Sidewalk injuries can happen at any time, so you never know when you may need a sidewalk injury attorney in Philadelphia or the Delaware Valley. One of the biggest causes of premises liability is property defects on sidewalks that cause tripping hazards. This includes broken sidewalks, raised or uneven sidewalks, defects, and even potholes on the path.
If you’ve been injured on a sidewalk, Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss are your sidewalk accident lawyers in the Philadelphia area who can help you get the compensation you are owed for your injuries.
Why Choose Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss as Your Sidewalk Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been injured on a sidewalk, you need an experienced sidewalk injury attorney in the Philadelphia area who understands the laws that could affect your case. With over 50 years of experience, Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss has the knowledge to win your case. Our partners take a personal interest in each of our clients, and we never treat you like a number. Once you’ve scheduled your initial free consultation, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on healing.
What to Do After Your Injury?
- Seek Medical Attention: The first thing to do is get your injuries checked. You may be in shock, but your well-being is your priority.
- If You’re Able To, Document Everything: Take photos of the defective sidewalk and a video of the area. If there were any witnesses, get their contact details and/or witness statements. If you’re too injured to do so, your lawyers will do so for you if you have a case.
- Call Us: As your sidewalk injury attorneys, we can help you determine if you have a personal injury case and give you the best advice.
- Don’t Defer to Insurance Companies: It’s important to get insurance information, but don’t accept what they say at face value. Seek further advice from your sidewalk accident lawyer.
- Recover from Your Injuries: This is the most important step. While you recover from your accident, let us work on your case.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
Every property owner is responsible for their own sidewalk. The City of Philadelphia says about sidewalks, “The City does not own or maintain them. It is the responsibility of owners to maintain them in safe and sanitary conditions.” Whether they’re private properties or commercial premises, these are some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents:
| Uneven/broken paving/surfaces | Cracks |
| Potholes | Ice/Snow |
| Building parts falling (e.g., tiles, glass, or construction materials) | Raised tree roots |
| Missing manhole covers or grates | Inadequate lighting |
| Construction materials | Slippery tiles |
Determining Liability
Your sidewalk accident lawyer in the Philadelphia region will help determine if you have a legal case. If you’ve been injured on a sidewalk, lost out on income, have medical bills to pay, or have any other trauma, you need to speak to someone who is both knowledgeable and experienced in personal injury law.
Call the Philadelphia sidewalk injury attorneys who want to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss for a free consultation today.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
- Free consultation – Our personal injury attorneys will review your case free of charge.
- Investigation – We’ll visit the site of your accident, interview witnesses, and seek further evidence if we determine you have a case.
- Negotiation – We’ll work on your behalf so you get the compensation you deserve.
- Settlement or Trial – If we don’t reach an out-of-court settlement, we’ll prepare for trial.
- No win, no fee – Our sidewalk injury attorneys don’t get paid if you don’t.
Contact Our Philadelphia Sidewalk Accident Lawyers
If you’ve had a sidewalk accident that resulted in injury, contact our Philadelphia attorneys now for a free consultation that can be done in person or over Zoom, or we can even come to you if your injuries are too severe to travel. We have decades of experience helping people like you receive their just compensation. Call us today and give yourself one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks in Philadelphia?
In general, property owners are legally responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their land. Philadelphia City Code states that owners are responsible for keeping these areas safe and sanitary, which includes:
- Clearing hazards (snow, ice, litter, or other obstructions)
- Repairing damages
However, the City of Philadelphia is responsible for maintaining city-owned properties and their adjacent sidewalks. It may be responsible for repairs in municipal construction zones.
If you’re unsure who is responsible for the sidewalk where you were injured, a sidewalk injury attorney in Philadelphia can help you determine liability.
What damages can I recover after a sidewalk injury in Philadelphia?
You can recover economic and non-economic damages after a sidewalk injury in Philadelphia, provided you can prove the property owner’s negligence caused your accident (an experienced sidewalk accident lawyer can help with this).
Economic damages, or direct costs, refer to out-of-pocket financial losses, which typically include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, etc.)
- Lost income (lost wages during recovery and lost future earning capacity)
- Replacement services (live-in assistants, visiting nurses, etc.)
- Property damage (broken phone, glasses, etc.)
Non-economic damages are intangible losses, compensation for the accident’s subjective impact on your life. These may include:
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress and physical discomfort)
- Loss of quality of life (you can no longer enjoy previous activities or hobbies)
- Disfigurement or disability (permanent scarring, limp, or long-term physical limitations)
A sidewalk injury attorney can help you understand these damages and any caps or thresholds that may affect your compensation, including your contribution to the accident.
What if I were injured on a sidewalk that was under construction or being repaired?
If you’re injured on a sidewalk undergoing construction or repair in Philadelphia, liability often depends on who was performing the work and whether they provided adequate warnings to pedestrians.
If a private contractor hired by the sidewalk owner or city is performing the repair, they’re typically responsible for maintaining a safe work zone and may be liable for your injuries.
Still, a sidewalk injury attorney can help you understand if property owners or the city itself is partially responsible. Many times, owners and contractors share liability; however, if the accident occurred in a municipal work zone under the supervision of municipal crews, the city is often directly liable.
What evidence do I need to support a sidewalk injury claim in Philadelphia?
Working with a sidewalk accident lawyer in Philadelphia, you’ll need to gather evidence that proves a dangerous condition existed and that the responsible parties were negligent. Typical evidence includes:
- Visual proof (photos or video)
- Liable party’s prior knowledge of the hazard (maintenance logs or prior complaints)
Your sidewalk injury attorney will also help you gather medical documents, financial statements, and witness testimony relevant to the accident.
