NYC Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

One of the most underappreciated injury risks New York City pedestrians face every day is defective sidewalks. We depend on there being safe and convenient pathways for our daily commute, yet too often cracked pavement, uneven sidewalk slabs, slippery conditions, and unaddressed trip hazards cause serious harm. When someone else’s negligence causes a sidewalk injury, that person should be held accountable.

If you slipped and fell on an unsafe sidewalk, Oresky & Associates, PLLC is ready to stand up to big insurance companies and fight for the accountability you deserve. We have extensive experience with these often-complicated cases, and we know what it takes to build a winning case.

Contact us today to learn more during your free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced NYC sidewalk accident lawyers. Your case evaluation is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.

Why Should I Hire an NYC Attorney for My Sidewalk Accident Claim?

Sidewalk injuries can upend your whole life. You may face daily pain, limited mobility, time off work, expensive medical bills, and significant emotional distress as you work to recover and regain a sense of normalcy. Handling a personal injury claim during this time can be extremely overwhelming. You need a sidewalk injury lawyer to guide you and protect your rights.

The experienced NYC sidewalk accident attorneys at Oresky & Associates, PLLC offer our clients the following:

• Decades of Experience – We’ve proudly represented injured New Yorkers for over 30 years. We understand the laws, the courts, and the communities that will shape your case.
• A Track Record of Success – Our team has recovered over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for clients just like you. We know what it takes to recover the compensation you deserve.
• A Strong Reputation – Our firm has worked hard to earn respect from both clients and our industry. We’re known among peers, colleagues, opposing counsel, and local courts as honest, hardworking, and professional, and we’ve earned hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied clients across New York’s Five Boroughs.
• Compassionate Support – Sidewalk injury victims need more than legal advice; they need empathy. We treat clients and their loved ones like family, and we always make sure to listen, understand, offer guidance, and communicate openly throughout the legal process.
• Aggressive Advocacy – Insurance companies will do whatever they can to avoid paying you what you deserve. We stand up to them and advocate aggressively for your best interests, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
• No Fees Unless We Win – Our attorneys work on contingency, which means we don’t charge you anything up front, and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Reach out to us today. Your case review is free and fully confidential.

What Are the Types and Causes of Sidewalk Accidents?

Sidewalk accidents can happen in countless ways, particularly in places like New York City, where heavy foot traffic can obscure serious hazards. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents include the following:

• Uneven pavement that causes tripping hazards
• Cracks and potholes that cause pedestrians to lose footing
• Slippery surfaces from ice, water runoff, or spilled substances
• Construction debris, poorly placed signs, and other protruding objects
• Incomplete repairs or maintenance work

These hazards can cause serious harm, and they often constitute a valid premises liability claim. Our NYC sidewalk accident attorneys can investigate the cause of the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and build a compelling case to hold them accountable and recover maximum compensation.

What Are New York’s Sidewalk Defect Laws?

New York City sidewalk injury cases often involve specific municipal regulations that define a property owner’s legal responsibilities regarding the sidewalks outside their property. One of the key rules is NY code § 19-152, under which property owners are generally responsible for keeping the sidewalks adjacent to their buildings and lots in a reasonably safe condition. This means property owners must repair and maintain sidewalks, keep them free of hazards, and do so in a timely fashion.

If a property owner fails to meet these responsibilities and someone gets hurt, they may face sidewalk accident liability under NY code § 7-210. Our sidewalk accident lawyers in NYC can assess whether the condition that caused your injury violated legal standards and whether the responsible party had an opportunity to correct the defect before the accident.

Who Could Be Held Liable for Sidewalk Accidents?

Identifying the legally responsible party or parties is one of the most critical aspects of recovering sidewalk injury compensation. Liability can potentially fall on:

• Property owners or landlords
• Property management companies
• Businesses that use the sidewalk area
• Negligent maintenance contractors
• The City of New York or another government entity

Under NY code § 7-210, anyone who owns or maintains property abutting any sidewalk has the responsibility to maintain it. That responsibility can potentially fall on someone who rents the property but uses the sidewalk, or it can fall on someone who was tasked with fixing a defect but failed to do so.

Determining liability in sidewalk injury claims can prove challenging and complicated, but our attorneys have the skill and experience to handle them. We pursue compensation from all liable parties to maximize your payout and protect your rights.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Pursue in a Sidewalk Accident Case?

Sidewalk injuries can cause not only serious physical and emotional harm, but also significant financial distress. Personal injury compensation can account for all of these losses. Your sidewalk injury lawyer will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, medical devices, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: Hourly wages and salary, missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, sick days, vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the emotional impacts of the accident and your injuries, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sidewalk Accident Lawsuit in New York?

You don’t have forever to pursue your rightful compensation. New York law sets strict deadlines for filing sidewalk injury lawsuits. That deadline is typically three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within the mandated timeframe can mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.

When the claim involves the City of New York or another government entity, the rules are stricter and the deadlines are shorter. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, and then you have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.

Protecting your rights after a sidewalk injury requires swift action. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, witness memories can fade, and insurance companies often employ stalling tactics. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to prevent severely limiting your legal options.

Could I Recover Compensation if I’m Partly to Blame in a Sidewalk Accident Case?

Yes. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, anyone can recover compensation after a sidewalk accident even if they share some fault for their injury. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

As an example, if the court awarded you $100,000 but found you 40 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced by that 40 percent, and you would ultimately receive $60,000.

Insurance companies attempt to take advantage of this rule by deflecting blame to reduce your payout as much as possible. Our sidewalk accident attorneys in NYC work to maximize your recovery by minimizing your percentage of fault.

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Sidewalk Accident?

Sidewalk accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries we see include the following:

Our sidewalk injury lawyers work with medical experts to assess the impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances to determine the full value of your claim, and then we fight to recover every last penny.

What Steps Should I Take After a Sidewalk Injury in NYC?

Taking prompt, strategic steps after an NYC sidewalk accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Be sure to do the following:

• Seek Prompt Medical Care – Not all injuries are immediately apparent, and delays in care can weaken your claim. See a healthcare provider as soon as possible, even if you seem unharmed.
• Report the Incident – If the accident occurred on or near a business property, report it to the owner or manager and request a copy of the incident report.
• Preserve Evidence – Don’t discard clothing or shoes worn during the incident, as they may provide valuable evidence. Write down what you remember while your memory is still fresh.
• Don’t Talk to Insurers – Insurance companies will twist your words against you to weaken your claim. Avoid speaking with them until you speak with an attorney.
• Contact a Lawyer – A sidewalk accident attorney in NYC can guide you through the legal process and help you avoid critical errors along the way. Contact one as soon as possible.

Contact a Sidewalk Accident Attorney in NYC Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in an NYC sidewalk accident, the team at Oresky & Associates, PLLC can help. We offer compassion, understanding, and fierce advocacy as you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation with a sidewalk accident lawyer in NYC. Your case review is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.