Broken Sidewalk Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys in San Diego
Who is Liable for a Slip and Fall on a Broken Sidewalk?
The City of San Diego contains more than 5,000 miles of sidewalk that residents and visitors to America's Finest City use every day. Unfortunately, many of those miles of sidewalk are aged, cracked, buckled, crumbling, and otherwise in disrepair. A 2014 city report identified over 39,000 tripping hazards after examining only about one half of San Diego's sidewalks, amounting to an average of over 15 threats to public safety per mile. These conditions pose a serious trip and fall injury hazard, particularly to elderly people, handicapped people, children, and those transporting children in strollers. A fall on a hard surface like concrete can result in severe and painful injuries, especially in older people and children.
If you have been injured because of a broken or otherwise unsafe sidewalk, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. But, San Diego's laws about responsibility for sidewalk maintenance and repair are complex and confusing, leaving most people unsure about who can be held liable for injuries caused by sidewalks. If you or a family member has suffered an injury related to poor sidewalk conditions, it is vital that you contact an experienced San Diego slip and fall attorney who is familiar with local municipal statutes. Jurewitz Law Group has been successfully representing injury victims since 2000.
For a free consultation, call the Jurewitz Law Group at (619) 233-5020 or (888) 233-5020.
Who Is Responsible for San Diego Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair?
According to the City of San Diego's website, the city itself is responsible for repairing sidewalks damaged by vehicle accidents, water main breaks, grade subsidence, and trees within the right-of-way or city owned trees on the parkway (the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street. However, normal sidewalk wear and tear or age damage is the responsibility of the property owner or business owner whose property is adjacent to the sidewalk. The property owner or business owner is also responsible for the repair of sidewalk damage resulting from the roots of privately owned trees, heavy vehicle traffic, and drainage from private property.
The City of San Diego has a cost sharing program where it will split the cost of repairs to sidewalks that are old and deteriorated with property owners, 50/50. Of course, there are plenty of gray areas regarding liability in sidewalk injuries. For instance, many trees on private property were planted by the city.
Compensation for Injuries Sustained on Broken Sidewalk
If you've suffered an injury caused by poor sidewalk conditions, you may be eligible for compensation for any of the following damages:
- Household and vehicle modifications if needed (wheelchair ramps, etc.)
- Lost wages
- Current medical bills
- Future medical bills resulting from your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury or disability
- Costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Wrongful death damages in the event that you've lost a loved one due to poor sidewalk conditions.
You Need the Best San Diego Broken Sidewalk Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
As you can see, determining liability in a sidewalk injury claim can be tricky. This is why it is so important to have the representation of a knowledgeable San Diego injury attorney. Jurewitz Law Group is familiar with the sidewalk liability laws of municipalities throughout the rest of San Diego County. To get the settlement you deserve, call our offices for a free consultation at (619) 233-5020 or (888) 233-5020.
Additional Information
Blog for Slip and Fall Accidents / Premises Liability Claims
- Most Common Cart Derailment Injuries at Amusement Parks
- November 3, 2016 - Stadium Premises Liability in San Diego
- September 20, 2016 - Who is Responsible for a Slip, Trip, or Fall on a San Marcos Sidewalk?
- May 30, 2016 - Controversy Continues Over San Diego’s Cracked Sidewalks
- February 11, 2014 - Premises Liability Law – Legal Information for Injured Victims
- January 29, 2013
Call the Jurewitz Law Group at (619) 233-5020 and begin your path to recovery with a no-cost consultation today.