Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents in New York City
Serving injury victims in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City sidewalk accident lawyers
Many sidewalks are cracked, uneven, icy, poorly lit, obstructed, or not maintained. A quick walk to work, school, the subway, or home can instantly turn into a painful and traumatic fall. Many people are told it was just a fall or bad luck, but in New York City, most sidewalk accidents happen because someone failed to keep the sidewalk reasonably safe. What seems minor can lead to fractured wrists and ankles, torn ligaments, severe knee and shoulder injuries, spinal injuries, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often cause long-term pain, lost income, and overwhelming medical bills. Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, understands what you are going through. We clearly explain your rights, identify who is responsible, and fight for maximum compensation for injured pedestrians across all five boroughs.
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You can 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online to speak with a New York City sidewalk accident attorney today.
Why Sidewalk Accidents Are So Common in New York City
NYC sidewalks endure heavy foot traffic, delivery vehicles, harsh winters, freeze-thaw cycles, tree root growth, aging infrastructure, construction activity, and repeated patchwork repairs. When property owners, landlords, utilities, contractors, or the City fail to regularly inspect and maintain sidewalks, dangerous defects form and worsen. These hazards are perilous for older adults, children, people using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, individuals with vision or mobility impairments, and commuters moving quickly on crowded sidewalks. Many sidewalk accidents in New York City are not unavoidable. They are preventable and caused by negligence.
Common Sidewalk Hazards That Cause Injuries in New York City
Broken, Uneven, or Sunken Pavement
Raised or sunken slabs, tilted flags, gaps wider than half an inch, and missing concrete sections often cause trip-and-fall accidents in New York City. Even minor height variations can catch a toe, a cane, a stroller wheel, or a walker, creating a sudden trip hazard.
Cracks, Potholes, and Surface Deterioration
Long cracks, potholes, eroded concrete, and spalled surfaces develop from weather, age, and heavy use. Puddles hide depressions, snow and ice cover broken areas, and nighttime lighting makes uneven surfaces harder to see.
Tree Root Upheaval and Vegetation Growth
Tree roots often break concrete slabs, push pavement upward, cause sharp elevation changes, and loosen bricks or pavers. Overgrown vegetation can hide existing defects.
Ice, Snow, and Standing Water
Typical winter dangers include snow left unshoveled, unsalted ice, refrozen meltwater, black ice, and standing water caused by poor drainage. Property owners are required to clear snow and ice within legally mandated timeframes. Slipping on ice is not an unavoidable accident when it could have been prevented.
Defective Utility Covers, Cellar Doors, and Sidewalk Hardware
NYC sidewalks contain metal grates, utility covers, cellar doors, access panels, metal plates, and bolts that can become dangerous when loose, protruding, slick, or unstable. In severe cases, hardware can shift or collapse, causing serious injuries.
Construction-Related Sidewalk Hazards
Construction debris, cones, tools, uneven temporary surfaces, sidewalk sheds, and heavy equipment often create hazardous pedestrian routes. Contractors and property owners can be held liable when construction work creates unsafe sidewalks.
Cluttered Sidewalks, Obstructions, and Loose Debris
Garbage bags, trash cans, cafe seating, planters, signage, bicycles, and scooters cause direct trip hazards and force pedestrians into the street or onto uneven ground.
Cables, Wires, and Uncovered Objects
Extension cords, cables, hoses, and temporary lines stretched across sidewalks are extremely dangerous when not properly covered or secured.
Poor Lighting and Low Visibility
Burned-out streetlights, poorly lit building entrances, and deep shadows under scaffolding prevent pedestrians from seeing cracks, holes, debris, or elevation changes until it is too late.
Design and Accessibility Problems
Common accessibility issues include narrow sidewalks, missing or broken curb ramps, improper driveway slopes, sudden drop-offs, and missing handrails. These conditions are particularly hazardous for people with disabilities, older adults, and anyone using mobility devices.
Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Defects in New York City
NYC Administrative Code Section 7-210 (The Sidewalk Law)
Most NYC property owners must keep the sidewalks next to their property reasonably safe. They must repair cracks, uneven slabs, and broken flags, and remove snow, ice, dirt, and other hazards. When they fail to do so and someone is injured, they can be held liable.
The Small Residential Exception
The City of New York remains responsible for the sidewalks next to one-, two-, or three-family owner-occupied homes used exclusively for residential purposes. If your fall occurred in front of this type of building, your claim may be against the City, not the homeowner.
Grates, Manholes, and Special Hardware
When a sidewalk defect involves utility covers, maintenance holes, or vault grates, the responsible party may be a utility company, transit authority, or other public agency. These entities must maintain the hardware and the surrounding sidewalk area.
When the City Is Responsible
The City can be held liable only if it had prior written notice of the defect or created the defect through negligent work. Claims against the City require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and often a 50-hour hearing. Filing late or filing against the wrong party can permanently bar your claim.
Other Responsible Parties
Sidewalk maintenance responsibility can also fall to commercial property owners, landlords, property managers, condominium associations, co-ops, mixed-use properties, vacant lot owners, and government agencies that own adjacent buildings.
Proving Negligence in a NYC Sidewalk Accident Case
To win a sidewalk accident case, you must prove:
- Duty of care
- Breach of that duty
- Actual or constructive notice of the defect
- Causation
- Damages
Evidence Used to Prove Liability
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP gathers:
- Photos and videos of the sidewalk defect
- Measurements of cracks, height differences, and holes
- Weather data for snow, ice, or standing water cases
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- 311 complaints and NYC DOT records
- Property ownership documents
- Expert reports from engineers or safety professionals
- Medical records and bills
Common Injuries From NYC Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalk accidents frequently cause:
- Wrist, ankle, and hip fractures
- Torn ligaments and knee damage
- Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder dislocations
- Herniated discs and spinal injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial trauma and broken teeth
- Chronic pain and mobility issues
Victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, long-term care needs, and reduced quality of life.
What To Do After a Sidewalk Accident in New York City
- Seek medical care immediately
- Photograph the defect and the surrounding area
- Record the exact location
- Identify witnesses
- Report the accident
- Preserve your footwear and clothing
- Contact a NYC sidewalk accident lawyer promptly
Injured on a NYC sidewalk? Please call [Your Firm Phone Number] for a free consultation.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps NYC Sidewalk Accident Victims
Our firm:
- Conducts detailed investigations
- Identifies all responsible parties
- Secures evidence before it disappears
- Collects DOT and 311 records
- Works with your doctors to document injuries
- Handles all insurance negotiations
- Meets all legal deadlines
- Prepares cases for trial when needed
You focus on healing. We handle everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Sidewalk Accidents
1. Is every sidewalk fall a lawsuit?
No. There must be a dangerous condition, a responsible party, and negligence that caused your injuries.
2. What if the defect was minor?
Minor defects can still be dangerous. NYC courts evaluate lighting, location, shape, weather, and overall conditions, not just measurements.
3. Who is usually responsible?
Often, the adjacent property owner. Sometimes the City, a utility company, or multiple parties share responsibility.
4. What is prior written notice?
The City is liable only if it had written notice of the defect or created it. DOT and 311 records help determine this.
5. How long do I have to file?
Private defendants: generally 3 years
City defendants: Notice of Claim within 90 days, lawsuit within a shorter deadline
6. What if I was distracted?
You may still recover compensation. New York follows comparative negligence.
7. What compensation can I recover?
Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care needs.
8. Do I need a lawyer?
Sidewalk cases in NYC are complex. A lawyer protects your rights, preserves evidence, and maximizes compensation.
9. Do you handle cases in my borough?
Yes. We serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Local Harlem office
Seven convenient New York locations
Bilingual services
Hundreds of positive reviews
Top-rated attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
We deal with insurance companies so that you can focus on recovery.
Contingency fee only: no fee unless successful
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Our motto is Don’t Be a Victim Twice.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation.
Talk To a New York City Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured because of a dangerous NYC sidewalk, you deserve answers, accountability, and experienced legal representation. Greenstein & Pittari, LLP will listen to your story, explain your rights clearly, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation – No Fee Unless We Win
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today.
