Slip and fall on city sidewalk: act fast
Tripped on a cracked city sidewalk and the notice clock has started? Get your free case review today, with no fee unless you win.
We answer any hour, review free, and a slip and fall lawyer preps city notice today.
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The city, the owner, or both
A slip and fall on city sidewalk leaves you hurt, with bills and questions about who pays. The answer is the city, the owner of the property next to it, or both. Each city sets its own rule.
Claims against a city need written notice within months, not years. A raised slab or a deep crack is a common trip and fall hazard. Acting fast keeps your claim alive.
Who must fix the sidewalk
Cities split this duty in different ways. In New York City, owners must repair the sidewalk in front of their property. Owners who fail to keep it free of defects can be liable for your injuries.
Other cities keep the duty or share it with owners. A lawyer checks the city code and property records to find who is at fault. Falls in New York City follow the owner rule.
The city notice deadline
If the city is responsible, written notice comes first. New York City requires a notice of claim within 90 days. Los Angeles requires an injury claim within 6 months.
These notice rules are much shorter than the statute of limitations for a lawsuit. Count the days from the date of your fall.
What to do first after a slip and fall on city sidewalk
First, call us for a free case review, day or night. Your lawyer works on contingency, so you pay no fee unless you win. Your lawyer files the city notice on time.
Next, photograph the broken spot with a ruler or coin for scale. Write down the nearest address. Get medical care the same day.
Questions people ask after a fall
Can you sue the city for a sidewalk trip?
Yes, if the city was responsible and knew or should have known about the defect. You must file written notice first. New York City and Los Angeles set that deadline at 90 days and 6 months.
Who is liable for a sidewalk in front of a house?
In some cities, the owner is. New York City makes owners responsible for the sidewalk in front of their property.
How long do I have to file against a city?
Months, not years. New York City requires notice within 90 days. Los Angeles requires an injury claim within 6 months.
What if I fell on a sidewalk outside a store?
The store, its landlord or the city can be responsible. It depends on the city's rules. A lawyer sorts out which one to claim against.
Revised October 1, 2026
Your state
What to do now
You were hurt on a cracked or uneven city sidewalk and the bills are coming. New York City wants written notice within 90 days, and Los Angeles within 6 months. Call now so a lawyer can get your notice in on time.
The review is free. A slip and fall lawyer in your state takes the case on contingency: no fee unless you win.