Westchester County Sidewalk Accident Attorneys

When we navigate the streets of our communities, we are constantly faced with hazards that put us in danger. Sidewalks are no exception. The sidewalks of New York are riddled with different hazards that can cause a multitude of injuries that can lead to overwhelming medical bills and lost wages. Some injuries caused by a sidewalk accident can stay dormant for years before devastating your life. If you were injured because someone did not take the proper care of their sidewalk, you should consider your legal options. If you can establish that the hazard that caused your serious injury was known about or should have been known about by the owner, you may be entitled to compensation. If you need a team of seasoned personal injury attorneys after being injured in a sidewalk accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today to discuss your case.

Who is liable for my sidewalk accident?

If you were seriously injured in a sidewalk accident, you may wonder who is responsible for your condition. Though you may believe that the government is responsible for sidewalks, this is often not the case unless the sidewalk is next to government property. In most cases, the adjacent property owner is responsible for the conditions of the sidewalk. They are responsible for keeping the sidewalk clean and clear of hazards that could harm a pedestrian. The adjacent property owner is responsible for keeping their section of sidewalk reasonably clear of:

• Weather-related hazards, such as snow or ice
• Uneven, cracked, raised, and depressed surfaces
• Slippery substances
• Loose debris

If the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did not take the necessary steps to fix the problem, you may have a valid personal injury case. Regarding weather conditions, a property owner has a certain amount of time to rectify the snow, ice, or standing water after a storm. However, if you were injured before the time given to clear the weather-related hazard, the property owner would most likely not be held accountable. Be aware that each municipality has different laws regarding when weather-related hazards must be cleared.

The Burden of Proof

It is important to note that when you are injured on a sidewalk, you need to establish the negligence of the property owner. To do so, you may need to prove that a hazardous condition existed. Fulfilling the burden of proof can be challenging but several steps should be taken when the accident happens to help your future case. Upon being injured, seek immediate medical attention. The medical professional will tend to your needs while documenting the injury, the place of the injury, and the approximate time it occurred. If you can, take pictures of the conditions, talk to witnesses, and collect any other information that will help your case. Regarding weather-related conditions, these hazards can disappear within the hour. It is important to have evidence of the condition before the property owner or Mother Nature erases it.

Contact our Harrison, New York sidewalk accident attorneys

Hausman & Pendzick has proudly represented accident victims in Westchester County and the greater New York City area for years. If you have suffered a serious injury because of a sidewalk accident, contact our firm. Our experienced attorneys will assess your case, explain your legal options, and effectively represent your interests in and out of court. If you need our legal services, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.