Hurt on the Sidewalk? Why a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Should Be Your First Call

Sidewalks are a fundamental part of daily life in New York City. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a walk, you trust that the sidewalks beneath your feet are safe. Unfortunately, that trust is often misplaced. Cracked pavement, loose bricks, ice, snow, and poor maintenance make sidewalk hazards one of the most common causes of injury in the city. If you’ve been hurt in one of these incidents, you need to contact a sidewalk accident lawyer immediately.

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we fight for individuals injured due to unsafe walking conditions. You may think the city is responsible, but in many cases, the burden falls on private property owners. A sidewalk accident lawyer will uncover who’s truly liable and fight for the compensation you need. We’re not here for quick settlements—we’re here to deliver Moorejustice.

Why Sidewalk Accidents Happen More Often Than You Think

You may not notice every uneven surface or sunken slab when you’re walking, but these conditions are all over the city. Combine that with harsh winters, tree roots, construction debris, or neglected repairs, and you have a recipe for serious accidents.

Many people assume they’re just clumsy or that “accidents happen.” But a sidewalk accident lawyer knows that many of these incidents are entirely preventable. Property owners are required to maintain the sidewalk areas adjacent to their buildings, and when they don’t, they put pedestrians at risk. Holding them accountable is essential—not just for your recovery, but to prevent others from being harmed in the same way.

What Does a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Actually Do?

When you’re injured, your priority is healing—not investigating the cause of the fall or figuring out who to sue. That’s where a sidewalk accident lawyer comes in.

Your lawyer will begin by investigating the scene of the incident, reviewing maintenance records, gathering witness statements, and obtaining surveillance footage if available. The goal is to determine whether the property owner was negligent in maintaining the sidewalk—and if so, to build a strong case proving liability.

In addition to proving negligence, a sidewalk accident lawyer also works closely with your medical providers to document your injuries, project your future care needs, and calculate the financial and emotional toll of the accident. That evidence is crucial in securing full and fair compensation.

In cases involving head injuries, a brain injury lawyer may be brought in to support the claim.

Who’s Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance in NYC?

It’s a common misconception that the city is always responsible for sidewalk injuries. In reality, New York City Administrative Code § 7-210 places responsibility on the adjacent property owner for maintaining the sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition—especially in front of commercial properties.

A sidewalk accident lawyer will identify whether the sidewalk where you fell was the responsibility of:

• A private homeowner

• A business or commercial property

• A management company

• The City of New York (in limited cases, such as in front of public buildings or city-owned land)

Identifying the correct party is essential. If your claim is against the city, you have a much shorter deadline to act—just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. A sidewalk accident lawyer ensures all legal steps are taken correctly and on time.

Common Injuries a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Handles

Trips, slips, and falls on uneven or icy sidewalks can result in far more than just bumps and bruises. A sidewalk accident lawyer frequently handles cases involving:

• Broken wrists, ankles, or hips

• Spinal cord injuries or disc herniation

• Traumatic brain injuries from striking the pavement

• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage

• Chronic pain and long-term mobility issues

These injuries often require surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and time off from work. The impact isn’t just physical—it’s financial and emotional, too. A sidewalk accident lawyer makes sure every part of your suffering is accounted for in your claim.

If ice or snow played a role in your fall, consider learning how a snow and ice accident lawyer can further support your case.

Why You Should Never Accept a Low Settlement

If a property owner’s insurance company contacts you after the accident, they may offer a quick settlement. It might be tempting to accept, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income. But these initial offers are rarely fair—and once you sign, you forfeit your right to seek more compensation.

A sidewalk accident lawyer negotiates from a position of strength. We calculate your current and future damages and push back against insurers who try to minimize your injuries or shift the blame. Our mission is not just to get you paid—it’s to get you what you truly deserve. That’s what we mean by Moorejustice.

How Long Do You Have to File a Sidewalk Injury Claim?

In most personal injury cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if the city is involved, that window narrows dramatically. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and start legal proceedings within one year and 90 days.

A sidewalk accident lawyer will ensure no deadlines are missed and that your case is prepared properly from the beginning. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and locate witnesses—both of which can be critical to winning your case.

For injuries on another’s property, a premises accident lawyer may also be needed.

What a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover

Compensation in sidewalk accident cases goes far beyond medical bills. A sidewalk accident lawyer will fight to recover damages for:

• Emergency room visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation

• Future medical care and treatment

• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional trauma and mental distress

• Loss of mobility or independence

Every case is different, but our approach is always the same: build it strong, prepare for trial, and push for full compensation.

Don’t Walk Away from Your Rights—Contact a Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today

Sidewalks are supposed to keep us safe—not send us to the hospital. If you’ve been hurt because someone failed to maintain a public walkway, you have the right to hold them accountable. And a sidewalk accident lawyer can help you do just that.

Contact The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, investigate your accident, and fight for the recovery—and the Moorejustice—you deserve.

You don’t pay unless we win. Call now and take the first step toward healing and justice.