Like everyone who owns or maintains property, people responsible for sidewalks must make sure they aren’t in a dangerous condition. In an urban area like Philadelphia, heavy traffic, low Philadelphia city budgets, construction and other facts of life can cause dangerous conditions like steep drop-offs, large cracks, ice, uncleared snow or debris and more. When it’s not possible to clear the hazard -- for example, because of ongoing construction -- the property’s maintainer has an obligation to post a warning. If they fail to clear away hazards or post a warning, anyone who suffers a sidewalk trip and fall accident can hold them legally liable for all of the injuries that result.

In sidewalk accidents, one common question is whether the local government or the owner of the adjacent property is responsible for the sidewalk’s condition. In Pennsylvania, property owners are responsible for their own property, and often for clearing the sidewalks directly adjacent to their property of snow and ice. That means that you may be able to hold a business or a private homeowner responsible for a sidewalk trip and fall accident, if it happens right outside. In other cases, however, you may need to sue the township, city, county, state or other government agency responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. Because suing a government agency can be very complex and have strict deadlines, you should speak to a Pennsylvania injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

Sidewalk trip and fall accidents may sound like minor accidents or kid stuff. But they can actually be quite serious, causing broken bones, head injuries and more for unlucky victims. However, when those injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, victims can claim compensation for medical bills, lost income, permanent disabilities and more.

At Rosenbaum & Associates, we offer free consultations, so potential clients can ask us about the strength and value of their cases with no further obligation or charge. You are always welcome to contact us online or call us toll–free at 1–800–753–4257. To reach our downtown Philadelphia office from the west or northwest, take the Schuylkill Expressway (Interstate 76) to the Vine Street Expressway (Interstate 676) east and exit at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Continue into the traffic circle, exit at 19th Street and turn left onto Market Street. From the east and New Jersey, take Interstate 95 to Interstate 676 west, take the Broad Street exit downtown and merge onto 15th Street. Turn right at John F. Kennedy Boulevard, left onto 17th Street and left onto Market Street. For those using public transit, our office is also very close to Suburban Station.