Damaged Sidewalks Dangers While Walking

Author: Attorney Dennis Schaefer

If you walk along most neighborhoods, especially older neighborhoods, you will see many damaged and dangerous sidewalks. The older the neighborhood the more likely the damage to the sidewalks, primarily because of tree roots. Overtime, the roots continue to grow and push the sidewalks up or cause the concrete to crack. This obviously, can cause very dangerous conditions to walk.

Most people don’t realize that the homeowner adjacent to the sidewalk is frequently responsible or liable for injuries that might occur on those sidewalks. The city or county is responsible if they are aware of the dangerous conditions. However, most city or county ordinances make it the homeowners obligation to inform the city of a dangerous condition should it exist. Failure to properly inform the appropriate government agency can create liability on the part of the homeowner or landowner.

Dell and Schaefer have represented many clients with injuries caused by dangerous sidewalks. In one such case the sidewalk panel was cracked in the middle and caused a two inch differential in height, on either side of the crack. Our client was taking a walk for exercise when she tripped on the dangerous condition, fell and injured her knee. A large tree, approximately ten feet away had cast a large shadow over the area. The shadow made the area dark and hard to see. Our client fell and was badly injured.

A claim was made against the city, as well as the homeowner whose property was adjacent to the sidewalk. If you have an injury caused by a damaged sidewalk call Dell and Schaefer we will always be willing to consult with you. It is very important that you call as soon as possible. One of the most important pieces of evidence are proper photographs and measurements of the dangerous area.