Las Vegas Sidewalk Accident Lawyer
Sidewalk accidents frequently happen in Las Vegas, where many pedestrians walk along busy streets, entertainment venues, and shopping districts. A single misstep on a poorly maintained or obstructed sidewalk can result in serious injuries, determining liability, and seeking legal assistance are crucial steps for those injured in such incidents.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalk accidents are most commonly caused by:
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracked, broken, or uneven pavement is a major cause of tripping and falling.
- Slippery Conditions: Spills, wet surfaces, or icy patches.
- Obstructions: Construction debris, improperly placed signage, or overgrown vegetation.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit sidewalks, especially at night, reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Tree Roots and Landscaping Issues: Tree roots that lift concrete slabs or poorly maintained landscaping can lead to uneven walking surfaces.
- Failure to Clear Debris: Accumulated trash, gravel, or fallen leaves.
- Construction Negligence: Sidewalks near construction zones often become hazardous due to debris, exposed materials, or lack of safety barriers.
Pedestrians can suffer severe injuries in sidewalk accidents, including broken bones, sprains and ligament tears, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from hitting the ground, cuts, bruises, abrasions, spinal injuries, or chronic back pain. These injuries can in turn result in costly medical treatments, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Liability for Sidewalk Accidents
Liability for sidewalk accidents depends on the circumstances of the incident and who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. Common liable parties include:
Property Owners
In many cases, adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks. If a sidewalk becomes hazardous due to neglect, such as failing to repair cracks or remove snow, the property owner may be liable for resulting injuries.
Municipalities or Government Agencies
In some areas, local governments are responsible for maintaining public sidewalks. If the city of Las Vegas or another municipal entity fails to address known hazards, they may be held accountable.
Business Owners
Businesses must ensure that sidewalks leading to or from their premises are safe for customers.
Construction Companies
If a sidewalk accident is caused by construction work, such as exposed wiring, debris, or incomplete repairs, the contractor or construction company may be liable.
Under Nevada’s comparative negligence law, multiple parties can share liability. Each party is assigned a percentage of fault and as long as you are 50% or less responsible, you can recover compensation. However, it will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 and found 30% to blame for walking inattentively, you will receive 70% of the award, or $70,000.
How an Attorney Can Help
Pursuing a sidewalk accident case can be complex, but an experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance. Here is how they can help:
Investigating the Incident
Pedestrian accident attorneys in Las Vegas gather evidence, such as photographs of the hazard, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to establish the cause of the accident and identify who is liable.
Building a Strong Case
Lawyers work with experts, such as safety inspectors or engineers, to prove negligence and demonstrate the hazardous condition of the sidewalk.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you secure fair compensation.
Navigating Nevada Laws
Understanding local laws, including comparative negligence rules, is critical. An attorney ensures that liability is assigned appropriately to maximize your compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court, advocating for your rights and pursuing the maximum compensation.
Arrange a free consultation with a highly skilled Las Vegas Sidewalk Accident Lawyer today by contacting Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers.