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Defective Sidewalk

New York Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

Millions of people traverse on New York City’s sidewalks each day to get to work, school, and wherever they need to go. However, it’s not uncommon for sidewalks to be poorly maintained and fall into disrepair. Unfortunately, uneven pavement, potholes, depressions, root growth, cracks, debris, ice, and various other hazardous conditions on sidewalks can all lead to trip and fall or slip and fall accidents resulting in serious injuries.    

Sidewalk accident injuries can be life-changing — and depending on the circumstances, they can also be life-threatening. The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. are committed to providing skillful advocacy for victims of sidewalk accidents to ensure they receive the highest possible settlement or verdict for their injuries. 

Liability for Sidewalk Accidents

Determining liability for a sidewalk accident can be complex. Contrary to what many believe, the City is not automatically liable for most trips, slips, and falls that occur due to sidewalk defects. While there are limited circumstances under which the City may be responsible for sidewalk accidents, the enactment of New York City Administrative Code §7-210 in 2003 largely shifted liability onto the owners of buildings adjacent to the sidewalk.  

Often referred to as New York City’s “Sidewalk Law,” the Administrative Code requires that owners ensure that the sidewalk abutting their property is kept in a “reasonably safe condition.” This means that property owners have a duty to repair or replace defective sidewalk flags and take measures to remedy any other defects they knew — or should have known — about within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to do so can result in liability for a trip and fall caused by the defect or dangerous condition on the property.

Importantly, there are exceptions to New York City’s “Sidewalk Law.” Generally, the law doesn’t apply to one, two, or three-family homes used solely for residential purposes that are occupied by the owners. In these cases, the City can still be named as a party in a sidewalk accident lawsuit. The City may also be liable for slips, trips, and falls that happen on sidewalks abutting City-owned property.  

Whether you fell on a sidewalk in front of a business, apartment building, at a bus stop, or anywhere else, our personal injury lawyers are committed to ensuring the negligent party will be held accountable. For three decades, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been obtaining substantial compensation for those injured in even the most complex sidewalk accident cases. 

Common Sidewalk Accident Injuries

Injuries arising from sidewalk trips, slips, and falls can be severe and require extensive medical treatment. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, a sidewalk accident victim may experience a wide range of physical injuries, including:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Twisted ankle
  • Fractured pelvis
  • Broken hip
  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Nerve damage
  • Paralysis
  • Fatality


Following a sidewalk accident, it’s best to seek medical assistance immediately so your doctor can rule out internal injuries that may not be apparent right away. In addition to conducting a physical examination, your doctor may also recommend X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and EMG-NCVs to determine the extent of your injuries. Treatment for sidewalk accident injuries can include pain medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Surgery may also be required if the injuries do not resolve.  

Experienced Attorneys Striving to Maximize Your Compensation

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a sidewalk accident, you may have missed work for medical appointments — or you may be unable to work entirely. You might also have incurred significant medical bills. By pursuing a personal injury action against the party responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to recovery for your unreimbursed and future medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs connected with the accident. A jury may also award you monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced as a result of your injuries.  

At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we understand the devastating impact that sidewalk accident injuries can have on your life and livelihood. Our lawyers are dedicated to working tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

Contact a Knowledgeable New York Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

No one expects to be injured in a sidewalk accident. However, these incidents can happen and when they do, it’s important to consult with an attorney who can advise you concerning your legal rights as soon as possible. There are strict statutes of limitation that apply to sidewalk slips, trips, and falls — and much shorter ones if the City is a liable party. For more than 30 years, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been providing effective representation for those who have been injured in sidewalk accidents throughout New York City and the surrounding areas.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Long Island in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Contact us for a consultation.