Sidewalks are beneficial for communities, providing pedestrians and bikers with a safe way to navigate the town and get to and from their destinations. However, certain potential dangers can make these walkways unsafe. Read on and work with a skilled Memphis premises liability lawyer to learn more about the common sidewalk hazards to look out for.
What Sidewalk Hazards Should I Look Out For?
Whether you are walking, running, biking, or otherwise using a sidewalk in your neighborhood, it is important to be on the lookout for the following hazards to avoid accidents and injuries.
- Uneven pavement and heaved slabs
- Potholes and depressions
- Snow, ice, wet leaves, and other slippery surfaces
- Debris and obstacles
- Poor lighting
- Unruly tree roots
- Downed power lines
- Overhanging branches
- Deteriorating curbs
The above and more could be hazardous and unexpected for sidewalk users.
What Are Some Common Sidewalk Injuries?
Slips, trips, and falls are common types of sidewalk accidents, often resulting from the above hazards. While some people can sustain a fall and jump right back up, other times they may be seriously injured. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in sidewalk accidents.
- Bruising
- Lacerations
- Fractured and broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Dislocations
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord damage
- Dental damage
- Contusions
The severity of the injuries sustained in this type of accident will vary depending on the details of the situation. People can also develop psychological injuries like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Can I Recover Compensation After a Sidewalk Injury?
It is possible to recover compensation after sustaining an injury in a sidewalk accident. The most important aspect of a personal injury case is establishing liability and negligence. Liability is a person’s legal responsibility for damage caused to another person. Under premises liability law, the liable party in a sidewalk accident is generally a property owner or the local government.
Sidewalks are typically public property, meaning that it is the local municipality’s responsibility to maintain them and keep them safe for pedestrians. Potholes, heaved slabs, downed power lines, inadequate lighting, and other damage are all hazards that must be addressed and rectified by the government. If the local government knew about the danger, or should have known based on the amount of time it had been present, and neglected to address the problem then you may be able to hold them accountable for your injuries and associated damages.
Property owners can also be held liable for accidents that occur on the sidewalk directly attached to their property. If the owner left a dangerous obstacle on the walkway, did not shovel after snowfall, or otherwise neglected their responsibility to keep the property safe, they may be liable for your accident and expenses.
To discover more about the types of compensation you are eligible for, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, PC.
