In general terms, defective sidewalk accidents refer to situations where a person is injured by slipping, or tripping, and falling due to a dangerous condition on the sidewalks. Such falls happen outside a building, and can be caused by such conditions as broken concrete flag stones or curbs, sidewalk obstructions, poor lighting, unnatural slopes, un-cleared ice and snow, and more.

All NYC defective sidewalk accidents are covered under Section 19-152 of New York’s Administrative Code, property owners are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining sidewalks adjoining their properties. Property owners must also keep their sidewalks clean and are responsible for snow removal. Property owners have a “duty of care” to see that their property is safe. This includes insuring that the sidewalks have no structural defects that could cause an accident due to cracks or holes or weather related hazards including snow and icy spots.

If you experience a NYC defective sidewalk accident, it is your responsibility to prove that a hazard existed and that it was the cause of your accident. You should try to determine what made you fall and if it could have been anticipated and prevented. If anyone saw you fall, be sure you get the names and addresses of all witnesses. Try to note the conditions in the area – was the sidewalk clear, or was there a defect that made you trip, also try to get pictures of the area.

Report any such accident to the property owner and insist that they make a record of it. You should contact a NYC defective sidewalk injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurs, so that you can build your case before any evidence, “disappears”.