Unfortunately, as communities become more focused on infrastructure for cars, neighborhoods become less walkable. Essentially, this means it is growing increasingly harder for pedestrians to safely navigate their cities, as they are at greater risk of injury. Not only do distracted and negligent drivers pose a risk to those on foot, but negligent property owners who fail to ensure their sidewalks are safe can also put pedestrians in harm’s way. As such, if you have been injured while walking due to unsafe conditions on a sidewalk, you’ll want to keep reading, as the following blog explores what you should know about these circumstances, including your right to fight for compensation with the help of a Sacramento sidewalk accident lawyer to assist you.
What Makes a Sidewalk Unsafe?
Though they may not seem dangerous, there are several hazards that pedestrians can encounter when walking on sidewalks throughout their communities. Most commonly, hazards include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Debris left on the ground
- Cords and wires
- Tree roots
- Leaves or branches
- Overgrown vegetation
- Missing slabs
- Uneven pavement
- Missing, cracked, and sinking pavement
- Buckling
- Pooling water
While most people assume that slips, trips, and falls are not that serious, they can result in several severe injuries. These include broken bones, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, and emotional damage.
Can I File a Claim for Injuries Caused By Unsafe Sidewalks?
When you are injured while walking, whether you’re taking your dog out or heading to a local farmer’s market, it’s important to understand your rights. The most important thing you should do after a slip, trip, or fall caused by unsafe premises is seek medical attention. This helps establish immediate care, which can assist in your claim, as the other party cannot claim you failed to mitigate damages by delaying treatment. Additionally, you should contact the police to request a report, as this can help ensure that the date, time, and location of your injury are properly documented. If possible, you should try to gather evidence at the scene to help support your claim, like photos of the unsafe conditions, security camera footage from local businesses or residences, and even witness contact information.
If you have sustained damages as a result of your sidewalk accident, you are eligible to file a claim for compensation. Generally, the owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk is liable for accidents, as it is their responsibility to ensure their property is safe for pedestrians. You should note, however, that while the statute of limitations in California is two years for personal injury cases, the sooner you can file a claim, the better.
When you are hurt and you sustain injuries caused by a negligent property owner, it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, our dedicated team understands how difficult these circumstances can be to navigate, which is why we are committed to helping you through these difficult times. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
