Daniel Petrov | September 9, 2024 | Personal Injury
San Diego is an amazing city with a wide range of outdoor activities to explore. Visiting the stunning beaches along the Pacific Ocean, hiking scenic trails in the Torrey Pines State National Reserve, and kayaking in La Jolla’s sea caves are among the most popular activities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
But even in an idyllic city, accidents happen. Walking on a broken or uneven sidewalk while traveling to these incredible activities can be dangerous. Tripping and falling on a concrete sidewalk can have severe consequences including broken bones, facial injuries, brain injuries, or worse.
If you’ve been injured due to walking on a broken sidewalk in San Diego, you may be wondering if you can hold the city accountable.
The team at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive experience in slip and fall claims and can help you get the compensation you deserve if you are injured after falling on a broken or uneven sidewalk.
Is The City of San Diego Responsible For Broken Sidewalk Injuries?
San Diego is only responsible for sidewalk maintenance in front of city-owned properties or damage that is caused by heat expansion, utility work, grade subsidence, or trees that are in the right-of-way. California law places the responsibility for sidewalk maintenance on the shoulders of the property owners if the sidewalk faces a public street.
This means that individuals who own property bordering a public street are legally obligated to keep the sidewalk in good repair and ensure it’s safe for pedestrians according to premises liability law. If someone trips, falls, and gets injured on a sidewalk adjacent to a homeowner’s property, they could potentially face a lawsuit and be held financially responsible for their damages.
The city of San Diego recognized the lack of awareness among property owners regarding who is responsible for sidewalk repairs, which led the city to launch the Safe Sidewalks Program in November 2023. This initiative aims to streamline the repair process by waiving the permit fees typically required for sidewalk work. The program is a win-win for both the homeowners and the city. It encourages property owners to address sidewalk hazards, which helps promote pedestrian safety and potentially reduces the city’s liability for accidents.
Despite this helpful program, many San Diego property owners still aren’t aware of their obligations to maintain the sidewalks adjacent to their homes. It’s crucial for property owners to understand these responsibilities to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions. If you trip and fall on an uneven or broken sidewalk, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner.
Can I Receive Compensation After Being Injured By a Broken Sidewalk?
Filing a slip, trip, and fall accident claim can help you get compensation for various expenses that you may have incurred by falling due to a broken or uneven sidewalk in San Diego. These can include:
- Medical bills including emergency room visits, ongoing treatment for injuries like delayed concussions, and any necessary surgeries required
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
- Rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy
If you believe you have a case, it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can assess your situation, gather evidence, and help you navigate the legal process to seek compensation for your accident.
What Injuries Can Occur After Falling on a Broken Sidewalk?
Tripping and falling on a broken sidewalk in San Diego can result in a wide range of injuries. They can vary in severity depending on the individual’s age and health as well as the condition of the sidewalk.
Some of the most common injuries can include:
- Fractures and broken bones, especially in the wrists, arms, ankles, or hips
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries like cuts, bruises, or broken teeth
- Back and neck injuries including spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries like bruises, contusions, and lacerations
- Psychological trauma from a fall including anxiety, fear, or PTSD
Sometimes injuries that seem minor at the time can develop into more serious complications. For example, a head injury could lead to chronic headaches or cognitive impairments. It’s always best to seek medical attention immediately after any fall, even if you don’t feel injured at first.
Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured by falling on a broken or uneven sidewalk in San Diego, contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers. We will help you recover the full compensation you deserve for your accident.