What Are My Rights If I Tripped and Fell on a Public Sidewalk?

Sidewalks and slip and fall accidents go hand in hand. Whether it is public property or private, you are likely to encounter a sidewalk no matter the residential or commercial status of the area. Sidewalks usually lead from a property boundary to the curb by definition and are subject to compliance with all the laws as stipulated in the constitution of the United States. Even if you are not paying attention to your surroundings, you likely encounter one or more sidewalks each day on your commute to and from work and home.

Most public sidewalks are ripe with potential safety hazards that make slip and fall accidents possible. Improper care of these public areas can result in slips and falls that can cause serious physical injury, including bruises, contusions, bone fractures, concussions, spinal compression, paralysis, or even death. Even if you survive such an incident, you are likely to be left holding hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical bills and costs of ongoing treatment months or even years into the future. The knowledgeable slip and fall attorney at Salamati Law Firm in Los Angeles has provided important information for what your legal rights might dictate if you ever find yourself involved in a slip and fall on a sidewalk.

Who Is Liable For Your Damages?

These types of accidents usually occur on public sideways due to improper maintenance and/or natural damage and wear and tear. It can occur due to improper cleaning, failure to salt the sidewalks during snowfall, over-salting the sidewalks, damage due to natural elements like earthquakes or excessive rainy weather.

It is the responsibility of a residential or commercial building owner to maintain their sidewalks if it is private property. On the other hand, if such unsafe conditions exist around the sidewalks of public establishments, you can expect to pursue legal action against the municipality or a government agency responsible for the upkeep of the property.

No matter the cause of your slip and fall, you should prepare for the worst-case legal scenario and take photos of your physical injuries, the site of the accident, and any official claim filed regarding the accident. Having concrete proof to support your case is one of the best ways to ensure that you will get the justice you deserve, especially if the accident resulted from the negligence of the property owner (individual or agency).

Remembering the Deadline

Most state and local government agencies that are responsible for handling your slip and fall accident claim might have a strict deadline by which you should positively file your lawsuit. In most cases, you must notify the concerned municipal department about the accident within a month or less and provide a detailed description of the events as they occurred and the damages that resulted from the said accident.

As important as filing a claim with the right government authority is, it is even more important to remember that if the concerned agency does not act on your complaint, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for your slip and fall accident-related damages. It is why legal representation is essential to all slip and fall cases because knowing your legal options is one of the best ways to get proper justice for your slip and fall case.

Legal Representation Matters

Whether or not it is your first such accident, you are likely to benefit from expert legal advice regarding your particular case. Having an experienced attorney by your side with extensive knowledge in these types of lawsuits ensures that your legal defense remains bulletproof and that you achieve success in proving negligence in your slip and fall lawsuit. Winning a lawsuit can guarantee fair financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages and help you focus on your recovery.