What Should I Do After a New York City Sidewalk Fall?

If you trip on a misleveled sidewalk and are injured, consider taking these steps:

1. Seek medical attention. Some injuries may not become apparent immediately.
2. Photograph the sidewalk defect. Take photographs before the condition changes.
3. Record the street address and the nearest intersection and identify the exact location. Try to measure the distance to whatever landmarks would explain the exact location on the sidewalk.
4. Get witness information.
5. Preserve your evidence. Keep your shoes and clothing from the accident.
6. Do not assume you know who is responsible. The property owner, City, or another entity may have responsibility depending on the circumstances.
7. Contact a New York personal injury attorney promptly. There may be important notice and filing requirements, particularly when a governmental entity may be involved and evidence may disappear.

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Injuries?

If you can establish liability, compensation may include damages for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost wages
• Past and future pain and suffering

Your compensation depends on the severity and permanency of your injuries, the medical treatment required, and the impact the accident had on your life.

Contact a New York City Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

A misleveled sidewalk may look like a simple accident, but determining legal responsibility can require a detailed investigation.

If you were injured after tripping on an uneven sidewalk in New York City, an attorney can investigate the condition, identify the potentially responsible parties, examine whether there was prior written notice, obtain relevant records, and determine whether you may have a viable personal injury claim.

Do not assume that a sidewalk defect is too small to support a claim or that the City is automatically responsible. The specific facts and evidence can make a significant difference.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a trip and fall as a result of a defective and dangerous sidewalk and are in need of legal assistance, call the Lawyers at Jaroslawicz & Jaros at 212-227-2780, or submit an online questionnaire.

The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations.

Please call to ensure that you do not waive your right to compensation. You can call Abraham Jaros on his cell at 917-842-9544 or email him at ajaros@lawjaros.com.

By: Abraham Jaros, Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC Admitted to the New York Bar in 1973