Looking for guidance on a sidewalk accident? Bautista Leroy LLC can give you information regarding your legal options and the possible compensation you might get. Our attorneys have long served individuals throughout Southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area. We specialize in handling medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, personal injury, sexual abuse/assault and railroad crossing litigation.

The city provides a sidewalk for residents to safely stroll around. However, if these areas are unsafe, it could be very dangerous for pedestrians, even if it seems like a minor problem. In this article, we will discuss the common tripping hazard on a sidewalk, whether you have the right to pursue a lawsuit and who can be held responsible for your injuries.

What Are Some Tripping Hazards on an Unsafe Sidewalk?

When a sidewalk is not properly maintained and inspected regularly, it can cause many accidents, leaving pedestrians injured. Here are some of the conditions that can make a sidewalk unsafe:

• Cracks and uneven slabs
• Tree roots are pushing up the pavement
• Loose bricks or tiles 
• Ice, snow, and standing water
• Obstructions 

Even a small defect can cause someone to stumble. It can have a damaging effect on children, adults and disabled individuals.

Can I Sue After Tripping on a Crack in the City Sidewalk?

The local government has the responsibility to keep the city's roads safe, particularly sidewalks. If they fail to fulfill this duty and it results in an accident, they could be held responsible. However, the process of proving this is not always simple.

• Notice matters: It might be hard to prove liability if the local government was truly not aware of a sidewalk hazard. Often, there must be proof that the government was aware (or should have been aware) of the defect.
• Strict Deadlines: Filing a claim against government entities can have a shorter period of time than an ordinary claim. You could only have 30 to 90 days to file.
• Comparative Fault: If it is found that you are partially responsible for the accident, you might receive a lower compensation payment.

To effectively file a claim for sidewalk injuries, you need evidence such as documentation, photographs, and witness testimony.

Who's Liable For My Sidewalk Slip And Fall?

There could be many parties that could potentially be held liable for your injury after a sidewalk accident, this could include:

• Cities or municipalities
• Private property owners 
• Contractors or utility companies

The responsibility could go down to who is the owner of the premises and who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks. Even if the accident was minor, a proper investigation is still important to identify the individual who is responsible for your injuries.

Why Is Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Beneficial?

Dealing with the legal process after a sidewalk accident can be difficult, especially if you are still recovering from injuries. Working with a personal injury attorney after a sidewalk accident can have many advantages, including:

• Identifying liable parties
• Navigating legal deadlines
• Gathering evidence
• Negotiating settlements 
• Litigation support

When Is The Time To Hire An Attorney?

You should consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Filing a sidewalk accident claim has deadlines called the statute of limitations. That is why having the legal guidance of an attorney is important to not lose the chance of securing compensation. Do not wait for your expenses to pile up before hiring an attorney; schedule a consultation with them immediately to effectively recover your losses.

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

• Hire a personal injury attorney with expertise that has been earned over the years and an impressive track record.
• You want an attorney that have knowledge about local law regarding public and private sidewalks.
• To have peace of mind, hire an attorney with positive client testimonials and who has achieved numerous awards and recognitions.
• Choose the attorney with whom you are comfortable communicating and always prioritize your needs, such as giving you updates clearly.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista LeRoy LLC has taken a client-first approach and has years of expertise in handling personal injury cases. Sidewalk accident claims can be hard to handle, especially if the opposing parties are the city government or big companies. That is why our attorneys strive to help injured individuals from the first consultation up to succeeding in the case.

Our legal team has the connections to properly investigate accidents and we can work with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen claims. We assure you that our attorneys are fit to represent your sidewalk accident case as we have the legal knowledge and genuine care for clients, helping them secure appropriate compensation.

Suggested Action Steps

Take immediate action after a sidewalk accident and follow these simple steps towards recovery:

• Seek medical attention
• Document the scene
• Collect witness information
• Report the incident 
• Consult with a personal injury attorney

It might not seem like a big problem, but a sidewalk accident can leave an individual severely injured, leaving them with a financial burden and physical pain. Working with a good attorney can secure you the maximum compensation. Take early actions and call our firm today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.