Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents in New York City

Sidewalks are meant to keep pedestrians safe from car accidents, but in New York City, they often present hazards of their own. Every day, thousands of people walk to work, school, or the subway, and a single misstep on a cracked or obstructed sidewalk can lead to serious injuries. Trip and fall accidents may seem minor at first, but they can result in broken bones, torn ligaments, spinal injuries, or even head trauma that requires months of recovery.

When accidents happen, questions quickly arise: Why did this happen? Who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk? And can I recover compensation for my injuries? Below, we look at the most common causes of sidewalk accidents in New York and the laws governing liability if you get hurt in a trip and fall while using the sidewalk in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx. To explore your options to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., to speak with an experienced and successful NYC sidewalk trip and fall lawyer.

Common Hazards That Lead to Sidewalk Accidents

Broken or Uneven Pavement

One of the most frequent causes of sidewalk accidents is uneven pavement. Over time, concrete slabs can settle at different levels, creating dangerous tripping edges. Cracks and potholes can catch a pedestrian’s shoe or cane, leading to sudden falls. These hazards are particularly concerning for older adults, young children, and individuals with mobility challenges.

Exposed Tree Roots

Tree-lined streets add beauty to the city, but tree roots often push up beneath the concrete. This creates raised sections of sidewalk that are difficult to see until it’s too late. In some cases, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation may be responsible for tree maintenance, but the duty to repair the sidewalk usually falls on the property owner next to the tree.

Ice and Snow Accumulation

During New York winters, icy sidewalks become a major source of accidents. Property owners are legally required to clear snow and ice within a set period of time after a storm ends. Failure to salt or shovel sidewalks can create dangerously slippery conditions, especially near entrances, bus stops, and subway stations.

Construction Debris and Obstructions

Sidewalks are often cluttered with tripping hazards from construction materials, tools, or unsecured fencing. In addition, construction sheds (sidewalk bridges) meant to protect pedestrians from overhead work can funnel people into narrow paths. In some cases, these sheds force walkers into the street or onto the curb, exposing them to the risk of both falls and collisions with vehicles. Owners and contractors can be liable for negligently maintaining the construction area where pedestrians pass.

Poor Lighting

Sidewalk hazards become even more dangerous at night if streetlights are broken or missing. Poor visibility makes it difficult to see cracks, debris, or icy patches. Inadequate lighting near residential and commercial buildings can contribute to accidents and increase liability for the property owner.

Cluttered Sidewalks and Negligent Use

Sidewalk cafes, merchandise displays, or garbage bags left out for collection can all narrow the pedestrian path. When people are forced to walk around these obstructions, they may trip or be pushed into unsafe areas of the street. Businesses and property owners who fail to keep the sidewalk clear may be held accountable for resulting injuries.

Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Sidewalks in NYC?

New York law distinguishes between sidewalks abutting private property and those directly maintained by the City of New York, which includes certain residential sidewalks, but not all, creating a confusing situation for sidewalk trip and fall accident victims.

• Property Owners’ Responsibility: Under New York City Administrative Code § 7-210, property owners have a legal duty to maintain the sidewalk adjacent to their property in a reasonably safe condition. This includes repairing broken pavement, removing ice and snow, and keeping the walkway clear of hazards. If a pedestrian is injured because of a dangerous sidewalk condition, the adjacent property owner may be liable.

• The City’s Responsibility: The City retains responsibility for sidewalks adjacent to municipal property, such as parks and public buildings, as well as one- to three-family residential homes that are owner-occupied in whole or in part. In those situations, claims for sidewalk accidents may be brought directly against the City of New York.

Why Determining Liability Matters

In sidewalk accident cases, liability can be complicated. For example, if a sidewalk defect is caused by tree roots from a city-planted tree, both the city and the property owner might try to shift blame from one to the other. Similarly, if construction debris causes a fall, the responsible party might be a contractor, the property owner, or both.

Identifying the proper defendant is critical because injured pedestrians only have a limited time to file a claim. Claims against the City of New York require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Against private property owners, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years.

The Seriousness of Sidewalk Injuries

It’s common for insurance companies or property owners to downplay sidewalk accidents, suggesting they are “just a fall.” In reality, sidewalk trip and fall accidents can lead to:

• Fractures requiring surgery and hardware implantation
• Spinal cord injuries or herniated discs
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from head impacts
• Long-term mobility issues that disrupt daily life

Whatever the injury, victims deserve fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What To Do After a Sidewalk Accident in NYC

If you’ve been injured in a sidewalk accident in New York City, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your case:

1. Document the hazard – Take photos of the broken pavement, ice, debris, or obstruction before it is repaired or removed.
2. Get witness statements – If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information.
3. Report the accident – If it happened in front of a business, notify the manager. If it’s city property, note the location for future reporting.
4. Seek medical treatment – Medical records serve as key evidence of your injuries.
5. Speak to a lawyer promptly – An attorney can investigate liability, file a timely claim, and preserve your right to compensation.

Call Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C.

At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we know how devastating a sidewalk accident can be. For more than 30 years, we have fought for injured New Yorkers against negligent property owners, businesses, and the City itself. Our team understands the complexities of New York sidewalk liability laws and will pursue every avenue to recover the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt because of a broken, icy, or obstructed sidewalk, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation. We will explain your rights, handle the legal details, and fight for the justice you deserve.