Don’t Let a Dangerous NYC Sidewalk Trip You Up

In New York City, sidewalks are everywhere—and so are hazards. From cracked concrete to icy patches and raised slabs, thousands of people are injured each year in sidewalk slip and trip accidents. If you’ve suffered a fall due to unsafe sidewalk conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. At Leitner Warywoda, we help injured pedestrians in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island pursue legal claims against negligent property owners and city agencies.

​

Whether your fall happened in front of a building, outside a business, or near a construction zone, our experienced attorneys know how to investigate and win sidewalk injury cases.

​

Who Is Responsible for NYC Sidewalk Accidents?

​

Most people assume that the City of New York is responsible for all sidewalk maintenance—but in many cases, that’s not true. Private property owners (including commercial buildings, apartment landlords, and small businesses) are responsible for keeping the sidewalks adjacent to their buildings in safe condition. Under New York Administrative Code §7-210:

​

• Property owners must repair cracks, remove snow/ice, and eliminate trip hazards

• The City is only liable for sidewalks next to city-owned buildings or parks

• If the property owner fails to maintain the sidewalk, they may be legally liable for your injuries

This makes identifying the correct liable party a crucial first step in your claim—and it’s something our team handles with precision.

​

What Causes Most Sidewalk Falls?

NYC sidewalks are exposed to harsh weather, heavy use, and frequent construction. Some of the most common sidewalk hazards we investigate include:​

​

• Cracked, broken, or uneven pavement

• Raised sidewalk flags or tree root damage

• Ice and snow accumulation not cleared in time

• Loose gravel, debris, or leftover construction materials

• Slippery surfaces due to algae or poor drainage

• Sidewalk cellar doors left open or poorly secured

Falls can happen in a split second—but they can leave you with long-term injuries, including broken bones, spinal damage, or head trauma. We make sure your medical needs and financial losses are fully addressed in your claim.

​

How Soon Should You File a Sidewalk Injury Claim?
 

Time is critical, especially if your fall occurred on a sidewalk maintained by the City or a public agency like the MTA or NYC Parks. In these cases, New York law requires a Notice of Claim to be filed within 90 days of the injury. Even for private property claims, gathering evidence—such as photos, witness statements, and weather records—is essential early on.

​

Contact Leitner Warywoda for a Free Sidewalk Fall Case Review

If you were hurt on a sidewalk in New York City or Long Island, don’t assume it was just “bad luck.” Property owners and city agencies have a legal duty to keep walkways safe. If they failed, we’re here to make it right.

​

Call Leitner Warywoda PLLC today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.

​