Brooklyn Sidewalk Accident Lawyers

Sidewalk Accident Lawyers In Brooklyn, NY

In the event that you or someone close to you has suffered a trip or slip and fall accident, there is likely entitlement for compensation for any resulting damage. Potential recompense could involve considerable payments for suffering, missed wages, medical costs, and more depending on the exact circumstances of your case. Speaking with a Brooklyn sidewalk accident lawyer is critical to obtaining the maximum amount owed to you.

A trip or slip and fall injury can be avoided if a property owner or any other responsible party takes the necessary precautions to ensure proper upkeep of their premises. Even without an actual physical fall, such accidents can still occur – for instance, one could experience a twisted ankle due to irregularities in the sidewalk surface. Successful claims may arise from these cases as well. Property owners can be held liable for negligence if they fail to inspect, repair or prevent a hazardous area of the sidewalk. Additionally, any party who causes or creates a dangerous condition that results in another person’s injury can also bear responsibility regardless of ownership status. The law requires anyone involved to act reasonably and take appropriate measures to avoid harm coming to others.

Our personal injury attorneys in Brooklyn provide complimentary case evaluations and there’s no charge until we secure the damages that you deserve. Time is of the essence when filing a lawsuit for a slip and fall on a sidewalk, as waiting too long may disqualify you from obtaining compensation for your suffering. Don’t miss out on receiving just recompense, contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez today!

Determining Liability In Sidewalk Accidents

Knowing who is liable for your injuries following a trip or slip and fall accident on a Brooklyn sidewalk requires careful examination of the individual incident. To determine which party is responsible, it’s essential to recognize what caused the mishap in question. Common circumstances that may result in slips and trips include the following:

  • Raised or sunken sidewalk sections
  • Broken curbs
  • Sidewalk holes
  • Missing bricks or large cracks
  • Unshoveled sidewalks
  • Patches of snow or ice
  • Poorly repaired construction work
  • Unprotected construction zones
  • Vaults, grills, barricades, fences, or other objects on the sidewalk

Who Can Be Held Responsible For Sidewalk Accidents In New York?

Property owners must sustain their premises in a secure state, but trips and slips that take place on Brooklyn sidewalks are an atypical situation. There may be many entities responsible for such hazardous or faulty conditions, such as:

  • A private property owner like a homeowner or business
  • The City of New York
  • New York City Transit Authority
  • A public utility company like Con Edison or the gas company
  • A plumbing or electric contractor
  • A construction company

After you have been injured in a slip or trip and fall on the sidewalk, it’s essential to file your claim promptly. If your incident involves The City of New York or the NYC Transit Authority, however, then time is even more crucial and you could lose out on funds if not careful That being said, reach out to one of our Brooklyn sidewalk accident lawyers following the incident so that they can help protect your right to seek financial compensation.

Sidewalk Laws In New York City

Maintaining walkway safety is paramount, and two main codes govern this construction: the Building Code of New York and the Administrative Code of NYC. To further guarantee safe sidewalks for all, these are some ordinances implemented to ensure both public and private sidewalk owners comply with such standards:

  • 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

Slipping and falling on the sidewalk can lead to physical, emotional, and financial strain. If you or a loved one have experienced a sidewalk-related injury in NYC, it may be beneficial to reach out to an experienced Brooklyn sidewalk accident lawyer today. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we can help you receive compensation for any pain caused by your incident. Don’t face this burden alone—discover how consulting with an attorney can benefit your long-term health, finances, and general well-being.

Common Sidewalk Accidents & Injuries

Slipping and falling on walkways, sidewalks, or any other surface can lead to tremendous damage and anguish. In fact, falls are the root cause behind an estimated 65% of missed days from work in America yearly – sending almost one million Americans to hospitals annually! If you were a victim of such situations in NYC, it is wise to reach out for support from a professional sidewalk accident attorney in Brooklyn that will help you claim reimbursement for your trauma.

An array of health issues can manifest from sidewalk mishaps caused by stumbling, slipping, falling, or being hit with an object. Such accidents can produce anything from mild scrapes and cuts to serious sprains, bone breaks, TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries), and SCIs (Spinal Cord Injuries).

The unfortunate reality is that sidewalk accidents can result in severe and even fatal consequences, such as permanent disfigurement, scarring, paralysis, or wrongful death. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of victims who experience catastrophic accidents on their local sidewalks. Unfortunately, hazardous surfaces pose an ever-present threat in Brooklyn with pedestrians accidents occurring each day due to these common causes:

  • Uneven or steeply-sloped sidewalks or walking surfaces
  • Pedestrian or bicycle accidents occurring on sidewalks
  • Poorly-maintained stairs, balconies, railings, docks, or ramps
  • Falsely-labeled cement or construction sites
  • Ground-level impediments such as debris, strings, cables, wiring, and even tree roots or stumps can make a potential hazard
  • Spilled fluids, drinks, water, food, oil, grease, or chemicals on the floor
  • Construction or worksite hazards, such as falling objects or debris
  • Inclement weather such as heavy rain, ice, sleet, sludge, snow

Defective Hardware Found On Or In Sidewalks

The City of New York is home to an abundance of grates, cellar doors, manhole covers, gas caps, and other objects embedded in the sidewalks and streets. However, many are not adequately maintained which can be dangerous for pedestrians as they can cause tripping or slipping hazards if left unchecked. This negligence has caused distressful injuries due to these unclean conditions and has become a pressing matter in Brooklyn that needs more attention.

According to Section 2-07(B)(1) of the Rules and Regulations in New York City, it is mandatory for owners of covers and gratings to routinely inspect their condition as well as a twelve-inch area surrounding the perimeter. Furthermore, any damage found must be immediately fixed not only on the cover or grating itself but also within that twelve-inch circumference around it.

This part of the law necessitates that all hardware is even with the street. Anything that protrudes more than half an inch from both above and below must be replaced immediately. According to Section 2-07, whenever a pedestrian trips due to the neglected condition of any hardware, legal action can be taken against those responsible for its maintenance.

Furthermore, when a party benefits from hardware that is embedded and not properly maintained — such as gas caps for fuel delivery or cellar doors for access — they can be held accountable even if the equipment does not belong to them. Thus, one should take seriously the responsibility of upkeep in order to avoid potential liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Responsible For A Sidewalk Accident?

The government of New York City is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of public sidewalks, with ordinances, codes, and laws dictating how they should be kept in order to keep pedestrians safe. Not only that but privately held land must also ensure their adjacent sidewalks are reasonably secure as well. In the early 2000s, New York made a noteworthy transition in who was responsible for sidewalk maintenance. While property owners assumed most of that responsibility, there are still plenty of walkways they need to maintain – including construction zones and sidewalks adjacent to certain one-family homes, two-family homes, or three-family residences.

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 Brooklyn Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t struggle through this difficult time alone if you or a family member has suffered a serious injury from falling. Our knowledgeable Brooklyn sidewalk accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez have over 70 years of combined experience serving New York clients and can provide the assistance and resources to help you seek justice. Contact us now for your free case evaluation and there’s zero obligation – no attorney’s fees are charged unless we get successful results! The physical, financial, and emotional trauma caused by sidewalk accidents doesn’t just disappear in an instant; take advantage of our experienced legal expertise without risk today.