Can The City Of New York Be Held Liable For A Sidewalk Trip And Fall Accident?

Trip and fall accidents on sidewalks and walkways account for a substantial portion of pedestrian injuries across New York City and other metropolitan areas. Backed by thirty years of practicing premises liability law, I’m here to explain some of the circumstances in which the city of New York may be held liable for such accidents.

Understanding Liability

Property owners are typically responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their buildings. However, the City of New York can be held liable for sidewalk trip and fall accidents in certain situations.

For example, the city is responsible for sidewalks bordering municipal properties, such as:

●     Parks

●     Schools

●     Public buildings

Additionally, liability may fall on the city for sidewalks in areas where property ownership is unclear or disputed.

Pursuing a Claim

To pursue a claim against the city, it must be demonstrated that the city had notice of the hazardous condition. This notice can be one of the following:

●     Actual Notice: The city was directly informed of the issue through a complaint or prior inspection.

●     Constructive Notice: The hazard existed for an extended period, making it reasonable to assume the city should have known about it and taken corrective action.

If the sidewalk defect—such as an uneven surface, significant crack, or debris—falls under the city's jurisdiction, they may be legally responsible for injuries resulting from a fall.

Keep In Mind

A formal Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident. This step is critical to initiate legal action and notify the city of your intent to seek compensation. Additionally, a lawsuit must be filed within one year and 90 days from the accident date.

Why Legal Support Matters

Navigating a claim against the city requires strict adherence to legal deadlines, detailed evidence of liability, and a deep understanding of the law. You need an attorney with the skills, persistence, and passion to fight for you and your family, an attorney who won’t allow the insurance company to bully you— someone who will fight for every penny of the compensation you deserve. Let that attorney be me, Michael “The Bull” Lamonsoff.

 I’m a home grown, born and bred New Yorker, who has the experience and team to help bring your case to a successful conclusion. Me and my team of top-rated premises liability lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff are experts at investigating and determining all liable parties, holding them accountable, and securing justice for our clients. Contact me today to protect your rights and explore your options with a simple phone call at 212.962.1020.