Sidewalk Accidents

Sidewalk accidents are more common than many people think. As New Yorkers know well, sidewalk bridges are visible throughout New York City, designed to protect workers and passersby from dangers of falling debris wherever work projects are underway on tall buildings.

They may be erected where new buildings are going up or where existing buildings are undergoing renovations at high levels. Required by city law — and apparently, a sensible way to protect people at ground level from accidents originating high above the sidewalk level — they sometimes become a source of risk of injury to people who live, walk, drive or work nearby.

Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm has represented a number of accident victims and their families who suffered harm because of negligence involving sidewalk bridges. Some have been crushed by collapsing sidewalk bridges. Others have been injured when adjacent temporary structures gave way. When we investigate sidewalk bridge accidents, we often encounter evidence of negligence.

Signs of Negligence That Cause Sidewalk Accidents

• Structures intended to be for temporary use are often left in place for many months or even years.
• Sidewalk bridges are often not inspected and maintained correctly.
• Aging or poorly structured sidewalk bridges become dilapidated and fall into a state of disrepair.
• Sidewalk bridges in poor condition collapse, break or pull down other structures.
• Poles, braces and diagonal bars become worn over time.
• Wood planks that support the roofs of sidewalk bridges become weak.
• Workers on or above sidewalk bridges neglect to use fall protection gear.

Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Sidewalk Accident

One would expect that sidewalk bridges connected to city-owned buildings would be well-constructed and maintained. However, we have discovered many instances of city building-corrected sidewalk bridges in worse condition than other sidewalk bridges around town.

When Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm represents you or your family member, you can rest assured that we will determine the cause, find out who was negligent and hold the parties responsible accountable for their negligent actions.

Our accomplished trial lawyers inspire confidence in our clients with our notable track record of significant verdicts and settlements. We help pedestrians with a wide range of claims, including accidental injuries and fatalities caused by:

• Scaffolding
• Ladders
• Sidewalk Bridges
• Poor Construction Site Conditions

Discuss Your Next Steps With a New York Sidewalk Injury Lawyer

At the Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, we devote ourselves to serving individuals and families who have suffered great injuries and losses. We address both physical and emotional injuries of accident victims while lending support to our clients and their families.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, head injury, or broken bones, or if your loved one was killed in an accident involving a sidewalk bridge in New York City, you can count on Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm to advocate zealously and knowledgeable on your behalf.

Call 212-268-3222 to speak with a sidewalk accident lawyer about your next steps.