You might experience unexpected dangers while walking on a damaged sidewalk in NYC. The main function of a sidewalk is to keep pedestrians safe. Trips, falls, and injuries are common on sidewalks with potholes and uneven and cracked surfaces. To maintain a safe path, the sidewalk must comply with DOT guidelines.
Well-maintained sidewalks are
essential for both safety and aesthetics. They protect pedestrians from
tripping hazards and boost the curb appeal of your property. In NYC, homeowners
are responsible for keeping the sidewalks next to their homes in good repair.
If your sidewalk needs
attention, consider hiring a qualified sidewalk repair contractor like Eden
Sidewalk Repair to ensure the job is done correctly. This will not only
prevent potential accidents but also enhance the overall look of your property.
Understanding Sidewalk Liability in NYC
To figure out who is responsible for sidewalk accidents in
New York City, you have to look at the city's rules and laws. Now let's look at
the things that determine the city's and property owners' liabilities.
What Are the Causes of Sidewalk Damage?
Sidewalks are made of materials like concrete, asphalt, and
gravel. Without proper maintenance, these materials can deteriorate with time.
Your sidewalks can become dangerous for pedestrians and children if you do not
maintain them.
There are the following causes of sidewalk damage, given
below:
·
Cracks
·
Slippery Surfaces
·
Potholes
·
Tree Roots
·
Snow and Ice
·
Soil Erosion
Damages in a Sidewalk Trip and Fall Scenario
Accidents involving trips and falls on the sidewalk can be
very bad, causing many injuries and even needing immediate medical help.
Examples of typical sidewalk fall injuries, such as:
·
Sprains and Strains
·
Twisted Ankles
·
Fractures or Broken Bones
·
Spine Injuries
·
Brain Injuries
·
Paralysis
·
Or Even Death
When people trip and fall on your damaged sidewalks, they
need medical care, treatment, and sometimes therapy, and they can sue you for
personal injury and get you to pay for their losses.
Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance?
In New York City, property owners are responsible for
maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their properties. And as for sidewalks
located in parks and commercial buildings, the NYC government is responsible.
Responsibility of the Property Owner
Property owners are usually responsible for keeping
sidewalks in good shape on their own property. Regular checks must be done for
cracks, holes, and any other dangers, and any problems must be fixed as soon as
possible. Property owners can be held liable if someone falls and gets hurt on
their unmaintained sidewalk.
Responsibility of Government
If a sidewalk on public property is broken or blocked, the
city or town may be responsible for injuries to pedestrians.
NYC Parks and Government Institutes
New York City's city government is responsible for fixing
any sidewalk damage that street trees and their roots cause. If tree roots hurt
a path in New York City, the Parks Department is in charge of fixing it. You
can tell the city's Parks Department about a sidewalk that has been raised by
tree roots so that it can be looked at and any fixes made that are needed.
Sidewalks Adjacent to City-Owned Property
A city government agency is in charge of fixing sidewalks
that are close to parks, schools, or government buildings. Departments like the
Parks Department or the Department of Transportation are responsible for making
these fixes so that public sidewalks are safe and easy to use.
The NYC sidewalk program is also a service that residents
can use to get answers to their questions and make complaints about sidewalk
upkeep and repair.
How Can Hiring a Sidewalk Contractor Help?
Both property owners and municipalities need to hire
professional sidewalk contractors who can fix issues on time. These contractors
have the expertise and equipment to assess and repair sidewalks efficiently,
reducing the risk of accidents and potential liability.
Conclusion
Sidewalks are very important for the safety and
accessibility of the neighborhood. Poorly maintained walkways can make it hard
for people to walk, especially older people, people with disabilities, and
parents pushing strollers. When property owners don't fix the sidewalk, they
make the area dangerous and hard for everyone to get to.
People who own property and the city of New York City are
both responsible for accidents that happen on sidewalks. It is important to
know the specific laws and rules about who is responsible for the sidewalk so
that pedestrians are safe and people who get hurt can get fair pay.
