Who Is Responsible for Preventing Sidewalk Accidents in NYC?

More than 10.5 million emergency room visits for fall injuries were reported in 2017 alone, according to the CDC. That makes slip-and-fall accidents a serious health concern, both in New York and the broader United States. But if you’re injured on an NYC sidewalk, who’s responsible for your injuries?

Regardless of who’s to blame, slip-and-falls can lead to excruciating injuries and expensive medical bills. If it was someone else’s fault, you have the right to demand fair compensation from the at-fault parties. Should the property owner or the city be held responsible? The answer depends on the circumstances of the accident.

The New York slip-and-fall lawyers at the Mandel Law Firm can help you claim compensation for your sidewalk accident injuries. Our highly experienced premises liability attorneys can identify who is responsible for your injuries and help you recover significant financial compensation for your injuries. Get a free initial consultation by calling (646) 779-1441, visiting our contact page, or talking to one of our online representatives.

Who May Be Responsible for a Sidewalk Accident in NYC?

There are multiple parties who might be held liable for sidewalk accidents in New York City. Those parties include:

• Property owners – Property owners are usually responsible for maintaining the sidewalks in New York they own. New York City’s Administrative Code states that property owners must install and maintain sidewalks in front of and adjoining their property. This includes the sidewalk on the portion of their property at the corner of an intersection. In some cases, certain conditions like hazardous sidewalk displays might be the responsibility of the renter. Talk to one of our sidewalk accident lawyers to find out more.
• The city government – While sidewalks in front of and adjoining private property are generally the responsibility of private property owners or managers, the city maintains sidewalks in public areas and certain residential neighborhoods. Though the city of New York might be held liable for certain sidewalk accidents, generally speaking, the owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk is responsible.

Steps to Take After a Sidewalk Accident

Here’s what to do if you’re injured on a sidewalk in New York:

• Get medical attention as soon as you can – The injuries from a sidewalk accident can be severe, so get evaluated by a doctor right away. Delaying treatment could worsen your injuries as well as lower the value of your claim for compensation.
• Figure out what caused the accident – Was there a defect in the sidewalk? Did a property owner fail to clear the snow? Did someone push or trip you? An attorney can help you decide if another party is responsible and owes you compensation.
• Take pictures of the scene – Focus on the exact spot where the accident occurred and how it may have happened. Document the area where the accident occurred, especially businesses, street numbers and signs, and any contributing factors like cords or ice.
• Write down the names and contact information for any witnesses – Their accounts might be crucial to proving your case, so get the name, phone number, and other contact information of anyone who saw the accident.
• Talk to a lawyer – Acting quickly after an accident gives you the best chance of recovering compensation for your injuries, so talk to a New York sidewalk accident attorney as soon as you can.

Can I Seek Compensation After an NYC Sidewalk Accident?

Sidewalk accidents fall under the category of premises liability cases, so you have the right to demand compensation if you’re hurt in a sidewalk accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. You could recover compensation for:

• Your medical bills
• Your lost wages
• Your reduced capacity to work and earn a living
• Your physical and emotional pain and suffering

How a New York Lawyer Could Help

Whether the city or a private property owner is responsible for your sidewalk injuries, you need a good lawyer on your side. Our New York premises liability attorneys can identify who caused your injuries, gather the evidence to prove your claim, and negotiate a fair settlement. Time is of the essence in these cases, so speak with one of our lawyers as soon as you can. You can get a free case evaluation by calling (646) 779-1441, filling out our contact form, or utilizing our live chat service.