Sidewalks are supposed to be a safe place to walk, but sometimes these pedestrian pathways are poorly cared for or maintained. When that happens, an unsafe sidewalk can easily cause someone injury. Sidewalk slip and falls can cause all sorts of injuries, and that can mean expensive hospital bills, missed work, and plenty of pain and suffering for the victims. If you or a loved one have been injured due to an unsafe sidewalk, our Queens slip & fall accident attorneys can assist you. We can even help you sue the city.
When Can the City Be Sued for an Unsafe Sidewalk?
The city can be sued over an unsafe sidewalk when that sidewalk is publicly owned and maintained. The city owes the people using its sidewalks a duty of care. If it cannot do that, it should be held accountable for the injuries that result.
You should just note that personal injury cases against the state can work a bit differently than cases against companies and private citizens. The statute of limitations normally gives you three years to sue. If a city in this state is the entity being sued, they actually have to receive a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Then they can be sued, but you only have a year to act.
What Are Some Tripping Hazards on an Unsafe Sidewalk?
There are a variety of hazards that can make a sidewalk unsafe. Cities maintaining the sidewalks should know this and act quickly when there is some potential danger to the people who use these walkways. Some common problems include:
- Uneven and broken pavement
- Snow or ice that was not properly cleared
- Loose debris
- Holes
- Standing water
- Poor lighting
Any of these can lead to a fall and serious injuries, especially in older people.
What Kind of Compensation Should I Receive?
When you receive compensation, it should help make up for all of the costs stemming from the accident. We are not just talking about monetary costs. A slip and fall can cause emotional trauma as well, and that needs to be addressed by any fair offer. Your settlement should compensate you for:
- Any past and future medical expenses
- Missed paychecks and lost wages
- Any loss of earning potential
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury attorney can advocate for you and your family members. They will help you fight for the best possible outcome at every turn by:
- Gathering the evidence needed to make your case
- Fielding settlement offers and calculating fair compensation
- Preparing you for testimony
- Handling all communications on your behalf
- Answering questions for you and your family
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to an unsafe sidewalk, we can help you fight for compensation. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and schedule a free consultation. We can tell you more about the potential value of your case and where we can go from here.
