Bronx Sidewalk Cellar Door Attorney

Bronx residents rarely think twice about walking the borough’s miles of sidewalks, including navigating sidewalk cellar doors and grates. But when a Bronx property owner fails to adequately maintain a sidewalk cellar door, a pedestrian’s life can change in an instant, either temporarily or permanently. Though no legal process erases an injury, a Bronx premises liability lawyer can help you with your claim after a sidewalk cellar door accident so you can recover the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Call (212) 564-2800 to pursue financial compensation.

What Causes Bronx Sidewalk Cellar Door Slip-and-Fall Accidents?

When an unexpected irregularity underfoot causes a misstep, it can result in a hard fall on a Bronx sidewalk. For this reason, Bronx property owners must carefully follow New York’s Adminstrative Code for Sidewalk Rules, including those pertaining to cellar doors and grates. Under these rules, property owners with cellar doors and grates must do the following:

Ensure that their cellar door or grate is flush with the surrounding sidewalk, or as close as possible, with no more than ½ inch discrepancy above or below
Prevent protruding bolts or other hardware
Ensure that the door is strong enough not to bend underfoot
Have a cellar door with a non-slip surface
Never leave a cellar door or grate open unless in active use with someone standing by to direct pedestrians around the opening
Maintain not only the cellar door, but also the abutting sidewalk to prevent cracks, gaps, and settling

When a Bronx property owner fails to adequately maintain their cellar door or grate, and it results in a slip-and-fall accident, trip-and-fall injury, or a pedestrian falling into the open cellar door, the injury victim has the right to compensation for their losses through a premises liability claim against the negligent property owner.

Understanding Liability In Bronx Sidewalk Cellar Door Accidents

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, including property owners with sidewalk cellar doors or grates in the Bronx. This duty requires them to regularly inspect their premises, identify safety hazards, and make prompt repairs. Failing to repair a safety hazard is a violation of a property owner’s legal duty. Proving liability requires evidence, such as photos, previous complaints, and maintenance records. The evidence must demonstrate the following:

The property owner owed a duty of care to the injury victim
They breached their duty through negligence
The breach of duty directly caused the injury
The injury victim suffered damages from the injury

In a premises liability case for a Bronx sidewalk cellar door accident, the claimant must also prove that the property owner was aware or should reasonably have been aware of the hazard.

The total recoverable damages in a premises accident claim depend on the type and severity of the injury — contact a slip and fall lawyer in the Bronx today.

Injuries In Bronx Sidewalk Cellar Door Accidents

Serious injuries can occur from a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, or from falling into an open cellar door. Common injuries in Bronx sidewalk cellar door accident claims include:

Fractures
Soft tissue injuries to knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists
Back injuries
Neck injuries
Abrasions, contusions, and lacerations
Facial and dental injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries

When a sidewalk cellar door causes a fall, it may be more than just embarrassing; it can cause serious injury.

What Compensation Is Available After a Sidewalk Cellar Door Accident?

New York’s pure comparative negligence law holds those who cause an injury responsible for damages. A successful premises liability claim against a negligent property owner can recover the following damages:

Past and future medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs
Past and future income loss
Reduced earning capacity
Compensation for pain and suffering

If a cellar door fall caused permanent injuries, you could recover additional compensation for catastrophic injury damages.

How Can a Bronx Sidewalk Cellar Door Attorney Help Me?

After a serious injury, taking on a complex legal claim can be overwhelming. Instead of navigating a claim without representation, contact The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel to maximize your chances of a result in your favor with an ample settlement or court award for your damages.