Practice Area · Premises Liability
Sidewalk Accidents
Under current New York City law, the property owner adjoining a sidewalk — not the city — generally carries legal responsibility for keeping that sidewalk safe. That means a claim after a sidewalk fall is often brought against the adjacent property owner rather than the city itself.
There are exceptions: the City of New York can still be liable in specific circumstances, such as injuries caused by unrepaired or dangerous tree wells. Sorting out who is actually responsible is often the first challenge in a sidewalk accident case, and it's one an experienced attorney can resolve quickly.
- Falls on cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Falls related to tree well hazards
- Falls on ice or snow-covered walkways
- Claims against adjacent property owners
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for my sidewalk fall?
Usually the adjoining property owner under current NYC law, though the City itself can be liable in specific situations like unrepaired tree wells.
Is there a deadline to bring a claim against the City?
Yes — claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim filed within a short window; see our Municipal Liability page.
Injured? Sidewalk Accidents Cases Move Fast.
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