Sidewalks should be safe for pedestrians, especially if they are set away from busy streets and speeding cars. Even if you are the only person on a sidewalk, you can still suffer a serious fall. In this case, you can sue the person who caused the injury for compensation of medical costs and pain.
Sidewalk Falls Are Often Caused by Certain Conditions
Unexpected hazards can cause you to fall backwards and break bones in your face, hands, or knees. A backward fall may cause severe back pain or cause injuries such as tailbone fractures or traumatic brain injuries.
The following are some of the most common dangers on sidewalks:
- Pavement that is cracked or crumbling
- Curbs at entry points or crosswalks that are not lowered
- Potholes
- Uneven grading of pavement slabs, or surfaces nearby (for example when a walkway intersects with a driveway).
- Surfaces that are slippery (such as mud or moss, oil spills, or sand and/or gravel).
- Debris: (such as bicycles for children, tree branches, electrical cords or trashcans).
- Pavement slabs missing
- Tree roots can cause cracks or dangerous walkways.
Slips and Falls on Sidewalks: Liability
Anyone who is responsible for installing or maintaining sidewalks must exercise reasonable care in order to avoid common hazards before they lead to injury. There are a number parties that could be held responsible for these injuries, including:
- Municipalities. State and local governments must make sure that their sidewalks have been designed properly. The government agencies must also tape off any areas that are under repair or have broken slabs until they can perform sidewalk maintenance.
- Businesses. Businesses may be held responsible for negligence if they allowed an unsafe condition on the path or sidewalk outside their building.
- HOAs. Homeowners’ associations or condo associations may share the liability of a slip and fall in a gated neighborhood, apartment complex or housing development.
- The homeowner may be partially responsible for maintaining city sidewalks bordering their property. You may be able bring a claim if you fall on a sidewalk that is in front of your home. This could be against the city or the homeowner’s policy.
- Lee Clark & Associates is a dedicated law firm based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, specializing in personal injury, slip and fall attorney Lakeland, mass torts, defective product lawyer near you, tobacco and vaping-related cases, and wrongful death attorney in Florida. With extensive experience and a client-first approach, the firm proudly serves clients throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Whether you’ve been injured due to a defective product or are seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one, W. Lee Clark & Associates provides the guidance and legal representation you need to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Schedule your consultation today!
