When a pedestrian walks down a sidewalk, rarely do they believe that they may encounter hazardous conditions. Unfortunately, sidewalk accidents happen quite frequently, often at no fault of the pedestrian. If you were seriously injured due to dangerous conditions on a sidewalk, you may be able to bring a lawsuit to recover damages. The sidewalk injury attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser have the skill and experience needed to represent you after an accident. If you have been injured in a sidewalk accident, contact Friedman Schuman Layser today to schedule a consultation.
Who is liable for my accident?
Hazardous conditions present on a sidewalk may cause a pedestrian to sustain an injury. An unforeseen serious injury may result in high medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial hardships. Although property owners can be liable for injuries sustained from unsafe sidewalks, sometimes liability is not clear-cut. Liability can depend on a number of different circumstances, including where property lines begin and end, when the accident occurred, and the weather conditions at the time of the incident. If a pedestrian sustains an injury on a property belonging to a municipality, it may be difficult to prove negligence and recover damages. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can give you the best chance of success.
The burden of proof
To succeed in a personal injury case, one must satisfy the burden of proof. There are requirements that should be met prior to bringing on a lawsuit against a municipality or a private property owner. Even if a property owner does not realize it, they are often responsible for the upkeep of the adjacent sidewalk. While not always possible, a person who sustains injury due to a sidewalk accident should take certain measures to preserve evidence related to the accident and their injury. If the injured party can prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous conditions, they may be able to recover damages. The assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney is essential when trying to fulfill the burden of proof.
Contact an experienced sidewalk injury attorneys
Friedman Schuman Layser understands the impact a serious injury can have on a victim’s life. For over 40 years, our firm has provided clients with effective legal services, developing a comprehensive case against the negligent party and zealously representing clients’ interests in court. If you need the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, contact Friedman Schuman Layser to schedule a consultation.