Sidewalk and Stairway Accidents

If you have an accident on a sidewalk or on a stairway in New York City, some might tell you that you injury was your fault – you were being clumsy or careless, you weren’t watching your step. Yet you can’t shake the feeling that your slip or fall wasn’t a simple accident.

• The stairwell was unlit or improperly shoveled.
  
• The railing was broken or shoddily repaired.
  
• The height of the individual steps varied significantly.
  

Whatever others might tell you, you have suspicions that your fall was preventable and that the owner of the property you were injured on may very well be at fault.

If you’ve slipped or fallen due to negligent property management, Brian Primes can help you understand the workings of your case and ultimately win you the compensation for your medical bills, missed time at work, and pain and suffering that your fall has caused. With years of experience relating to slip and fall cases, Brian Primes has an intimate working knowledge of both premises liability laws in New York and of how insurance companies and courts examine these cases.

Many people are unaware that the sidewalks contained in the five boroughs of New York City are not the property of the city, but rather that of the adjoining house, building, or land. As such, the upkeep of these sidewalks and walkways are not the responsibility of the city but of the individual owner of the property. If the area is not maintained – or if it has been maintained unprofessionally or by unlicensed contractors – than the owner may be liable for your accident due to their negligence. In fact, there are specific citywide rules and regulations for sidewalks and sidewalk repairs.

Unsafe conditions can be found all over New York City -- from sidewalks to parking lots, from shopping centers to the stairs leading to your apartment.

• Was the sidewalk cracked, collapsed, or sloped?
  
• Was the sidewalk broken due to tree roots?
  
• Did the stairs differ in size, shape, width or depth?
  
• Was there a missing or broken handrail?
  
• Was it apparent that the stairway was not built or repaired with care or attention?
  
•  Did the owner neglect to remove snow, ice, or other slippery substances?

These moments of carelessness on the property owner’s part can lead to painful and debilitating injuries on your part – medical conditions ranging from broken bones, tears, sprains and contusions to concussions, head injuries, broken hips, or even death can result from an poorly maintained walkway or staircase. These injuries may be life altering and may cause lasting trauma. Don’t let your hesitation, embarrassment, or uncertainty keep you from finding out who was truly at fault and receiving the compensation that you deserve.

Even if your insurance company has rejected your claim or not rewarded you with sufficient funds to cover your lost wages and mounting hospital bills, Brian Primes can help you. Even if you aren’t sure who legally owns the property where you fell and seriously injured yourself, he can help you. Even if you aren’t sure whether or not your case holds water, he can educate you on the intricacies of state and city laws so that you can find the just solution for your situation.

Brian Primes want to talk to you about your recent slip or fall. A former teacher, he will be more than happy to sit down and analyze your insurance coverage with you, ascertain who might have been responsible, and form a plan regarding your best course of action. If your situation is viable, he will build your case and collect:

• witnesses to the event,
  
• photos of the scene,
  
• incident reports,
  
• medical records, and
  
• experts.
  

All in order to determine the responsible party and to secure your compensation.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us at (718) 918-9090 or toll free at (877) 692-2731. Prevent future negligence by the party who injured you and secure your rightful settlement. Get what you deserve. Make them pay.