Sometimes a fall on a sidewalk is just an accident, but in many cases people fall and get hurt because whoever is in charge of keeping that walkway safe was negligent. It’s their job to clear sidewalk hazards that could cause people harm, and when they don’t do their job a Washington, D.C. sidewalk accident lawyer could help you hold them responsible.
What Kinds of Sidewalk Hazards Can Cause Falls?
Sidewalk hazards can take a safe, smooth walkway and turn it into a perilous path that causes slips, trips, and falls. Some common dangers include:
- Ice
- Snow
- Rain and standing water
- Wet leaves
- Cracks and holes in the pavement
- Broken and crumbling curbs
- Uneven surfaces, like pavement that’s been lifted up and damaged by tree roots
- Construction debris like cones and building materials
Sidewalk hazards like these can make it especially difficult for older people or anyone with mobility issues to walk safely. If the party in charge of maintaining the safety of the sidewalk does not make efforts to keep it free from hazards like these, they should be held responsible when someone gets hurt.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Sidewalk Accidents Cause?
Some people are lucky enough to walk away from a sidewalk accident with minor injuries, like scrapes, bruises, and cuts. Others are not so fortunate. Depending on how someone falls, they could end up with broken or fractured bones, back and spinal cord injuries, or even a traumatic brain injury.
Older people are especially likely to suffer serious injuries. They often have weaker bones and broken hips are common outcomes of falls. This can be a tough injury to recover from. Some never get their mobility back. Others suffer from mental health issues and have a fear of falling after they recover. Some even pass away due to their injuries. These sidewalk hazards are particularly dangerous for older people as a result.
Who Is Responsible for Addressing Sidewalk Hazards?
Property owners in Washington, D.C. are expected to clean up the sidewalks in front of their home when it snows or gets icy. They wouldn’t be responsible for fixing damage, like cracks or fissures, to those walkways though. If you tripped because of a crumbling curb or a big hole in the pavement, the city might be the negligent party here. A lawyer can help you figure out who should be held accountable and get the legal process started for you.
Schedule Your Case Consultation
So if you or a loved one have been hurt in a slip and fall, take the time to explore your legal options. Contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC to schedule a consultation with our team. If we can help you claim compensation, we’ll get right to work.