At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., attorneys David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth know how disruptive and painful a slip and fall on a sidewalk can be. In a matter of seconds, an everyday walk can turn into a trip to the emergency room, missed workdays, and ongoing medical treatments. When that happens because of someone else’s negligence, you should not be left to carry the burden alone.
If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk in NYC, you’re probably facing questions about medical bills, time away from work, and whether the accident could have been prevented. What you want most is fairness and clarity about your next steps. That’s where we come in. This guide explains who may be responsible for your accident, what qualifies as a claim, and how much compensation you may be able to recover under New York law.
Why Sidewalk Falls Happen
A slip and fall can occur in many different ways. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Slip and fall on an icy sidewalk when snow or ice is not cleared within a reasonable time after a storm;
- Slip and fall on a broken sidewalk caused by cracks, loose concrete, or uneven slabs;
- Slip and fall on a public sidewalk that a property owner or the city failed to maintain; and
- Trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk because of tree roots, shoddy repairs, or sinking pavement.
Each of these hazards creates dangerous conditions that put pedestrians at risk. When they are left unaddressed, they become the responsibility of whoever was supposed to fix them.
What the Law Says About Liability
New York City law places sidewalk safety squarely on the shoulders of property owners. According to the NYC Administrative Code, most property owners must keep sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition. That means they must:
- Repair any cracks, holes, or uneven slabs;
- Replace broken or deteriorated sidewalk flags; and
- Remove snow, ice, dirt, and debris in a timely manner.
If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, the property owner can be held legally responsible.
There are exceptions. Owners of one-, two-, or three-family homes that are owner-occupied and used solely as residences are not accountable under this law. In those cases, the city may be liable instead. The city also remains responsible for curbs and defects it created or knew about.
If you are wondering, can you sue a city for falling on a sidewalk? The answer is yes if the city was legally responsible for maintaining that section of sidewalk. But the statute of limitations for bringing a cause of action against the city is only one year from the date of the incident. One year can pass very quickly when you are preoccupied with recovery.
What Qualifies as a Claim
Not every fall results in a valid claim. To pursue compensation, you generally need to prove that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the sidewalk;
- The responsible party created the hazard, knew about it, or should have known about it;
- The condition directly caused your injuries; and
- You suffered damages, such as medical expenses or lost income.
Together, these elements show that negligence was at play and that the responsible party should be held accountable. Without all of them, your claim may be more difficult to pursue.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall On a Sidewalk
Your actions immediately after a fall can make a significant difference in your case. Here are some of the most important steps:
- Seek medical treatment right away and keep all records;
- Take photos of the sidewalk, including the hazard, lighting, and surrounding area;
- Collect witness information if anyone saw you fall;
- Preserve evidence, such as the shoes and clothing you were wearing;
- Report the incident to the property owner, landlord, or city; and
- Contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights and meet deadlines.
Following these steps not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim if you decide to pursue legal action.
What Your Case May Be Worth
The value of a slip and fall claim depends on the seriousness of your injuries and how your life has been affected. Compensation can include different categories of damages:
- Economic damages—medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket losses;
- Noneconomic damages—pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life; and
- Future damages—ongoing medical care or diminished earning capacity if your injuries are long-term.
Settlement amounts vary widely. Minor injuries may lead to compensation in the tens of thousands of dollars, while fractures requiring surgery or permanent disabilities can lead to six- or seven-figure outcomes. Every case is unique, which is why a thorough evaluation by an experienced attorney is so important. It’s best to work with someone who understands New York’s complex sidewalk laws and has a proven record of results.
Why Experience Matters
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we have more than three decades of combined experience navigating New York’s sidewalk liability laws. We know how to build strong cases for our clients by doing things like:
- Investigating the scene and identifying who is responsible;
- Gathering crucial evidence, including inspection reports, witness testimony, and expert opinions;
- Handling notices and filings, especially when the city is involved;
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies; and
- Taking cases to trial when necessary to pursue maximum compensation.
This level of preparation and commitment gives our clients confidence that their case is in capable hands.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall on a sidewalk in New York, don’t wait to get help. Deadlines for filing claims are strict, especially if the city is responsible. Acting quickly protects your right to hold the negligent party accountable.
Call Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., any time of day for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and prepare a strategy designed to achieve the justice and fair compensation you deserve.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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