Who Is Liable If an Uneven Sidewalk Injured Me?

Picture this: you’re out for a walk, enjoying the Arizona sunshine, when you suddenly trip over a protruding sidewalk slab. Pain shoots through your ankle as you tumble to the ground. After seeking medical attention, the realization sets in—this injury didn’t just ruin your day. It’s going to cost you time and money in recovery. But then the big question arises… Who is responsible for that uneven sidewalk?

Determining liability for sidewalk-related injuries can be tricky. Saavedra Law Firm has handled countless personal injury cases and understands how confusing it can be to sort out issues of negligence. This post will walk you through everything you need to know about determining liability in sidewalk cases so you can better understand how to move forward with your claim.

Understanding Liability in Personal Injury Cases

When dealing with injuries caused by unsafe conditions, liability revolves around one core principle: negligence. Simply put, negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to act responsibly, causing harm. For sidewalk cases, negligence usually applies to the party responsible for maintaining the area.

If someone fails to repair a hazard they knew (or should have known) about, they could be liable if this negligence results in injury. This could include failing to repair uneven slabs, ignoring cracks, or leaving obstacles on the pathway.

Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance?

If you’re injured on a sidewalk, there are two main parties that could be responsible: the city or the private property owner.

City or municipality responsibility applies to sidewalks in public spaces, like parks or along main streets, which local governments usually maintain. If the city failed to fix a known hazard, they could be held liable.

Private property owners are typically responsible for sidewalks next to their homes or businesses. In these cases, the property owner’s insurance may cover your injury if the sidewalk isn’t properly maintained.

Differing City Codes: Adding Another Layer of Complexity

Determining liability for a sidewalk injury in Arizona isn’t always straightforward. While figuring out where your injury occurred is a good starting point, each city has its own unique rules about sidewalk maintenance and responsibility, which can make things complicated. For example, in Phoenix, Tucson, and Peoria, adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, while in Mesa and Scottsdale, the city takes on that responsibility through specific departments. With so many cities in Arizona, each with different liability codes, identifying the at-fault party can be tricky.

A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Determining liability in a sidewalk injury claim can be complicated, but a personal injury lawyer can make it easier. An experienced lawyer will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and identify who may be liable—whether it’s a private property owner, a business, or a municipality. They’ll also handle negotiations with insurance companies and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. With a lawyer’s experience, you can focus on recovery while they manage the legal details to pursue the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Instead of Worrying About Liability

If you’ve hurt yourself on a sidewalk, don’t immediately start worrying about who is responsible. Instead, focus on what you know you can control. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Take Care of Yourself First: Seek medical attention immediately to ensure your injuries are properly assessed and treated. Your health is the top priority.  
2. Document What Happened: Capture clear photos of the uneven sidewalk, any hazards, and your injuries. If others are around, consider asking for their accounts or contact details.  
3. Notify the Right People: Let the local city department or property owner know about the hazardous conditions to prevent further accidents.  
4. Stay Organized: Keep track of all medical records, bills, and any notes about how the injury has impacted your daily life.  

By focusing on these steps, you can stay in control of the situation and ensure you have all the information you need moving forward.

Protect Your Right to Compensation Today

Determining liability for a sidewalk injury can be frustrating and complex. Between city codes, private property laws, and shared responsibilities, it’s difficult to pinpoint who’s at fault—especially when you’re recovering from an injury. That’s where Saavedra Law Firm steps in.

If you’ve been injured by an uneven sidewalk, don’t spend time second-guessing your next move. Contact us today, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.