Cracked and Broken Sidewalk Accident Lawyers in New York City
Trusted NYC Attorneys for Sidewalk Trip and Fall Injuries
Every day, millions of New Yorkers depend on sidewalks to safely navigate the city. Yet across New York City, cracked, uneven, and broken sidewalks cause thousands of preventable injuries each year. When property owners or city agencies fail to fix dangerous conditions, innocent pedestrians suffer.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers represent victims of sidewalk trip and fall accidents caused by unsafe or poorly maintained walkways. We hold negligent property owners and city departments accountable under New York law – recovering the compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.
If you were injured on a cracked or broken sidewalk in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free consultation.
Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance in New York City?
Under New York City Administrative Code § 7-210, property owners – not the City – are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalks that border their property. This includes repairing defects, removing ice or snow, and keeping walkways reasonably safe for pedestrians.
Liability Depends on Property Type
- Commercial and Multi-Family Properties: Businesses, apartment buildings, and mixed-use properties must maintain adjoining sidewalks.
- Religious and Nonprofit Institutions: These entities are equally responsible for keeping sidewalks safe.
- City-Owned Property: The City of New York remains liable for sidewalks adjacent to parks, municipal buildings, and one-, two-, or three-family owner-occupied homes used exclusively as residences.
When a property owner or city agency ignores cracked concrete, uneven slabs, or hazardous debris, they can be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries.
Common Causes of Dangerous Sidewalks in NYC
New York City’s sidewalks endure heavy use, extreme weather, and frequent construction. Over time, this leads to hazardous conditions such as:
- Cracked or uneven concrete slabs
- Buckled or raised pavement from tree roots or frost heave
- Sunken or deteriorated sections
- Loose bricks, grates, or metal plates
- Poorly patched repairs or negligent construction work
- Debris, garbage, or unsafe obstructions
Even a one-inch height difference between sidewalk panels can cause a serious trip and fall accident in New York City. Prompt documentation of the hazard – with photos, video, and location details – is essential for building a successful case.
Injuries Caused by Cracked and Broken Sidewalk Accidents
Falls on hard concrete can result in severe, life-altering injuries. Common injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones (wrist, hip, ankle, facial, or skull)
- Head and brain trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck, back, and spinal injuries, including herniated discs
- Torn ligaments and joint injuries (shoulder, knee, rotator cuff, ACL/MCL)
- Cuts, bruises, dental damage, or disfigurement
- Chronic pain, nerve damage, or permanent disability
Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to document your injuries, treatment, and long-term prognosis to strengthen your compensation claim.
How to Prove Negligence in a Cracked and Broken Sidewalk Accident Case
To win a New York City sidewalk injury lawsuit, you must prove that negligence caused your fall. The key elements include:
- Duty of Care – The defendant was legally responsible for maintaining the sidewalk.
- Breach of Duty – The sidewalk was unsafe or defective.
- Notice – The property owner or City knew (or should have known) about the hazard.
- Causation & Damages – The defect directly caused your injuries.
Critical Evidence May Include:
- Photos or video of the defect and surroundings
- Witness statements
- Medical records linking injuries to the fall
- Prior 311 complaints, violation notices, or inspection reports
- Property maintenance and repair records
- Expert evaluations by engineers or safety specialists
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we conduct thorough investigations, obtain City maintenance logs, and use 311 data to prove negligence and notice.
Comparative Negligence in New York
Under New York’s pure comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were distracted by your phone when you tripped, you can still obtain damages – your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Our legal team builds compelling evidence to show that the sidewalk defect, not your conduct, was the actual cause of your injury.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Sidewalk Fall in NYC?
Victims of sidewalk trip and fall accidents in New York City may be entitled to recover:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Future medical treatment and therapy
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Transportation and out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
We pursue every avenue of recovery available under New York premises liability law, including claims against property owners, management companies, and municipal agencies.
What to Do After a Cracked and Broken Sidewalk Accident in New York City
Following a sidewalk fall, the actions you take can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
- Get medical care immediately – even if symptoms seem mild.
- Take photos or video of the sidewalk defect, your injuries, and surroundings.
- Record the exact location – including building number and cross streets.
- Collect witness contact information for future statements.
- Report the hazard to 311 to create a public record.
- Preserve your shoes and clothing – they may serve as evidence.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as soon as possible.
Our firm immediately dispatches investigators to document the defect and secure proof before the City or property owner makes repairs.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Builds a Winning Case
We are a results-driven law firm dedicated exclusively to helping accident victims across New York City. Our sidewalk injury lawyers combine legal expertise, on-the-ground investigation, and expert analysis to build powerful claims.
Our approach includes:
- Prompt site inspections and defect measurements
- Identification of all responsible parties – property owners, tenants, contractors, or the City
- Retrieval of 311, DOT, and violation records
- Collaboration with engineering and safety experts
- Detailed documentation of your medical care and prognosis
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers and defense counsel
- Full trial preparation to maximize settlement leverage
We handle every case on a contingency fee basis – you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation.
Statute of Limitations for NYC Sidewalk Injury Claims
Acting quickly is critical in all premises liability cases.
- Private Property Owners: 3 years from the date of the accident (CPLR § 214).
- City of New York or Municipal Agency:
- Notice of Claim – 90 days from the accident
- Lawsuit – 1 year and 90 days from the accident date
Missing a deadline could forfeit your right to compensation entirely. Greenstein & Pittari, LLP ensures all claims are filed accurately and on time.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we have earned our reputation through decades of success in New York City personal injury law. We combine deep legal knowledge with compassionate, client-focused service.
When you choose our firm, you get:
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Proven results in NYC sidewalk and premises liability cases
- Local offices across New York City for convenience
- Bilingual legal support for diverse clients
- Award-winning attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- Responsive, personalized communication every step of the way
We don’t just settle cases – we fight for accountability, justice, and the maximum compensation available under New York law.
Contact a New York City Cracked and Broken Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured on a cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalk anywhere in New York City, you may have a strong legal claim. Strict deadlines apply, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Let Greenstein & Pittari, LLP protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online today for a free consultation.
The call is free. The consultation is free.
You don’t pay us unless we win – that’s our Fee Guarantee.