NYC Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

When Manhattan's Pathways Cause Your Pain, Kelner & Kelner Fights for Justice

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC sidewalk accident lawyers have represented countless pedestrians who have suffered injuries due to dangerous sidewalk conditions throughout the five boroughs. Whether you tripped on a broken sidewalk near Central Park or slipped on an icy patch outside your Brooklyn apartment, our dedicated New York City sidewalk accident lawyers understand how these seemingly minor incidents can dramatically alter your life.

Sidewalk Accidents in New York City

Sidewalk accidents in NYC occur with alarming frequency. Despite the Department of Transportation's efforts, many of Manhattan's 12,750 miles of sidewalks remain in disrepair. Common hazards include:

• Uneven concrete slabs near subway entrances
• Cracked pavement around construction sites in Midtown
• Poorly filled potholes along Queens Boulevard
• Inadequate snow and ice removal near Bryant Park
• Tree roots uplifting sidewalks in residential neighborhoods
• Missing or damaged gratings in the Financial District
• Unexpected changes in elevation without proper markings
• Debris from scaffolding in SoHo

When you've been injured on a New York City sidewalk, determining liability can be complex. Was it the property owner's responsibility? The city's? A contractor's? As experienced NYC sidewalk accident lawyers, we navigate these challenging questions daily and hold responsible parties accountable.

NYC Sidewalk Regulations and Liability

Many pedestrians are surprised to learn that in most cases, property owners—not the city—bear responsibility for sidewalk maintenance. Here's what you need to know about sidewalk liability in New York City:

• Local Law 49: Implemented in 2003, this legislation shifted maintenance responsibilities from the city to adjacent property owners, making them legally accountable for sidewalk conditions where NYC sidewalk accidents occur.
• Property Owner Responsibility: Commercial and residential property owners must keep sidewalks adjoining their properties in reasonably safe condition, including prompt repair of cracks, holes, and uneven surfaces that could lead to injuries requiring a NYC sidewalk accident lawyer.
• Residential Exception: Owners of 1-3 family residential properties that are owner-occupied and used exclusively for residential purposes may be exempt from liability, with the City of New York potentially responsible in these limited cases.
• Snow and Ice Removal: Property owners must clear snow and ice within specific timeframes after precipitation ends (4-14 hours depending on when snowfall stops), a frequent issue our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers handle during winter months.
• Trip Hazard Standards: The Department of Transportation considers sidewalk defects of ½ inch or more in height difference to be trip hazards requiring repair, a crucial measurement when our Manhattan sidewalk accident lawyers evaluate your case.
• Tree-Related Damage: While property owners are responsible for most sidewalk maintenance, the NYC Parks Department typically handles sidewalk damage caused by city-owned tree roots, creating complex liability questions for NYC sidewalk accident lawyers.
• Construction Site Sidewalks: Contractors and developers must maintain safe temporary sidewalks and pedestrian walkways during construction, with potential multi-party liability when these areas cause injuries.
• Notice Requirements: Property owners may defend themselves by claiming they had no actual or constructive notice of the defect, highlighting why our New York sidewalk accident attorneys document conditions thoroughly and promptly.

At Kelner & Kelner, we thoroughly investigate each sidewalk accident to determine all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for our clients' injuries throughout New York City.

Injuries Common to NYC Sidewalk Accidents

The injuries sustained in sidewalk accidents throughout New York City often exceed simple bruises and require professional legal representation. Our NYC sidewalk accident lawyers routinely see the following serious injuries:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls on uneven Manhattan sidewalks frequently result in wrist, ankle, hip, and arm fractures that require surgery, casting, and extensive physical therapy to heal properly.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: When pedestrians trip on broken sidewalks, the resulting falls can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues requiring ongoing medical care.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Serious falls on defective New York City sidewalks can cause herniated discs, vertebrae fractures, or in severe cases, partial paralysis that dramatically impacts victims' quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to ligaments and tendons are common in sidewalk accidents, often affecting knees, shoulders, and ankles with pain that may persist long after the initial NYC sidewalk accident.
• Facial Injuries: Forward falls frequently result in facial lacerations, broken noses, dental trauma, and even eye injuries that may require cosmetic surgery and cause lasting psychological impacts.
• Shoulder Injuries: Rotator cuff tears and dislocations often occur when pedestrians attempt to catch themselves during falls on damaged sidewalks, potentially requiring surgical intervention and limiting range of motion.
• Pre-existing Condition Aggravation: For many victims, especially seniors, a New York sidewalk accident can significantly worsen pre-existing conditions like arthritis or previous injuries, complicating both medical treatment and legal claims.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical harm, many sidewalk accident victims develop anxiety about walking in public, fear of falling, or PTSD symptoms that our Manhattan sidewalk accident lawyers address as part of comprehensive compensation claims.

At Kelner & Kelner, our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers understand how these injuries impact every aspect of your life and work diligently to secure compensation that addresses both your immediate and long-term medical needs.

How Our New York Sidewalk Accident Lawyers Build Your Case

When you contact Kelner & Kelner after a sidewalk accident on the Upper East Side or anywhere in NYC, our approach is methodical and comprehensive:

1. Thorough Investigation: Our NYC sidewalk accident lawyers dispatch investigators to photograph and document hazardous conditions before repairs can be made.
2. Historical Research: Our premises liability lawyers research prior complaints about the location, often revealing pattern of neglect by property owners near landmarks like Washington Square Park or Grand Central Terminal.
3. Witness Identification: Our NYC personal injury team identifies and interviews witnesses who may have observed your accident or who have knowledge of the dangerous condition's duration.
4. Weather Data Collection: For slip and fall cases on icy sidewalks in winter, our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers obtain precise meteorological data to establish timeline and opportunity for proper maintenance.
5. Expert Consultation: We work with civil engineers, safety consultants, and medical professionals to establish violations of standards and the extent of your injuries.
6. Meticulous Documentation: Our Manhattan sidewalk accident lawyers help you track all expenses, lost income, and non-economic impacts of your injury.

This comprehensive approach allows our New York sidewalk accident attorneys to negotiate from a position of strength or, when necessary, present a compelling case to a jury.

Compensation Available to Sidewalk Accident Victims

As NYC sidewalk accident lawyers with decades of experience, we've secured substantial settlements and verdicts for clients injured throughout the city—from Brooklyn Heights to the Bronx's Grand Concourse. Recoverable damages typically include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Home modification expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress

The value of your claim depends on multiple factors, including injury severity, long-term prognosis, and impact on your daily functioning. Our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers provide realistic assessments based on our extensive case history and current legal climate.

Time Limitations for NYC Sidewalk Accident Claims

New York's statute of limitations generally allows three years to file personal injury lawsuits. However, if your sidewalk accident occurred near a government building or public facility like Prospect Park or the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, and municipal liability is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and commence legal action within one year and 90 days.

These strict deadlines underscore the importance of consulting with experienced NYC sidewalk accident lawyers promptly after your injury. At Kelner & Kelner, we ensure all procedural requirements are met while building your strongest possible case.

Proving Negligence in New York Sidewalk Accident Cases

To succeed in your claim, our Manhattan sidewalk accident lawyers must establish:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the sidewalk
2. The responsible party knew or should have known about the hazard
3. They failed to address it within a reasonable timeframe
4. This negligence directly caused your injury
5. You suffered damages as a result

The "constructive notice" element—proving the responsible party should have known about the hazard—often becomes a central issue. Our New York sidewalk accident attorneys use maintenance records, prior complaints, weather data, and expert testimony to establish how long the dangerous condition existed before your accident.

Why Choose Kelner & Kelner as Your NYC Sidewalk Accident Lawyers

When seeking representation after a sidewalk accident near Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, or your local neighborhood, your choice of legal counsel matters significantly. Kelner & Kelner offers:

• Decades of experience specifically handling NYC sidewalk accident cases
• Deep knowledge of local codes and regulations affecting liability
• Established relationships with qualified experts who strengthen your case
• A track record of successful verdicts and settlements for sidewalk injury victims
• Personalized attention from attorneys who understand the unique challenges of urban pedestrian injuries
• Resources to thoroughly investigate and document your accident site anywhere in the five boroughs

Our New York City sidewalk accident lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Get the NYC Sidewalk Accident Representation You Deserve

Don't let a moment of negligence cause a lifetime of pain. At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC sidewalk accident lawyers have the knowledge, resources, and determination to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you navigate the path to recovery while holding responsible parties accountable.

Other Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

Unsafe property conditions can lead to serious injuries—and our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of premises liability claims. If your injury happened on someone else’s property in New York, our personal injury lawyers in NYC may be able to help. Learn more about the types of cases we handle:

• • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Trip and Fall Accidents
  • Escalator Accidents
  • Elevator Accidents
  • Building Collapse Incidents
  • Faulty Cellar Grate Injuries
  • Sidewalk Accidents
  • Negligent Security Incidents
  • Dog Bite Injuries