Slips, stumbles, and falls can occur as a result of uneven pavement. Uneven sidewalk accidents can be catastrophic, necessitating extensive medical attention and rehabilitation. Who bears the responsibility for these pedestrian injuries? What can pedestrians who have been wounded do to obtain the recompense they are due? To learn more, keep reading.
Sidewalks That Aren’t Even
In locations with outdated infrastructure, sidewalk injuries are widespread. Mild to serious injuries might occur, and the associated medical expenditures can be substantial. Some of the common causes may include but are not limited to:
Roots of a tree
Tree roots can push up concrete slabs, resulting in fractures and holes on the sidewalk. The foundation of a sidewalk can be damaged by tree roots growing beneath it, which is a common occurrence.
Poor Maintenance
Cracks and potholes can be found on poorly maintained sidewalks. A trip or fall can be readily caused by one of these dangers. And if uneven sidewalks led to some sort of car accident, a car accident lawyer has to be involved.
Construction
Sidewalks around construction projects are sometimes uneven and unsafe. Injuries can be caused by workers dropping tools, equipment, and other trash on the sidewalk. During construction, holes or trenches may appear on the sidewalk.
Who bears the responsibility?
Uneven sidewalks may subject public or private entities to liability, depending on the circumstances.
Institutions of State
In most situations, city facilities like streets and sidewalks are maintained by public bodies. Streets in the jurisdiction of local governments must be maintained and repaired.
This includes clearing the sidewalk of trash and waste, filling in cracks and holes in the sidewalk’s surface, and trimming or removing potentially dangerous trees or tree roots. It is possible for a public entity to be held accountable for any injuries that result from poor sidewalk maintenance.
Liability in a slip-and-fall lawsuit, on the other hand, can differ based on the law of the state. When a person is wounded while on a sidewalk in some places, they must be utilizing it for its intended purpose in order to be eligible for compensation.
Companies Owned by Individuals
Maintaining sidewalks may fall to private entities in some situations. Businesses, for example, are responsible for the sidewalk in front of their building, which must be kept safe and free of hazards. Injured parties have the right to hold private entities responsible if they fail to do so.
Rights of the Injured Pedestrian
A small or significant accident resulting from an uneven sidewalk can be a harrowing ordeal. There is a good chance that these injuries will require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. If an uneven sidewalk has caused you (or a loved one) harm, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering, and lost income.
