A sidewalk accident in The Bronx can cause severe injuries, leading to high medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering. If your fall was due to negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation. However, proving liability requires showing that the responsible party failed to maintain the sidewalk properly, and that failure directly caused your accident.
Understanding your legal rights and taking immediate action can make a significant difference in your case. Consulting an experienced Bronx sidewalk accident lawyer can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and guide you through the legal process.
Who is Responsible for Maintaining Sidewalks in The Bronx?
Determining liability for a sidewalk accident depends on who is legally responsible for maintaining the area where your fall occurred. New York City Administrative Code §7-210 places the responsibility for most sidewalk maintenance on adjacent property owners rather than the city itself. However, in some cases, the New York City Department of Transportation or other government entities may be responsible for sidewalk upkeep.
Potentially liable parties in a Bronx sidewalk accident claim may include:
- Government agencies responsible for sidewalk maintenance
- Residential or commercial property owners
- Businesses, retail stores, and apartment complex landlords
- Religious institutions, private schools, and daycare centers
With over 12,800 miles of sidewalks in NYC, identifying the responsible party can be challenging. An experienced Bronx premises liability lawyer will investigate ownership records, maintenance history, and local laws to determine liability.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents in The Bronx
Property owners are legally required to keep sidewalks in a safe condition. When they fail to do so, dangerous hazards can lead to accidents. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk falls in The Bronx include:
- Cracks and crevices – Large, uneven cracks can create serious tripping hazards.
- Tree root damage – Overgrown roots can lift pavement, making sidewalks uneven.
- Weather-related hazards – Ice, snow, and water accumulation often lead to dangerous conditions.
- Crumbling and deteriorating pavement – Broken sidewalks can cause severe injuries.
- Poor construction or design – Defective sidewalk installation can result in long-term hazards.
Not every crack or sidewalk defect qualifies as negligence. However, if a sidewalk hazard contributed to your accident, collecting strong evidence immediately can strengthen your claim. Property owners often rush to make repairs after an accident to avoid liability, so take these steps:
- Photograph the sidewalk – Capture clear images of the hazard from multiple angles.
- Get witness statements – If anyone saw your fall, collect their contact information.
- Seek medical attention – Visit a doctor to document your injuries.
- Report the accident – Notify the property owner or responsible entity.
- Consult a Bronx sidewalk accident lawyer – An attorney will evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
How Long Do You Have to File a Sidewalk Injury Lawsuit?
New York law imposes strict deadlines for filing sidewalk accident claims. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to compensation:
- Claims against private property owners or businesses – You have three years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability lawsuit.
- Claims against government entities – You must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident and file a lawsuit within one year and 90 days of the incident.
Since government claims have shorter deadlines, taking swift legal action is critical to preserving your rights. A skilled sidewalk accident lawyer in The Bronx will ensure that all legal requirements are met on time.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bronx Sidewalk Accident?
A successful sidewalk injury claim can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages – Compensation for time missed from work and future income loss
- Pain and suffering – Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability – Compensation for long-term mobility issues or disability-related expenses
The total amount of compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, and the impact on your daily life. A Bronx personal injury attorney will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Choose the Best Bronx Sidewalk Accident Lawyers for Your Case
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a sidewalk accident in The Bronx, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Jesse Minc, our team of experienced Bronx premises liability lawyers has successfully handled numerous sidewalk accident cases. We are committed to helping injured victims get the maximum compensation for their injuries.
- No upfront costs – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Proven success – Our team has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across NYC.
- Personalized attention – We handle every case with dedication and attention to detail.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
Don’t let medical bills and lost wages overwhelm you. If you’ve been injured in a Bronx sidewalk accident, get the legal support you need today.
Call us now at (718) 354-8000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
