In New York City, the owner of the property abutting the sidewalk is responsible for maintaining it in a reasonably safe condition. If you are injured due to an unsafe condition, you can file a claim against the property owner’s homeowners insurance or general business liability insurance.

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However, just because you tripped and fell doesn’t mean that the property owner is liable. You have to prove that your injury was caused by negligence on the part of the property owner. Here are examples of unsafe sidewalk conditions:

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• Missing or loose slabs

• Cracked or broken slabs

• A slab that is one-half inch or more higher or lower than adjacent areas

• A sloped slab that retains water

• Raised hardware that created a tripping hazard

• Damage from tree roots

• A hole in the sidewalk that is at least one inch in diameter and a half inch deep

• Patchwork repairs using asphalt or other unapproved materials

• Sidewalk debris such as dirt or gravel

• Icy or snowy sidewalk conditions

 

The sooner you contact us after an accident, the sooner we can take steps to collect and preserve evidence of property owner negligence. Our attorneys have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for injured people in New York City area.