Uneven Pavement Accidents
Property owners have a responsibility towards invitees and guests who visit or walk by their premises. They are expected to maintain the area in a reasonably safe condition so that whoever stops by will not slip and fall and suffer an injury. This holds true as well for owners and managers of retail stores, restaurants, car dealerships, malls, grocery stores, and others.
Maintaining the property in reasonably good condition also entails warning visitors of any hazardous conditions that may be present on the premises and in outdoor spaces such as parking lots, sidewalks, and other areas.
Outdoor walking paths and parking lots must also be kept well maintained. If there are different levels, this should be easily visible, and any debris, snow, or ice should be timely removed. Most municipalities expect home and business owners to maintain their sidewalks and repair any dangerous conditions. Failure to do so can result in a ticket and if the city ends up having to take care of the repair, the property owner might receive a bill.
Uneven Pavement Conditions
Many conditions may result in uneven pavement. These may include:
- Improperly laid slabs
- Erosion due to soil and weather
- Cracks
- Buckling due to tree roots
- Different heights in the ground underneath
Other dangerous conditions that may be present on the pavement are grates, manholes, debris, fallen leaves and tree limbs, electrical cables, and any item that may make walking on that pavement dangerous.
Most Susceptible People to Slip and Fall on Uneven Pavement
Any pedestrian can at some point slip and fall on uneven pavement. However, this type of accident is much more common in:
- Individuals with mobility challenges
- Parents with strollers
- Seniors and young children
- Those who require assistive devices to walk, such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
Slipping and Falling on Government Controlled Sidewalks
When sidewalks do not adjoin personal property, they are generally the property of federal, state, or local municipal authorities. The requirements to keep the sidewalks even and clear of possible hazards is their responsibility as well. If it is not possible to take care of the defect right away, adequate notice must be given to those passing by to avoid anyone slipping and falling there.
If you are injured on a government-owned sidewalk, you may find that the government has special protections against lawsuits brought by private citizens. Your motorcycle accident attorney at the Eslinger Law Firm has the knowledge and experience to explain to you how to proceed in this case.
Slipping and Falling on Uneven Pavement
Even though you might never have thought about a section of pavement as something dangerous, you may slip and fall on an uneven pavement the moment when you least expect it. If this has happened to you, you might have discovered that falling on pavement may cause unimaginable injuries, including some that may have unintended health-related results that could affect the rest of your life.
Proving Liability in Uneven Pavement Accidents
Proving liability means that the owner was aware of the hazardous condition and knew it could result in injuries. However, no steps were taken to correct the situation and this is what caused your injuries.
A property owner that does not maintain their sidewalk or fixes its problems is being negligent and may be responsible for your injuries. Your personal injury attorney at the Eslinger Law Firm will prepare your case to include damages to cover such items as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Make an appointment today to get started. We work on a contingency basis which means no out-of-pocket costs to you.