Sidewalks shouldn’t be dangerous, but a walkway that isn’t well-maintained can easily cause falls and serious injuries. Sidewalk hazards need to be addressed before they cause someone harm, and if the party responsible for taking care of that sidewalk doesn’t do their job they should be held accountable if someone gets hurt. If you or a loved one fell on someone else’s walkway, our Monmouth County sidewalk accident attorneys want to hear about it.
What Kinds of Dangerous Sidewalk Hazards Can Cause Falls?
Some sidewalk hazards that can lead to slips, trips, and falls include:
- Ice and snow
- Rain and pooling water
- Wet leaves
- Broken and crumbling parts
- Cracks and holes
- Missing pavement
- Uneven surfaces
- Debris from construction work
All of these things can cause someone to fall and get hurt. Sidewalks that aren’t well cared for are especially dangerous for older people and those with mobility issues, but anyone could be injured due to these kinds of hazardous conditions.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Sidewalk Accidents Cause?
These sidewalk hazards can cause all kinds of serious injuries. Someone who slips and falls could end up suffering from:
- Fractured or broken bones
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Head injuries, like concussions
- Facial and dental trauma
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
For older fall victims, the biggest risk is a broken hip. This can be tough for someone to recover from, and such an injury can even result in psychological trauma and death.
Can I Sue For Damages After One of These Sidewalk Hazards Causes an Injury?
You can, but it’s important to determine who is in charge of maintaining the sidewalk before you take any action. In some cases, a homeowner whose property is located near the walkway would be responsible for things like clearing snow and ice from it.
The local government often has a role to play too. They could be in charge of removing any sidewalk hazards or at least responsible for taking care of major problems, like broken curbs and damaged surfaces. If you were hurt because a construction firm left debris behind, then they should be held responsible.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
A lawyer can help you figure out who should be held liable and they can tell you what steps need to be taken next. That’s especially important if you need to sue a government entity because the process for pursuing damages in a case like that is slightly different. No matter who is responsible for your slip and fall and your injuries, we’ll help you build a compelling case and calculate fair compensation.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you were injured due to one of these common sidewalk hazards, you should contact the Wilton Law Firm. We can schedule a free consultation and tell you more about your legal options and what we can do to help you claim compensation.
