Who Is Liable for Sidewalk Slip & Falls?
Obtaining Compensation After a Slip & Fall Accident in Westchester County
Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence on New York sidewalks. Uncleared snow, loose gravel, and uneven pavement can have devastating consequences for an unsuspecting pedestrian. If you are injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident, you may wonder who can be held liable for your injuries.
At Denlea & Carton, we represent individuals who have been seriously injured in slip and fall accidents. Our highly qualified legal team can help you understand who can be held responsible for your losses and how to pursue a claim for damages. If you or a loved one was injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident, contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation.
Determining Liability After a Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accident
Liability laws differ depending on the city or town where the accident occurred, so it is essential to discuss your case with a lawyer to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Each municipality in Westchester County, NY, has its own government code regarding who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks.
Under most circumstances, one of two parties is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks:
- The city or town; or
- The abutting property owner
A slip and fall lawyer can help you determine who should be held responsible for your injuries. It is important to act quickly, as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages against a property owner and even less time to pursue damages against a government entity.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
Sidewalk slip and fall accidents can be caused by several different things, but in some cases, they are the result of negligence or carelessness. If you were injured because of a sidewalk defect, you might have a claim for damages.
Sidewalk accidents resulting in injury can be caused by:
- Uncleared snow and ice
- Uneven pavement
- Potholes
- Tree roots
- Loose gravel
- Cracked sidewalk
It is critical to know that some city codes require that the property owner or government entity receive “prior written notice” of the hazardous condition, or they cannot be held liable. They must also have time to fix the defect after they are put on notice.
Without the help of an attorney, you may not have access to information about whether a potentially liable party received prior written notice. An attorney can conduct an independent investigation to determine whether the person or entity was put on notice and had adequate time to remedy the defect.
Hiring a Sidewalk Slip and Fall Lawyer in Westchester County
Sidewalk slip and fall accidents can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. You should hold those responsible who have failed to keep the sidewalk safe. If you were injured in a sidewalk slip and fall, contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
At Denlea & Carton, we have a proven record of success, obtaining multiple multi-million verdicts and settlements for injury victims. There are no fees unless we win. Call now to get started.
