An unsafe sidewalk can cause serious injuries. If the city was in charge of maintaining that sidewalk and it did nothing to remove any potential hazards, then it needs to be held accountable. Suing a city is possible, but it can be a bit tricky. That is why we recommend having our Hartford County sidewalk accident attorneys on your side. Our law firm will help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
What Conditions Can Make a Sidewalk Unsafe?
A poorly maintained sidewalk is an unsafe sidewalk. Potential hazards include:
- Snow and ice that have not been removed
- Standing water
- Broken pieces of pavement
- Holes and cracks
- Poor lighting
- Uneven surfaces
Any of these things can easily cause someone to trip and fall. Injuries from such accidents can be severe too, especially if the victim is more advanced in age.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Be Caused by an Unsafe Sidewalk?
An unsafe sidewalk may not seem all that dangerous in the grand scheme of things, but falling on concrete can cause serious injuries. It is not uncommon for accident victims to end up with:
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Broken hips
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
If the city was negligent, it needs to be held accountable for the harm caused.
How Long Do I Have to Sue Over an Unsafe Sidewalk?
When you are suing a person or a company, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to pursue legal action. This changes when you are suing a city. A city requires you to make a claim within a short window, as little as 90 days. This means that it can be easy to lose your chance at pursuing compensation.
Acting quickly is important here. This is why it can also be a good idea to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer is familiar with this process. They can take care of your claim for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury attorney can do a lot to assist you with your case. In addition to handling the paperwork and filing the claim, your lawyer can also:
- Gather evidence needed to make your case
- Field settlement offers
- Calculate fair compensation
- Answer your questions about the legal process
- Prepare you for testimony
- Talk to witnesses
- Look into a city’s safety record and history
- Communicate on your behalf
Our law firm will do everything it can to help you and your family in this tough time.
Schedule a Consultation
If you believe that the city’s negligence caused you or a loved one harm, you need to act. Contact the Law Offices of Marc N. Needelman and set up a consultation. We can tell you more about what our legal team can do to help you fight for fair compensation.
