Sidewalks allow people to move safely between homes, businesses, and public spaces. However, damaged or poorly maintained walkways are dangerous. If you suddenly tripped or slipped on an uneven sidewalk, you may be dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and missed work. Our slip and fall attorneys can help you explore your legal options and determine whether the property owner responsible for the sidewalk failed to maintain a safe environment.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we are skilled at handling claims involving sidewalk slip and fall accidents in Duluth. Our firm focuses on defending what matters—your health, family, and future. We offer free consultations with an intake specialist who will listen carefully and explain how to protect your rights.
Uneven or Damaged Sidewalk Surfaces
Sidewalks are in constant use, and their surfaces may eventually break down. When cracks, holes, or uneven sections appear, pedestrians face a higher risk of tripping or slipping.
Common sidewalk hazards include:
- Concrete that cracks and creates uneven walking surfaces
- Pavement that lifts or sinks
- Bricks or paving stones that are loose
- Holes or gaps that form in the sidewalk
- Tree roots that push up the pavement
These hazards often develop slowly, giving property owners or maintenance crews time to notice and repair them. When the responsible parties fail to address visible damage, pedestrians may suffer serious injuries. Our Duluth attorneys can review maintenance records and inspection reports to investigate how long the walking path where you accidentally slipped and fell had been hazardous.
Poor Maintenance Near Businesses and Residential Properties
Many sidewalks run alongside businesses and residential properties. In some situations, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sections of sidewalk near their buildings. When the owners fail to make repairs or address hazards, visitors may encounter unsafe walking conditions.
Sidewalk maintenance issues near properties may include:
- Uncollected trash or debris blocking walking paths
- Overgrown plants extending into the sidewalk
- Broken steps connecting sidewalks to buildings
- Drainage problems creating slippery areas
While these hazards may not seem dangerous, they can easily cause you to lose your balance. Our Duluth slip and fall lawyers can evaluate whether the property owner who was responsible for the walkway where your accident occurred had failed to address known hazards that had created an unsafe environment.
What Are Some Common Weather-Related Sidewalk Hazards?
Weather conditions can contribute to dangerous sidewalks. While weather events are not always preventable, property owners and managers often have a responsibility to respond to the resulting hazards within a reasonable time.
Weather-related sidewalk hazards include snow covering uneven pavement and ice forming after the snow melts and refreezes. When it rains, standing water creates slippery surfaces, and wet leaves collect along walkways.
Proper maintenance during changing weather conditions can help reduce these risks. Applying salt, clearing snow, and removing debris may prevent accidents. Our Duluth accident attorneys can investigate whether the responsible parties had taken reasonable safety measures to clean the pathway where you sustained injuries from slipping or tripping.
Contact Our Duluth Lawyers if You Accidentally Slipped or Tripped on a Sidewalk
If you fell on a sidewalk, the impact on your life can be long-lasting. Medical treatment, lost income, and ongoing pain can place significant stress on you and your family. Understanding your legal rights may help you protect your future.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we have considerable experience with cases involving sidewalk slip and fall accidents in Duluth. We understand how important it is to support families after unexpected injuries. Our bilingual team focuses on guiding clients through difficult moments while defending what matters most. Call us today to discuss your situation during a free consultation with our intake specialist.
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