Millions of people use the sidewalks of NYC every day. While most sidewalks are well-maintained and safe, some may have defects or damages that can cause serious injuries to pedestrians. If you have been injured by a defective sidewalk in NYC, you may be wondering if you can sue the city for compensation. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned NYC personal injury lawyer from The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about whether you may have a valid claim and how our firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and need to heal. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Can I sue NYC for a defective sidewalk injury?
To win a lawsuit against the city, you will first need to prove that you have suffered a personal injury as a result of a defective sidewalk. This means that you have experienced physical pain, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages due to the accident. You will need to provide evidence of your injury, such as medical records, bills, receipts, photographs, witness statements, etc.
The type and severity of your injury will also affect the amount of compensation you can recover from the city. Generally, the more serious your injury, the higher your potential award. However, there are also limits and caps on how much you can recover from the city, depending on the type of claim and the circumstances of your case.
What are some common examples of sidewalk defects?
Some of the most common sidewalk defects that our firm sees are as follows:
- Uneven flags (squares of sidewalk) where the vertical difference between two flags is more than 1/2 inch
- Loose flags that move up and down
- Undermined flags below which there is a visible void
- Cracked flags that can be readily removed
- Hardware (such as grates, covers, bolts, etc.) that is not flush within 1/2 inch of the sidewalk surface
- Improper slope preventing flags from draining towards the curb
- Missing flags or a sidewalk that was never built
- Holes as small as 1 inch in diameter
- Tree roots that have expanded underneath and created a tripping hazard
If you were injured due to any of the aforementioned, there is a strong chance you’ll have a valid claim, but you shouldn’t proceed without a competent personal injury attorney in your corner.
How long will I have to file my personal injury claim?
According to New York State General Municipal Law § 50-e, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days from the date of your accident. If you fail to file a notice of claim within this time period, you may lose your right to sue the city for compensation. Don’t wait–contact our firm today so we can get started working on your case.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
