Who Is Responsible For My New York City Sidewalk Slip And Fall Accident?

There are hundreds of miles of sidewalks throughout Manhattan and the greater New York City area. But who owns these sidewalks, and who is responsible for their upkeep? More importantly, who is responsible for any accidents and injuries that take place on New York City sidewalks and walkways?

While sidewalk liability used to belong to the city of New York, liability has somewhat recently shifted to that of the property owners. That is, in most cases, the owner of the building next to the sidewalk is responsible for keeping that sidewalk free of hazards and safe for the public.

What are some of examples of dangerous sidewalk conditions?

• A sidewalk that has uneven slabs and that creates an uneven walking surface.
• A sidewalk that is cracked or uneven due to roots, age, or other factors.
• A sidewalk that is covered in debris.
• A sidewalk that is covered in a dangerous amount of snow or ice.
• A sidewalk that contains vegetation, such as weeds, grass, or leaves that can hide uneven pavement or cause accidents.
• Any sidewalk is that not properly cleared of hazards or maintained.

Dangerous sidewalk conditions can often lead to slip and fall accidents. While some of these accidents only result in minor injuries, others can result in serious injuries such as traumatic head injuries, spine injuries, back injuries, and neck injuries. If you have suffered a serious injury due to falling on a New York City sidewalk, the person responsible for the sidewalk’s safety may also be responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, long-term disabilities, and other damages.

It can be difficult to understand all of the aspects of premises liability law, slip and fall law, and New York sidewalk ownership. If you or a loved one has been injured in a NYC slip and fall accident, the best step you can take toward learning more about the legal aspects of your accident is to speak with a New York slip and fall lawyer. Call us today.