Bronx Sidewalk Accident Lawyers
Sidewalk Accident Injuries In The Bronx
If you’ve been unlucky enough to be injured in a sidewalk accident, then don’t hesitate to contact our Bronx sidewalk accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez today. With tens of thousands on foot each day, it’s no surprise that pedestrians are at risk when traveling across this bustling city. Our experienced personal injury team will help support your case and guide you through every step of the process so that justice is served for your sidewalk injury.
Unfortunately, the condition of our sidewalks and streets can be hazardous and prone to causing trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall accidents with the potential for severe injury. We have a deep understanding when it comes to pedestrian cases involving sidewalk-related injuries caused by construction-related incidents, automotive collisions, or imbalances in the asphalt. To learn more about how we can help you recover compensation following a sidewalk accident in the Bronx, contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez now for a free consultation.
Bronx Property Owners Are Liable For Sidewalk Accidents
Whereas other jurisdictions often assign liability for sidewalk accidents to their respective pedestrians, New York City’s laws place the onus of responsibility and fault squarely upon property owners. According to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), “New York City law requires property owners to, at their own cost, install, construct, reconstruct, repave and repair the sidewalk adjacent to their properties, including the intersection quadrant and pedestrian ramps for corner properties.”
Nevertheless, exceptions to the New York City Administrative Code Sidewalk Rules exist when dealing with one, two, or three-family residential properties that are wholly or partially owner-occupied and meant only for private residence. As understanding NYC’s laws can be quite intricate, it is essential to consult an experienced sidewalk accident attorney promptly.
Property owners – whether they be entrepreneurs, building managers, or homeowners – must take proactive steps to ensure the sidewalks on their premises are secure and in excellent condition. Inaction could lead to disastrous consequences; when left unattended, wide crevices, warped pavement pieces, and spalling ice and snow can transform a sidewalk into an accident waiting to happen. Therefore it is essential that property holders use salt and chemical cleaners during winter months for effective de-icing of walkways as well as maintain them structurally sound year round for safety purposes.
Not every local government in New York and New Jersey holds the property owner accountable for sidewalk accidents; certain municipalities have their own regulations which demand that city officials are responsible for upholding the sidewalks.
If you or someone you know suffers an injury due to a municipality’s negligence, time is of the essence. In most cases, individuals have only 90 days, sometimes even just 15 days to submit a notice of claim. It is essential to work with an experienced Bronx sidewalk accident lawyer in order for your case to stand any chance of success. Additionally, multiple parties may hold liability if they are deemed accountable for contributing towards the hazard at hand; such related incidents we regularly tackle include:
- Serious sidewalk accidents
- Personal injury
- Premises liability
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Trip-and-fall injuries
- Snow and ice accidents
- Wrongful death
- Business negligence
- Landlord negligence
- Homeowner negligence
- Municipality liability
Dangerous Conditions On Sidewalks Cause Trips and Slips
The Bronx is a vibrant and thriving borough of New York City, yet portions of its sidewalks remain hazardous and faulty. Consequently, pedestrians are at risk of suffering a trip or slip-and-fall accident due to various conditions such as:
- Uneven or depressed pavement
- Holes
- Snow or ice
- Poorly maintained vaults, grates, or other defects in the sidewalk
- Temporary fencing or barricades
- Construction activities
Understanding Sidewalk Laws In New York City
Safety is and should always be the highest priority when it comes to sidewalk construction, which is why New York City implements Building Code and Administrative Code standards. To guarantee all public and private sidewalks remain compliant with these requirements, NYC has put numerous ordinances in place that must be met at all times.
- To guarantee the safety of New Yorkers, it is essential to ensure that sidewalks are properly maintained and rid of snow
- It is of utmost importance that wheelchair ramps remain litter-free and free from possible tripping hazards for those with disabilities
- Ramps and steps must not have too sharp of an incline or be taller than seven inches.
- It is critical to keep stairs and pathways clear of any items, debris, or obstructions that pose a risk of tripping and slipping
- Stairs must be reasonably well-lit enough to avoid accidents or injury
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a sidewalk accident in NYC, the wise decision would be to contact an expert Bronx sidewalk accident attorney at Rosenberg & Rodriguez. The physical and psychological consequences of such unfortunate events can put further stress on your financial situation as well. With our help, however, compensation for any pain caused may still be within reach—allowing you to focus on moving forward with your life in peace. Don’t go through this alone: find out how engaging with our legal team can benefit both your long-term health and overall well-being today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I’m Injured On A Bronx Sidewalk?
To ensure that you are in the best possible position for a future personal injury claim, it is vitally important to document your sidewalk accident with precision. If at all possible, these steps should be taken:
- Call emergency services at the scene of the accident. Your health is the most important thing.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Take pictures of the unsafe sidewalk conditions that caused your accident and notify the property owner.
- Keep a copy of all medical documentation pertaining to your injury.
- Retain the services of an experienced Bronx sidewalk accident lawyer who can help you uncover all of the additional evidence needed to prove your personal injury claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Sidewalk Accident In The Bronx?
Before 2003, the City of New York had to bear responsibility for almost every case regarding unsafe sidewalks. But on September 14th, a new rule was passed – Section 7-210 in the Administrative Code of the City of New York – which meant that many adjacent property owners were now liable for sidewalk safety in NYC. With the current system, who is to blame for a sidewalk accident in The Bronx relies upon both the type of building and its owner. Thus, if an incident occurs on someone else’s premises, they will be held responsible.
According to Section 7-210 of the Administrative Code, homeowners that occupy one-, two-, or three-family homes are responsible for maintaining their adjacent sidewalks in a safe condition. However, if said residence is owner-occupied and primarily used for residential purposes, then it will be up to the City of New York itself to ensure its safety. In some cases, you may stumble and fall on a City of New York-owned sidewalk. If the responsibility for upkeep is held by the N.Y.C., then it’s possible that you could file a claim against them in order to receive compensation for your injuries or damages incurred as a result of their negligence.
If you have been severely injured due to a sidewalk accident, it is critical that you are aware of the New York Pothole Law. This law necessitates that victims must demonstrate they had given the City of New York prior notice of an unsafe condition in order for their claim to be successful. In addition, any lawsuit against the city needs to include a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days following your accident and commencing legal action occurring no later than one year and ninety days after said incident.
What Are The Signs Of Negligence That Can Cause Sidewalk Accidents?
- Temporary structures that become permanent fixtures due to them staying in place for prolonged periods of time
- Sidewalk bridges are often not inspected and maintained correctly.
- Sidewalk bridges that are aging or poorly designed quickly descend into disrepair, leaving behind an eyesore in the community
- Sidewalk bridges in poor condition collapse, break, or pull down other structures.
- Poles, braces, and diagonal bars become worn over time.
- Wood planks that support the roofs of sidewalk bridges become weak.
- Workers on or above sidewalk bridges neglect to use fall protection gear
Contact Our Bronx Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone dear to you has sustained a major injury from slipping and falling, don’t go through this trying period by yourself. The Bronx sidewalk accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez possess more than 70 years of combined expertise in helping New York citizens get the justice they deserve. Allow us to help provide the support and resources that will enable you to receive your rightful compensation.
Don’t go through the physical, financial, and emotional repercussions of a sidewalk accident on your own. Get in touch with us now for your free case evaluation, no commitment is necessary! We don’t charge attorney’s fees unless we help you get successful results; this way you can benefit from our experienced legal expertise without needing to worry about any potential risks involved.