Who Is Responsible for a Sidewalk Trip and Fall Injury?

Responsibility for a sidewalk trip and fall usually lands on whoever had the duty to keep that sidewalk safe—and failed. That could be a homeowner, a business, or even the city, depending on where the fall happened and what caused it.

If you’re asking who is responsible for a sidewalk trip and fall injury, the answer comes down to ownership, maintenance rules, and whether someone ignored a dangerous condition.

A Long Island slip and fall lawyer can help you get clear on where you stand—and what to do next if you’re hurt.

Property Owners Don’t Always Get a Free Pass

Sidewalks aren’t just for show. They’re where we walk our dogs, run errands, and get to work. But cracks, holes, uneven slabs, or loose bricks can send someone to the ground fast—especially if the problem has been ignored for months.

In many parts of Long Island, private property owners are legally responsible for keeping the sidewalks next to their property safe. That means a homeowner, landlord, or business owner may owe you for your injuries if:

• The sidewalk hazard was visible and dangerous
• They knew about it or should have known
• They didn’t fix it in a reasonable amount of time

You shouldn’t have to pay the price because someone else didn’t care enough to fix a dangerous sidewalk.

What if the City Owns the Sidewalk?

Some sidewalks don’t fall under private property at all. They belong to the local government, which changes how claims get handled.

Each town or city has different rules. In many Long Island municipalities, the Department of Public Works handles sidewalk repairs. But you may still need to file a Notice of Claim before suing a public entity—and that deadline usually falls just 90 days after the fall.

If you’re not sure who owns the sidewalk, that’s normal. A Long Island slip and fall attorney can investigate the property records and help you meet the deadlines while you focus on getting better.

Common Causes of Sidewalk Falls on Long Island

Not all falls happen the same way. Some people trip over a lifted edge. Others hit black ice hiding under leaves or a chunk of concrete jutting out like a step. Here’s what we see most often:

• Broken or cracked pavement
• Tree roots lifting the sidewalk
• Snow and ice left untreated
• Slippery moss or leaves
• Gaps between sidewalk slabs
• Loose bricks or stones

These aren’t freak accidents. They’re signs of neglect—and if that neglect caused your injury, you may have a right to recover.

Long Island Slip and Fall Attorney: What to Do After a Fall

You may feel embarrassed. You might even try to walk it off. But falls cause more damage than people realize—especially to the knees, back, wrists, and head. What you do next matters.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Take photos of the sidewalk and the surrounding area immediately
• Ask for witness names if someone saw the fall
• Get medical treatment even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt
• Write down what happened as soon as you can
• Call a Long Island slip and fall attorney before speaking to the insurance company or property owner

You don’t have to go full lawsuit on day one. But you do need someone on your side who will move fast, preserve evidence, and keep the timeline from working against you.

Suffolk and Nassau Counties: Who Pays for Your Injuries?

In Suffolk County, many towns shift sidewalk maintenance responsibilities onto homeowners and landlords. That means if you fall in front of someone’s house or apartment complex, the owner—not the county—might be responsible.

In Nassau County, especially in places like Hempstead, the rules vary block to block. Some falls involve multiple parties. For example:

• The landlord failed to repair the sidewalk
• The business didn’t put out salt or warning signs
• The city ignored repeated reports of dangerous conditions

Figuring out who’s legally at fault requires a close look at local ordinances, weather reports, repair logs, and ownership records. That’s where having someone familiar with Long Island law makes a real difference.

What Happens if You Don’t Have Insurance?

It’s okay if you don’t have insurance. You can still bring a sidewalk injury claim even if you don’t have health coverage, car insurance, or any other kind of policy. You also don’t need to worry about your background or legal status. Everything you tell us stays private, and we’re here to help—not to judge.

You’re a person who got hurt because someone didn’t fix a dangerous sidewalk. That’s what matters. Your story deserves to be heard, and you deserve real help moving forward

How Long Do You Have to File a Sidewalk Injury Claim in New York?

New York gives you three years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit if you’re suing a private party. But if a city, county, or municipal agency is involved, the timeline drops to just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim, and one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit.

Missing those deadlines can shut your case down completely—even if your injuries are serious. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the more we can do to keep the door open.

Injuries We See Most Often After Sidewalk Falls

Sidewalk falls hit hard. You might catch yourself with your hands or land awkwardly on one side. Either way, the damage isn’t always obvious at first.

We’ve helped clients recover after:

• Broken wrists, elbows, or shoulders
• Knee and ankle injuries
• Herniated discs or fractured vertebrae
• Hip fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Facial injuries or dental damage

Medical bills stack up fast. And if you’re missing work or unable to drive, those injuries hit harder than most people think.

We Treat Sidewalk Falls Like Trial Cases

Every sidewalk fall deserves attention. We take each case seriously, whether it happened in front of a corner store, a city park, or your neighbor’s house.

At Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, we file fast, move quickly to get evidence, and treat every client like family. We’ve recovered over $100 million for injured clients, and we’ll always be upfront about what your case looks like—good or bad.

You’ll never be left guessing. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you. That’s just how we do things. Give us a call today.