Buffalo Sidewalk Trip and Fall Lawyer
Cracked sidewalks, uneven pavement, and unaddressed hazards can all lead to painful and costly falls. In Buffalo, sidewalk maintenance is often the legal responsibility of local property owners, including private owners and the city itself. When sidewalks are neglected and a fall accident occurs, victims may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.
At Brown Chiari LLP, our legal team helps individuals who have suffered injuries from sidewalk accidents throughout Buffalo and Western New York. Our experienced slip and fall attorneys handle everything from investigating the fall site to filing claims against the appropriate property owners, including city, town, or private entities. If you were injured in a sidewalk trip and fall, we are here to help you pursue full and fair compensation.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options under New York law.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Trip and Fall Accidents
Sidewalk slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—outside businesses, homes, apartment buildings, or in public areas. When property owners fail to maintain sidewalks or do not clear snow and ice, dangerous conditions develop. These preventable falls often lead to serious injury.
Common hazards in sidewalk fall cases include:
- Cracked sidewalks or uneven pavement
- Raised concrete slabs or gaps
- Poor lighting in walkways
- Ice and snow buildup due to inadequate snow removal
- Obstructed paths or debris left in pedestrian areas
- Water pooling or slippery surfaces
When a property owner knew or should have known about a hazardous condition and failed to act, they may be held liable through a premises liability case.
Injuries Resulting from Sidewalk Fall Accidents
The injuries sustained in a sidewalk trip and fall can be severe, particularly for older adults or individuals with mobility challenges. Common fall injuries include:
- Broken bones, especially wrists, hips, and ankles
- Traumatic brain injuries from hitting the pavement
- Neck injuries and back injuries
- Deep bruising and lacerations
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Wrongful death in tragic cases
These types of injuries often require immediate medical attention and can lead to extensive medical bills, long-term recovery, or permanent disability.
Who is Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance?
In Buffalo, sidewalk maintenance is not always the city’s responsibility. In many cases, the legal duty to maintain a sidewalk falls on the adjacent property owner—whether that be a homeowner, commercial business, or rental property manager. This is where the prior written notice rule may apply.
Under the prior written notice rule, certain municipalities cannot be held liable for a sidewalk hazard unless they were officially notified of the problem in advance. However, this does not apply to all situations. A fall accident attorney can help determine whether the city, a private owner, or a third party is legally responsible.
We represent clients injured due to:
- Negligence by private homeowners
- Buffalo property owners (city and town-based)
- Businesses and commercial property owners
- Kenmore property owners
- Tonawanda property owners
- Lackawanna property owners
Filing a Fall Accident Claim in Buffalo
If you were injured in a sidewalk trip and fall, you may be able to file a slip and fall claim against the party responsible for maintaining the area. Our fall attorneys guide clients through every step of the legal process, including:
- Proving negligence and liability
- Investigating the cause of the fall
- Gathering evidence such as photos, medical records, and witness statements
- Calculating economic damages and non-economic damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
We understand the challenges involved in sidewalk fall claims, especially when dealing with the city or commercial entities. Our goal is to help clients recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional and physical toll of the accident.
What You Can Recover in a Sidewalk Fall Case
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s failure to maintain a sidewalk, you may be entitled to a wide range of compensation. Our fall injury lawyers help clients pursue damages for:
- Medical bills and future medical treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation services
- Economic damages related to the injury
- Non-economic damages affecting your quality of life
Our team builds every fall accident claim with care, making sure your injury case reflects the full extent of your losses and the seriousness of the incident.
Why Choose Our Buffalo Slip and Fall Lawyers
Brown Chiari LLP has decades of experience handling personal injury cases throughout Buffalo and the surrounding areas. Our rated personal injury lawyers are well-versed in both city liability and property owner negligence, and we understand how to build a successful claim against public or private parties.
What you can expect from our firm:
- A team of experienced slip and fall attorneys
- A thorough investigation of your fall accident
- Legal representation focused on achieving maximum compensation
- Transparent communication throughout the legal process
- No upfront legal fees—we work on a contingency fee basis
We are committed to helping injured clients hold negligent parties accountable and fight for fair compensation after such an accident.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been hurt in a sidewalk trip and fall accident in Buffalo, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, the better your chances of a full recovery—both medically and financially.
Call Brown Chiari LLP to speak with a Buffalo Sidewalk Trip and Fall Lawyer at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free consultation. You can also request a free case evaluation through our contact form. Let our fall lawyers help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Buffalo Sidewalk Trip and Fall Lawyer FAQs
Can I sue the city of Buffalo for a sidewalk fall?
It depends. Under the prior written notice rule, the city must have been officially notified about the hazard beforehand. However, in some cases, the responsibility may lie with the adjacent property owner. A fall accident attorney can help determine who is liable.
What should I do after a sidewalk fall accident?
Seek medical attention right away, take photos of the area, and gather witness contact information. Do not delay in contacting a fall injury lawyer to begin building your case and preserving crucial evidence.
What compensation can I recover for a sidewalk slip and fall injury?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries. Each fall case is unique, so the value of your claim will depend on your specific circumstances.
Who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance in Buffalo?
In many cases, property owners—not the city—are legally responsible for sidewalk maintenance. This includes snow removal, fixing cracked sidewalks, and addressing dangerous conditions. If they fail in that duty, they may be held liable for injuries that occur.
How long do I have to file a sidewalk slip and fall claim in New York?
In New York, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim. However, if you’re suing a municipality, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. It’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.