Injured on a New York City Sidewalk? Here’s What You Need to Know About Filing a Lawsuit

Injured on a New York City sidewalk? Learn your legal rights, who may be liable, and how Blitz Law Group can help you recover compensation.

Insights from Justin Blitz, Esq. on what to do if you're injured on a New York City Sidewalk

What to Do If You’re Injured on a New York City Sidewalk

Sidewalks are everywhere in New York City—but so are dangerous conditions. If you’ve tripped or slipped due to a broken, cracked, icy, or uneven sidewalk, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. These types of injuries can be painful, costly, and even life-changing. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward securing compensation.

At Blitz Law Group, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers hold negligent parties accountable for sidewalk-related injuries. Here’s what you need to know.

Common Causes of Sidewalk Injuries in NYC

New York City sidewalks see heavy foot traffic, harsh weather, and years of wear. When not properly maintained, they become hazards. Some of the most common causes of trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall injuries include:

    •    Uneven or raised sidewalk slabs

    •    Cracks, potholes, or crumbling pavement

    •    Snow and ice buildup

    •    Slippery algae from poor drainage

    •    Open or broken cellar doors and grates

    •    Loose or missing utility covers

    •    Tree root damage

    •    Poor lighting near sidewalks

    •    Debris, trash, or misplaced signage blocking walkways

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Who Is Liable for Sidewalk Injuries?

In many cases, sidewalk liability in New York falls on the adjacent property owner, not the city. According to Section 7-210 of the NYC Administrative Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in front of commercial properties, apartment buildings, and most multi-family homes.

However, the City of New York may still be liable under specific conditions, including:

    •    When the defect is near a City-owned building

    •    When a sidewalk hazard involves city infrastructure, such as sewer caps, subway grates, or traffic signal poles

    •    When the City had prior written notice of the defect and failed to repair it within a reasonable time

Determining who’s responsible is a crucial part of any sidewalk injury case—and that’s where an experienced legal team can help.

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What to Do After a Sidewalk Injury

If you’ve been injured due to a sidewalk hazard, take the following steps to protect your rights:

    1.    Seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries.

    2.    Take photos of the exact sidewalk defect from multiple angles.

    3.    Gather witness information from anyone who saw the fall.

    4.    Report the incident—if it happened outside a business, let the manager know.

    5.    Preserve your shoes and clothing—they may be relevant in your case.

    6.    Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

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Filing a Lawsuit Against the City of New York

When the City of New York may be liable, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. This is a strict deadline, and failure to meet it may result in your case being dismissed.

You must also file the lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations:

    •    3 years for personal injury claims against private property owners

    •    1 year and 90 days for claims against the City of New York

This tight window makes it essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

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Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Case

To prove liability in a sidewalk injury case, you’ll need to show that:

    •    The defect was dangerous and not trivial

    •    The responsible party had actual or constructive notice

    •    The hazard directly caused your injury

Key pieces of evidence include:

    •    Time-stamped photographs of the defect

    •    Medical records and diagnosis

    •    Eyewitness accounts

    •    Expert testimony (when applicable)

    •    DOT records and 311 complaints that show prior notice

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Examples of Sidewalk Injury Cases We’ve Handled

At Blitz Law Group, we’ve secured substantial compensation for sidewalk-related injuries, including:

    •    $550,000 Settlement Secured for Sidewalk Injury Case: https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/post/550-000-settlement-secured-for-sidewalk-injury-case

    •    $350,000 For Trip-and-Fall On Sidewalk Defect: https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/post/350-000-for-trip-and-fall-on-sidewalk-defect

    •    $275,000 Settlement for Woman Who Tripped and Fell on a Broken Sidewalk: https://www.blitzlawgroup.com/post/275-000-settlement-for-woman-who-tripped-and-fell-on-a-broken-sidewalk

    •    Numerous confidential settlements against both private landlords and city agencies for defective sidewalk conditions

We know how to investigate, identify the liable party, and fight for maximum compensation.

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Injured on a Sidewalk? Blitz Law Group Can Help.

If you’ve been hurt on a sidewalk in New York City, don’t let the complexity of the legal system keep you from pursuing justice. Our team of experienced trial attorneys has handled hundreds of sidewalk injury cases and is ready to fight for you.

We’ll help you determine who’s at fault, gather the necessary evidence, and build a case that gets results.

Call Blitz Law Group at (212) 871-1300 or visit blitzlawgroup.com/contact to schedule your free consultation today.

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