To prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries it is important that you understand the most commonly occurring sidewalk hazards. If you were injured and require legal advice and representation, reach out to a Bergen County slip & fall lawyer today.
What Are the Most Commonly Occurring Sidewalk Hazards?
Numerous sidewalk hazards can create serious danger and risk for pedestrians. The following are some of the most commonly occurring hazards on sidewalks.
- Potholes: Potholes occur when the ground shifts underneath the pavement or when water gets into cracks and freezes, expanding and damaging the pavement. Any holes or depressions in the surface can create a hazard and cause people to trip and fall unexpectedly.
- Heaved slabs: Heaved slabs are portions of sidewalks where the pavement has risen above the slab next to it, creating an uneven surface and tripping hazard. Even just ¼ inch variation in height can constitute a tripping hazard and lead to falls and injuries.
- Damaged curbs: Sidewalk curbs can also be dangerous if the concrete or asphalt is crumbling due to wear and tear or weather conditions. Pedestrians may hurt themselves if they step on a curb wrong or it buckles underneath their tread.
- Debris: Debris littering the sidewalk can create obstacles that pose a risk of tripping pedestrians. Trash bins, bicycles, tools, or other objects left carelessly around can block the path, creating a tripping hazard or resulting in pedestrians navigating around them, potentially on grass or the road which can be even more dangerous.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting or broken street lamps can lead to falls. Pedestrians may not be able to see the sidewalk in low light or at night, making them more susceptible to tripping and falling on uneven surfaces or obstacles left in the way.
Am I Entitled to Compensation After a Sidewalk Accident?
If you were injured in a sidewalk accident you may be entitled to compensation. The biggest factor in determining whether or not you can recover damages is liability for the accident. If you can prove that another individual was responsible for your accident then you can pursue compensation.
The local government or municipality is responsible for keeping public sidewalks safe. If they neglect to identify or resolve a hazard that caused your accident and injury, you may be able to hold them liable for your injury.
Property owners are also obligated to keep the sidewalk directly in front of their property free of hazards under premises liability law. For example, suppose a homeowner neglected to shovel in front of their house after a snowfall. If the snow froze and created a thick layer of ice that you slipped on, the property owner could be held accountable for your injuries and associated damages.
For more information on the types of compensation you may be entitled to after a sidewalk injury, reach out to an experienced attorney at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC today.
