If you stumble and fall on a public sidewalk, legal responsibility depends on who maintains it and the area’s condition. A trip and fall lawyer will help you establish negligence in your case to obtain fair compensation. Here are more details about who might be liable for public sidewalk injury cases:
Local Government
In many places, the city or the local government is responsible for maintaining public sidewalks to keep them safe. Depending on the issue, these parties fix cracks, fill in potholes, and clear ice or snow. If a municipality failed to maintain the sidewalk or didn’t repair known issues, it might be liable for injuries resulting from a trip and fall. A trip and fall lawyer collects evidence to show that numerous people reported the dangerous condition, but the city failed to take action.
To determine that the local government is liable, take photographs of the sidewalk, the specific hazard, and your injuries. You can also file a report with them explaining the details of the incident and condition that caused the injury. By reporting the issue, including the date and time, you can make the government aware of the incident. When you seek medical care, keep all your records properly so your attorney can use them as evidence.
Property Owners
In some cities, property owners also have a duty of care to fix cracks or uneven surfaces that could pose a risk to pedestrians. They can also employ staff to clear leaves, litter, or any other debris that could cause someone to trip. When water runoff from the property creates icy patches that lead to falls and injuries, the business becomes liable. If the owner ignores complaints or reports about the bad condition of the sidewalk, this could result in negligence.
Some business owners don’t provide adequate lighting in front of their property, making it difficult for pedestrians to see hazards. This may lead to an individual slipping on a dark surface. Using pay stubs and tax returns, your lawyer may provide details about lost wages due to the injury. They can also calculate ongoing medical treatments, medications, and rehabilitation services when seeking compensation. Your attorney may use witnesses like medical professionals to explain the emotional and physical damage the incident caused.
Third-party Contractors
Municipalities or property owners may hire third-party contractors to remove ice, carry out repairs, or clean surfaces. If a contractor repaired a sidewalk but did so improperly, they can be responsible for your trip and fall. When this professional does repair work on a sidewalk but fails to place warning signs or barriers around the area, they could be liable for your incident. After completing work and a contractor leaves tools or materials on the path, they can be found negligent if you stumble and fall.
Using substandard materials or construction techniques when repairing a sidewalk may lead to issues that will cause someone to stumble and fall. If a contractor fails to inspect the worksite after a job is completed, and there are issues with the results, they could be held liable for injuries. Your attorney can file a claim with details about how contractors failed to perform timely and proper maintenance. They also communicate with an insurance company to handle any disputes and offers.
Hire a Qualified Trip and Fall Lawyer
A trip and fall incident can leave you with medical expenses and emotional distress, but your attorney will help you seek compensation. If negotiations don’t yield good results, your lawyer can represent you in court. To get reimbursement for your injuries, your attorney gathers evidence like photos and medical records. Call a reputed law firm today to talk to an experienced attorney about your case.
