If you or a loved one has suffered a sidewalk injury, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer to handle your personal injury case. The answer depends on many factors, but in general, if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Keep reading to learn more about sidewalk injuries and when you may need a lawyer.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Injuries
There are many potential causes of sidewalk injuries. In some cases, the cause may be obvious, such as a crack in the sidewalk, a loose paving stone, or an uneven sidewalk. In other cases, the cause may be less obvious, such as a change in the grade of the sidewalk or a hidden hazard.
Cracks and other defects in the sidewalk are one of the most common causes of injuries. Sidewalks are subject to a lot of wear and tear, and over time, cracks can develop. These cracks can be a trip hazard, and if you fall, it’s possible to sustain serious injuries.
Another common cause of sidewalk injuries is loose paving stones. If a stone is loose, it can shift when you step on it, causing you to lose your balance and fall. Again, the injuries you sustain in a fall can be serious.
Changes in the grade of the sidewalk can also be a hazard. If the sidewalk is not level, you may not see the change in grade and could trip. This is especially dangerous if the change in grade is at the top of a set of stairs. Stairs represent a higher likelihood of a fall that can result in a personal injury claim.
There may be hidden hazards on the sidewalk, such as a hole that has been covered with leaves, or a lift in the sidewalk caused by a tree root pushing up the concrete from underneath. Tripping over a sidewalk lift caused by an adjacent tree is on of the most common causes of fall claims due to personal injury, and the liability on an injury claim may rest with the owner of the property where the tree is growing.
If you have been injured in a fall on a sidewalk, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You should also consult with an experienced Las Vegas premises liability attorney to discuss your legal options.
Who Is Liable For Sidewalk Injuries?
When it comes to sidewalk injuries, there are a few different parties that could potentially be held liable. First, if the sidewalk is on private property, the property owner may be held responsible if they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take steps to fix it. However, if you recall the example above about the tree roots, an uneven sidewalk or damaged sidewalk may not always be the liability of the property owner at the scene of the fall injury. Additionally, if the city or other municipality owns the sidewalk, they may be held liable under a theory of negligence if they did not maintain it in a reasonably safe condition.
There are a few different factors that will be considered in determining who is liable for a sidewalk injury. First, it will be looked at whether the sidewalk was on private or public property. If it was on private property, then the property owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take steps to fix it. Additionally, if the city or other municipality owns the sidewalk, they may be held liable under a theory of negligence if they did not maintain it in a reasonably safe condition.
Another factor that will be considered is what caused the dangerous condition on the sidewalk. For example, if there was a hole in the sidewalk that was not repaired and someone tripped and fell, the property owner or municipality may be held liable. However, if the dangerous condition was caused by weather or other natural causes, then the property owner or municipality may not be held liable.
Lastly, the severity of the injury will also be considered. If the injury is minor, then the property owner or municipality may not be held liable. However, if the injury is severe, then the property owner or municipality may be held liable.
Premises liability claims like these have many nuances, which is why if you have been injured in a sidewalk accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
How To Protect Yourself From A Sidewalk Injury
There are many ways to protect yourself from a sidewalk injury. First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. If you see a crack or uneven surface, avoid it if possible. If you must walk on it, take caution and go slowly. Second, wear appropriate footwear. Shoes with good traction will help prevent you from slipping. Third, be careful when carrying heavy objects. If you must carry something heavy, be sure to keep it close to your body and be aware of your surroundings. Fourth, be cautious when walking in wet or icy conditions. If the sidewalk is wet, take extra care to avoid slipping. If it may be icy, be sure to walk slowly and carefully. Lastly, be aware of your surroundings. If you are in an area with a lot of foot traffic, be careful not to get hit by a passing pedestrian.
If you do suffer a sidewalk injury, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. If the injury is serious, you should also contact a sidewalk injury attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve for your personal injury lawsuit.
Why You May Need A Sidewalk Accident Lawyer For A Fall Case
If you have been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident on a sidewalk, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and whether or not the property owner was at fault.
If you have suffered a severe injury, such as a broken bone or a head injury, you will likely need to hire a lawyer to help you recover damages. This is because insurance companies will often try to lowball victims in these cases, and an experienced attorney will know how to negotiate for a fair settlement.
Even if your injuries are not serious, you may still need a lawyer if the property owner was at fault for the accident. This is because you will likely need to file a premises liability lawsuit in order to recover damages, and an attorney can help you with this process.
Finally, even if your injuries are not serious and the property owner was not at fault, you may still want to consult with a lawyer. This is because you may be entitled to damages from the city or municipality responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. An experienced attorney will be able to tell you if this is the case. In summary, whether or not you need a lawyer after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident on a sidewalk depends on a number of factors.
If you have been seriously injured, if the property owner was at fault, or if you think you may be entitled to damages from the city, you should consult with an experienced attorney.
The legal team at Shook & Stone has been helping people with cases like these in Nevada since 1997, which means the firm has over 25 years of experience they can bring the the table to help you win your case. We also offer a free consultation for all potential clients so there is no upfront cost to you. You can call us directly at 702-570-0000 and someone on our team will be happy to help set up your free case evaluation.
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