Uneven Sidewalk Accidents in New York City
Top-Rated NYC Sidewalk Injury Lawyers | Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Walking is part of everyday life in New York City – from morning commutes and school drop-offs to errands and sightseeing. You expect the sidewalks beneath your feet to be safe. Unfortunately, cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalks can turn a simple walk into a devastating trip-and-fall accident.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers fight for pedestrians injured due to unsafe or poorly maintained sidewalks. If you were hurt in a trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
We proudly represent clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester County.
What Causes Uneven Sidewalk Accidents in New York City?
Uneven sidewalks are among the most common hazards leading to pedestrian trip-and-fall injuries in NYC – even a slight height difference – sometimes just ½ inch – can cause a dangerous fall.
Common causes of uneven or broken sidewalks include:
- Tree roots pushing up or cracking concrete slabs
- Freeze–thaw cycles that expand and shift pavement
- Water damage, erosion, or poor drainage
- Deterioration from heavy foot and vehicle traffic
- Faulty construction, repairs, or patchwork resurfacing
- Neglected maintenance by property owners or contractors
Whether your fall occurred outside a business, apartment complex, or government property, you may have a valid injury claim under NYC premises liability laws.
Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance in NYC?
Under New York City Administrative Code §7-210, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property in a reasonably safe condition. This includes fixing uneven pavement, repairing cracks, and removing trip hazards.
When property owners fail to do so, they can be held financially liable for resulting injuries.
However, there are exceptions:
- The City of New York is responsible for sidewalks next to one-, two-, or three-family owner-occupied homes used solely for residential purposes.
- The City is also liable for sidewalks next to City-owned buildings and public parks.
- Under New York General Municipal Law §50-e, the City may be responsible if it had prior written notice of the defect and failed to repair it within a reasonable time.
Our attorneys carefully analyze ownership records, maintenance logs, and City data to identify every liable party—whether it’s a private landlord, a commercial business, a contractor, or the City of New York.
When You Can Sue the City of New York for a Sidewalk Accident
If your injury occurred on a City-maintained sidewalk, special notice requirements apply. You’ll need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of your accident.
Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Our lawyers handle every step – from the Notice of Claim filing to investigating negligence by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) or other agencies – to preserve your rights and maximize compensation.
Proving Negligence in a New York Sidewalk Trip-and-Fall Case
To win a sidewalk injury lawsuit in New York City, your attorney must prove:
- The property owner or City knew or should have known about the sidewalk defect.
- They failed to repair or warn about it in a reasonable time.
- The defect directly caused your fall and injuries.
- You suffered financial and personal damages.
Evidence we use includes:
- Photos of the sidewalk defect and scene
- Witness statements and surveillance footage
- City inspection and repair records
- Prior complaints and violation notices
Our team moves quickly to document the scene and build a compelling case before repairs or resurfacing hide the hazard.
Common Injuries Caused by Uneven Sidewalks in NYC
Even a short fall on concrete can cause life-changing injuries. Our clients often suffer:
- Fractures and broken bones (hip, wrist, ankle, arm)
- Head trauma or concussion
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Sprains, torn ligaments, and soft-tissue damage
- Facial injuries, lacerations, and dental fractures
Elderly pedestrians are especially vulnerable to hip fractures and brain injuries, while children and delivery workers are often injured due to raised or sloped pavement.
What Compensation Can Sidewalk Injury Victims Recover?
Victims of sidewalk trip-and-fall accidents in New York City may recover damages for:
- Medical bills (emergency treatment, hospitalization, therapy, medication)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages, if the accident was fatal
Our firm partners with medical and economic experts to calculate the full lifetime value of your claim, ensuring you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
Steps to Take After a Trip-and-Fall on a Sidewalk in NYC
Taking the proper steps immediately after your accident can protect your health and your case:
- Get medical care immediately – document every injury.
- Take photos of the defective sidewalk and the surrounding area.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Report the accident to the property owner or call 311 if it’s City property.
- Save all medical bills, receipts, and correspondence.
- Contact an NYC sidewalk injury attorney as soon as possible before evidence disappears or deadlines pass.
Statute of Limitations for Sidewalk Accident Claims in NYC
- Private property: You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Claims against the City of New York: You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
Time is critical. Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP immediately after a sidewalk accident to preserve your rights and evidence.
Common Defenses in NYC Sidewalk Injury Cases
Property owners and city agencies frequently deny responsibility, claiming:
- They had no notice of the defect.
- They didn’t have enough time to fix it.
- The fall was caused by weather or the pedestrian’s inattention.
Our attorneys counter these tactics with inspection reports, expert testimony, and photographic evidence that proves negligence and liability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidewalk Accidents in NYC
What is considered an “uneven sidewalk” in New York City?
A sidewalk is uneven if it has raised, sunken, or cracked sections, creating a tripping hazard. NYC DOT guidelines consider height differences of ½ inch or more potentially dangerous.
Can I sue the City of New York?
Yes – if the City had prior written notice of the defect or was directly responsible for maintenance. You’ll need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
What if I were partly at fault?
Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible.
How much is my sidewalk accident case worth?
Compensation depends on your medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. Severe injury cases can result in six- or seven-figure settlements or verdicts.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
When you’re injured in a sidewalk fall, you need a law firm that knows New York law, New York streets, and New York juries.
Clients Choose Us Because We Offer:
- Decades of experience in NYC premises liability and municipal claims
- Proven success against negligent property owners and the City of New York
- Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless We Win
- Bilingual services for New York’s diverse communities
- Hundreds of 5-star client reviews and testimonials
- Convenient office locations in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
We handle every detail—from investigating the defect to negotiating with insurers—so you can focus on healing.
Contact a New York City Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today
Uneven sidewalks are a citywide danger that leaves innocent pedestrians facing medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain. You don’t have to face this alone.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation with an experienced New York City sidewalk accident attorney.
Feel free to contact us online to get started. We’ll review your case, preserve vital evidence, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Trusted Advocates for New Yorkers Injured on Unsafe Sidewalks.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) .
Your recovery begins with one call.