Who Is Liable for Sidewalk Falls – City or Property Owner?

Tripping on a cracked or icy sidewalk may seem straightforward, but liability is often anything but. Determining who is responsible, i.e., whether city government or adjacent property owner, depends on local laws.

In many municipalities, homeowners or businesses are legally responsible for maintaining sidewalks bordering their property. Failure to repair a crack or remove snow and ice could make them liable for injuries sustained on their property.

In other areas, the city retains responsibility. Suing a municipality often involves different deadlines and procedures (like a notice of claim). (See our Blog Post: What if an employee of a Government Entity (Local Municipality/State/Federal) caused your injury?)

Proving negligence in these cases requires:

• Documentation of the hazard, including photos, videos, witness statements

• Evidence of how long the hazard existed

• Medical records linking your injury to the fall

Consulting a personal injury attorney early can help identify the correct defendant and meet any legal requirements before filing a claim.

Call us at Silverback Legal LLP for your free consultation: 866.733.6225.