Trip and Fall Accidents in Madisonville: Holding Property Owners Liable for Uneven Sidewalks and Walkways
A cracked sidewalk or uneven walkway may not seem like much of a hazard, that is, until someone gets hurt. Trip-and-fall accidents in Kentucky caused by poorly maintained walking surfaces are common, and the injuries they cause can be severe.
Our Madisonville premises liability lawyer explains the hazards and your rights to hold negligent property owners accountable.
How Uneven Sidewalks and Walkways Increase Kentucky Personal Injury Risks
People often underestimate the impact of slip, trip, and fall accidents in Madisonville. However, the National Safety Council (NSC) warns that falls are a leading cause of unintentional, accidental injury death in the U.S., claiming the lives of more than 40,000 victims and sending hundreds of thousands of others to local hospitals. Tripping over uneven sidewalks and walkways is one of the most common causes.
Cracked pavement, raised concrete slabs, sunken walkways, and poorly maintained surfaces outside businesses and residential properties create hazards that property owners are legally required to address. Common injuries that can happen as a result include:
- Broken bones, often impacting ankles, hips, and wrists;
- Pulled muscles and tendons.
- Herniated discs and other back, neck, or spine injuries.
- Skull fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries.
If you are injured due to a Madisonville trip and fall accident, notify the police or property owner immediately, make sure they complete an accident report, avoid downplaying your injuries, and get medical care as soon as possible.
How Kentucky Premises Liability Law Applies to Sidewalk and Walkway Falls
Kentucky property owners are legally required to maintain the premises and to prevent unsafe conditions that could pose a risk to others. When they fail to fulfill that duty and fail to warn visitors about uneven walks or other hazards, they can be held liable for injuries.
Here’s how Kentucky’s premises liability law applies when injuries happen due to uneven sidewalks and walkways:
- Commercial and residential property owners are generally responsible for maintaining sidewalks, walkways, and entrances on or near their property.
- Landlords and property management companies have an ongoing duty to inspect and repair walkways at rental properties and apartment complexes.
- Proving liability requires showing the property owner either knew or should have known about the issue and failed to address it within a reasonable time.
- Photos from the scene, medical records documenting your injuries, and witness statements are all critical to building a strong premises liability claim.
Compensation for trip and fall injuries in Madisonville is often available through the property owner’s insurance and includes payment for your medical expenses, lost income, and other costs.
Contact Our Experienced Madisonville Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Trips and falls in Madisonville caused by poorly maintained sidewalks or walkways can leave you suffering serious injuries. Before making statements to insurers or signing any documents, contact Whitfield Crosby & Flynn first.
Our Madisonville premises liability lawyer provides trusted, experienced legal representation and takes the actions necessary to protect your rights in a claim. We serve clients in Madisonville, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana and Marion, Illinois. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls/slips-trips-and-falls-home?srsltid=AfmBOoqtRO0TFFc9wc8F75wWKuBP1jXgbFvLchgPBKJiB8VIfhD3qcTL
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49037
