Walkway or Sidewalk Defect Accident Lawyers 

A Disaster Waiting to Happen 

You’re walking, maybe carrying groceries or checking your phone, when—bam!—you trip. The world tilts, your heart jumps, and before you know it, you're hitting the pavement. Pain shoots through your wrist, knee, or maybe even your head. It happens in an instant, but the effects can last for months—or even years. 

Sidewalk cracks, uneven pavement, and raised sections are accidents waiting to happen. And when property owners don’t take care of them, innocent people like you get hurt. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. A slip and fall accident attorney from Horn Wright, LLP, can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. 

What’s Causing These Walkway Hazards? The Ugly Truth About Neglect 

Sidewalks don’t just crack for no reason. They get that way because someone didn’t do their job. The personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are ready from the moment you call to start holding those responsible accountable for their negligence. Here’s what might have caused your accident: 

• Tree roots – Ever notice how some sidewalks look like they’ve been lifted by a mini earthquake? That’s usually tree roots pushing up pavement, creating an uneven surface that’s nearly impossible to see until it’s too late. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that tree roots cause more than 50% of all sidewalk damage in urban areas. 
• Weather damage – Hot summers, freezing winters, and rainy seasons take a toll on concrete. The constant cycle of freezing and thawing makes sidewalks expand and contract, leading to cracks and gaps. In colder states, ice and snow make things even worse—and even more dangerous. 
• Shoddy construction – Not all sidewalks are built to last. Poor-quality materials or bad construction can cause cracks within just a few years instead of the usual 20 to 40 years a well-built walkway should last. 
• Neglect – Cities, businesses, and homeowners are responsible for keeping walkways safe. But in many places, sidewalks are ignored for months or even years, even after complaints are filed. That means hundreds of people are walking over hazards every single day. 
• Heavy traffic – Sidewalks take a beating from foot traffic, shopping carts, bicycles, and even parked cars. Over time, this pressure causes cracks, dips, and breaks that make walking a gamble. 

When these hazards go unfixed, it’s not just bad luck when someone falls—it’s negligence. And if you’ve been injured because of that negligence, you have rights. A skilled uneven pavement injury attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable. 

Walkway Falls Can Wreck Your Life—Here’s How 

A hard fall on concrete isn’t just embarrassing—it’s painful, expensive, and sometimes life-changing. You might be dealing with: 

• Broken bones – Wrists, ankles, arms, and hips take the brunt of a fall. The CDC reports that over 300,000 people are hospitalized every year for hip fractures alone, and most of them are from falls. 
• Head injuries – A nasty fall can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can cause headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and long-term cognitive problems. The Brain Injury Association of America says falls cause nearly 50% of all TBI-related hospital visits. 
• Torn ligaments and muscle damage – A twisted knee, sprained ankle, or torn shoulder muscle can take months to heal—if they ever fully do. 
• Spinal injuries – Landing the wrong way can mean a herniated disc, nerve damage, or even paralysis. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that fall account for 32% of all spinal cord injuries in the U.S. 
• Facial injuries – When you fall forward, your face takes the impact. That can mean broken teeth, a fractured nose, or deep cuts that leave permanent scars. 

Injuries like these don’t just heal overnight. You might be out of work, struggling with medical bills, or dealing with pain that makes everyday life miserable. If you’re considering a premises liability slip and fall claims, now’s the time to take action.  

Who Pays When a Sidewalk Becomes a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen? 

Sidewalks are supposed to be safe. When they aren’t, someone’s got to be held accountable. But figuring out who can feel like a maze of legal red tape. Here’s a quick guide to who might be responsible for that dangerous walkway that sent you tumbling: 

• Homeowners & Businesses – If you tripped in front of a house, store, or restaurant, the property owner could be on the hook. Many cities require property owners to maintain the sidewalks in front of their buildings—even if they don’t technically own the land. For example, in New York City, property owners are legally responsible for sidewalk maintenance and can be sued if they fail to repair hazards. 
• City, County, or State Governments – Public sidewalks are supposed to be maintained by local governments, but suing the city? That’s a whole different challenge. Some places won’t even consider a claim unless the sidewalk defect was at least an inch high. And if the government wasn’t officially notified of the problem, they might try to walk away from responsibility. Many states follow sovereign immunity laws, which limit when and how you can sue a government entity. Plus, the deadlines to file a claim against a government agency are often ridiculously short—sometimes just a few months. 
• Landlords & Property Managers – Apartment complexes, office parks, and shopping centers have a duty to keep their walkways safe. If tenants or customers have complained about a cracked or uplifted section of sidewalk and management did nothing, that’s negligence. And negligence means liability. Premises liability laws vary by state, but in places like California, property owners must keep walkways reasonably safe for visitors. 
• Construction & Utility Companies – Ever seen a sidewalk torn up after roadwork? If a contractor or utility company left behind an uneven surface, they could be to blame. They’re supposed to repair what they break. If they didn’t, and you got hurt, they could owe you compensation. Under OSHA regulations, construction sites must minimize hazards to pedestrians, but not all companies follow the rules. 

Want to prove someone else is responsible for your fall? Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Proof that they knew (or should’ve known) about the hazard. Longstanding cracks, previous complaints, or obvious neglect can show this. 
• Evidence that they didn’t fix it or warn people. No caution tape, no signs, no repairs? That’s a problem for them. 
• A clear link between their negligence and your injuries. A bad sidewalk caused your fall—not just bad luck. 

The Laws That Can Make or Break Your Case—What You Need to Know 

Laws vary depending on where you live, but here’s what matters most: 

• Were you distracted when you fell? – Some states follow comparative negligence laws, meaning if you were partially at fault (like looking at your phone while walking), your compensation could be reduced. In places like California, if you’re found 20% responsible for not paying attention, your final payout gets slashed by 20%. 
• Did you miss a deadline? – If a government agency is responsible, time isn’t on your side. Some cities require you to file a claim within 90 days—and if you don’t, your case could be dead before it even starts. Many states follow strict claim deadlines when suing a government entity. 
• How long do you have to sue? – Most states give you anywhere from two to four years to file a personal injury claim. But if a government entity is involved? You could have just six months to take action. Check your state’s statute of limitations to make sure you don’t miss the deadline. 

Time Is Running Out—Don’t Miss Your Chance to File a Claim 

If you’re thinking about filing a claim, don’t wait. Every state has a statute of limitations—a deadline for taking legal action. 

• Most states give you 1 to 4 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. 
• If the government is involved, you might have as little as 90 days to take action. 
• Miss the deadline, and you lose your right to compensation—forever. 

Time flies when you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost wages. Don’t let the clock run out before you get justice. If you’re considering a cracked sidewalk accident lawsuit, the time to act is now. 

Don’t Let a Broken Walkway Break Your Life—Call Us Now 

You didn’t ask for this. You were just walking—like you do every day—when someone else’s negligence turned your life upside down.  

Horn Wright, LLP, can help. We’ve handled countless premises liability cases, and we know what it takes to win. We’ll deal with the insurance companies, fight for the compensation you deserve, and take that stress off your shoulders.  

Call us today for a free consultation. A dedicated slip and fall accident attorney from our team is ready to stand up for you. If you want top-tier legal representation, hire one of the best law firms in America. Let’s get you the justice—and the money—you need to move forward.