Can I Sue the City of San Diego for Broken Sidewalk Injuries?
The sidewalks of San Diego need major repairs. According to a November 2023 report from Yahoo News/Fox 5, 85,000 sidewalks require maintenance, which will cost an estimated $238 million. This multi-million dollar investment in our city's infrastructure is desperately needed since damaged sidewalks pose a major safety hazard.
Many people have suffered serious injuries from slipping, tripping, and falling on poorly maintained streets. If you were injured because of broken sidewalks in San Diego, you can file an injury claim.
I'd like to discuss why you should file a personal injury claim for a sidewalk accident, how much your case could be worth, and who is legally liable for repairing the damaged sidewalks in San Diego.
Why You Should File a Sidewalk Slip, Trip, and Fall Lawsuit
Injuries from falling on the sidewalk can be extensive.
The La Jolla Light reported about a June 2022 sidewalk slip and fall accident in The Village near 7753 Ivanhoe Ave. The accident victim suffered a host of injuries, including serious facial lacerations, vision impairment, and physical trauma to the legs, back, and neck.
In addition to the injuries reported above, a hard fall onto concrete or cement can also lead to broken bones, joint injuries, facial trauma, dental injuries, concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Get Compensation for Injuries and Recovery
By filing a slip, trip, and fall accident claim, you can recover compensation for:
- Accident-Related Medical Treatment - Emergency treatment for your injuries can be expensive. An attorney can help you recover money to cover your medical bills.
- Lost Wages Following the Accident - You need time to recuperate after a serious accident. A lawyer will help you address any lost income while you are healing as well as future impact on your earning potential.
- Any Surgical Procedures - Surgery may be required to treat broken bones, facial injuries, or other kinds of physical trauma. A lawyer will help ensure surgical bills are covered.
- Ongoing Rehabilitation Costs - If your accident negatively impacted your mobility, an attorney can hold the negligent party accountable for the cost of physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy.
How Much Is My Sidewalk Accident Case Worth?
The value of your sidewalk injury claim can vary based on your injuries and the nature of the accident.
CBS 8 reported in August 2022 that San Diego spent $1.5 million from April to July of that year to pay accident victims who slipped and fell on broken city sidewalks. A more recent November 2023 report from the City of San Diego noted that in the last 10 years, the average claim for sidewalk-related injuries was $46,000.
As part of your free case review, I can go over your injuries with you and connect you with a skilled attorney who can provide a realistic dollar figure for your sidewalk accident case.
Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Damaged Sidewalks?
California Streets and Highway Code Section 5610 states that owners of a property that face a public street must maintain sidewalks and ensure safe conditions.
If someone is injured walking on that sidewalk, the property owner could be held liable in a civil case.
The City of San Diego's Safe Sidewalks Program
In November 2023, the City of San Diego announced the Safe Sidewalks Program to help expedite the repair process. The program waives the expensive permit fees required to make sidewalk repairs.
Many property owners throughout San Diego are not aware that they are responsible for sidewalk repairs.
An Attorney Can Assist With Filing a Claim
Filing a claim for cracked, uneven, or raised sidewalk injuries can be confusing, particularly when it comes to who should be held liable. A slip and fall attorney can help ensure you make your claim properly. Your lawyer will focus on the legal process and allow you to focus on the recovery process.
Why You Need a Sidewalk Slip, Trip, and Fall Injury Lawyer
It's always advisable to speak with an attorney before taking any kind of legal action. There are four compelling reasons why:
1. A Lawyer Can Determine If You Have a Worthwhile Case
Even if dangerous conditions were present, you may or may not have a viable premises liability claim. By discussing what happened with an injury attorney, you can find out if it's worth pursuing legal action.
2. An Attorney Can Evaluate the Value of Your Claim
Uneven sidewalks and other trip hazards could lead to fractures, sprains, brain injuries, and other serious trauma. A trip and fall lawyer can go over the full extent of your injuries as well as the future impact these injuries can have on your life and livelihood. This will help you understand the true value of your case.
3. A Lawyer Can Keep Your Case Moving
Your slip and fall lawyer will stay on top of your case and keep you updated with any new information. This diligence allows you to spend time focusing on healing and making a full recovery.
4. An Attorney Can Be a Strong Advocate for You
When working on a settlement, your lawyer can make sure the insurance company doesn't lowball your claim. A skilled attorney will make sure your settlement reflects the hardships you've experienced.
If your trip and fall case goes to trial, your attorney will present a strong case on your behalf in order to collect as much as possible in legal damages.
What Hoge Law Firm Can Do for You in a Sidewalk Slip and Fall Case
When you contact Hoge Law Firm, I can connect you with a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer. Hoge Law Firm eliminates the out-of-pocket costs associated with legal consultations, retainer fees, and other attorney expenses.
Free Legal Consultations
Your initial consultation is absolutely free. This no-obligation case review allows you to explain what happened to a proven legal professional.
If your case is worth pursuing, I can then connect you with a slip and fall attorney free of charge.
Contingency Fee Representation
You will not have to pay a retainer for your slip and fall attorney. They will only get paid if you can successfully settle or win your sidewalk injury case in court.
You have nothing to lose if you choose Hoge Law Firm in San Diego.
Connect With a San Diego
Slip and Fall Attorney
Contact Hoge Law Firm Today
Hold the City of San Diego and negligent property owners accountable for the injuries they caused. To discuss how your accident happened and what your legal options are, contact my San Diego law office today.
About Charles T. Hoge
Charles T. Hoge has practiced law since 1983. He opened his own firm in Downtown La Jolla in 2016. The Hoge Law Firm has been recognized by both U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as a leading practice for commercial litigation and employment law.
Read Mr. Hoge's Full Bio | All Posts by Mr. Hoge
