Our nation’s crumbling infrastructure is routinely a topic of debate among politicians, including those in local governments, state representatives, and Senators that work closely with the federal government. While most of the attention seems to be directed towards the conditions of highways and freeways, many pedestrians encounter dangers caused by cracked, uneven, or raised portions of the sidewalks in their neighborhoods.
In the blink of an eye, someone just walking down the street can trip, fall, and suffer a serious injury.
Injuries often reported in sidewalk trip and fall accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Brain injury
- Disfigurement
The elderly and young children are especially susceptible to serious injury from a sudden fall. For this reason and so many more, it is crucial that the sidewalks of our communities are well-maintained throughout the year.
Who is Accountable for Sidewalk Trip & Fall Injuries?
The sidewalk is a public walkway. Even when a person stumbles directly in front of a retail location or home, it is incredibly difficult to assign liability to that store or household. The question is raised, “Who is actually liable for sidewalk trip and fall injuries?”
In many cases, the city, county, or municipality directly in charge of maintaining sidewalks and streets can be held accountable in a sidewalk trip and fall accident. Locals depend on these groups to provide a safe living environment. Failing to uphold that intrinsic duty can shift liability to governmental councils.
However, trouble often arises when someone tries to sue a city for not fixing a dangerous sidewalk. After all, the lawsuit is going to target people in power and those with potential connections to the court system. KP Law specializes in representing clients who have suffered serious trip and fall injuries caused by damaged sidewalks. If you've been injured as a result of a sidewalk trip and fall, do not suffer in silence – learn about how you may be entitled under the law to file a claim for damages and obtain compensation for your medical bills as well as your pain and suffering.
Contact our Pasadena personal injury lawyers for more information or to start a claim.
