deserve a legal team that treats your case with the urgency, attention, and respect it deserves. At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we offer personalized service, aggressive representation, and a deep understanding of how to win sidewalk injury claims in NYC.
Our firm doesn’t settle for less than what you need to recover. We prepare every case for trial, which strengthens our negotiating position and shows the other side that we mean business. We believe every client deserves Moorejustice, and we fight tirelessly to make that a reality.
Talk to a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a fall on a poorly maintained or dangerous sidewalk, don’t wait. Contact a sidewalk accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and begin building a case designed to secure the compensation—and the Moorejustice—you deserve.
