Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer: What Happens If You’re Injured on a New York City Sidewalk?
- BLITZ LAW GROUP
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
In a city as fast-paced and densely populated as New York, sidewalks are constantly in use—and unfortunately, they’re also common sites of injury. Whether you’ve slipped on ice, tripped over a broken slab, or fallen due to an uneven surface, a sidewalk accident can lead to serious injuries and costly medical bills.
Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer: What Happens If You’re Injured on a New York City Sidewalk?
If you’ve been injured on a New York City sidewalk, here’s what you need to know about your rights, who may be liable, how to gather evidence, and what steps to take to file a claim.
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Common Causes of Sidewalk Injuries in NYC
Sidewalk-related injuries can occur for many reasons, including:
• Cracked or uneven pavement
• Loose or missing sidewalk flags
• Snow and ice not properly removed
• Tree roots lifting concrete slabs
• Poor lighting causing trip hazards at night
• Construction debris or temporary hazards
These conditions can result in slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, sprains, back injuries, and more.
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Who Is Liable for a Sidewalk Injury in NYC?
Liability depends on where the sidewalk is and who is responsible for its maintenance. In most cases:
• Private property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property, including snow removal, repairing cracks, and keeping the path safe.
• The City of New York may be liable for sidewalk defects in front of 1-, 2-, or 3-family owner-occupied residential homes, as well as for injuries caused by city trees, manhole covers, or other city installations.
• Commercial property owners and landlords often hold liability for sidewalks bordering their business or residential buildings.
To determine liability, it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can identify the responsible party and take legal action on your behalf.
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What Evidence Should You Gather After a Sidewalk Injury?
If you’ve been hurt on a sidewalk, your first priority should be getting medical attention. Then, collect the following evidence (or have someone help if you’re unable):
• Photographs of the defect or hazard (e.g., broken slab, ice patch, debris)
• Close-up and wide-angle shots to show location and severity
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness statements and contact info
• Medical records and diagnosis reports
• Incident reports, if filed with a property owner or the city
Prompt documentation strengthens your claim and helps prove negligence.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Sidewalk Injury Claim?
• For private property owners, New York’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• If the City of New York is the liable party, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury, and the lawsuit must be filed within one year and 90 days from the date of the incident.
Because these deadlines are strict and vary depending on who is responsible, it’s critical to consult with a qualified attorney immediately after your injury.
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How Do You File a Case Over a Defective Sidewalk in NYC?
1. Identify the liable party (private owner, city, or other entity)
2. File a Notice of Claim (if the city or a public agency is involved)
3. Collect and preserve evidence
4. Get a medical evaluation
5. Work with an experienced personal injury law firm to draft and file the lawsuit
At Blitz Law Group, we manage every step of this process, ensuring no deadlines are missed and that your case is supported by strong documentation and expert legal analysis.
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Examples of Sidewalk Injury Cases We’ve Won
Blitz Law Group has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in sidewalk accidents, including:
• $350,000 For Trip-and-Fall injuries our client sustained when he tripped and fell on a defective sidewalk in front of a building on West 86th Street in Manhattan.
• $300,000 for a woman who tripped and fell on a defective, broken and cracked sidewalk outside a bodega in Brooklyn, requiring a shoulder surgery.
• $550,000 for a client suffered a serious fall due to a broken and defective sidewalk in Greenwich Village, leading to severe shoulder injuries that required three surgeries to repair.
These victories reflect our commitment to securing the maximum compensation for our clients and holding negligent property owners accountable.
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Injured on a Sidewalk? Blitz Law Group Can Help
If you or a loved one was injured due to a defective or poorly maintained sidewalk, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The personal injury attorneys at Blitz Law Group have decades of experience handling sidewalk injury claims across New York City.
We’ll help you determine who is at fault, gather strong evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve—including coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Blitz Law Group today at (212) 871-1300 or visit www.blitzlawgroup.com/contact to schedule a free consultation.
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