Miami Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

Walking along the sidewalks of Miami should be a simple, everyday activity. But when a sidewalk is poorly maintained, uneven, or broken, it can become a serious hazard. Sidewalk accidents happen in an instant and often leave victims dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. If you or someone you love has been hurt because of a dangerous sidewalk condition, you may have the right to pursue compensation. At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we are here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of holding the responsible party accountable. Contact a dedicated Miami injury lawyer for assistance with your sidewalk accident case today.

Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Serving Miami, Florida

Sidewalk accident cases can be complex. Miami’s sidewalks are owned and maintained by a combination of government entities, private property owners, and businesses. This means figuring out who is responsible for your injuries is not always straightforward. That’s why it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We have experience handling these types of cases and can assist you in gathering evidence, identifying the liable party, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Common Sidewalk Hazards

Sidewalk hazards come in many forms. Some may seem minor at first glance but can lead to serious injuries when a pedestrian trips, slips, or falls. Some of the most common sidewalk conditions that can cause sidewalk accidents are as follows:

• Cracked or broken concrete that creates uneven walking surfaces, making it easy for someone to trip.
• Raised sections of sidewalk caused by tree roots pushing up the concrete, creating dangerous edges or ridges.
• Loose paving stones or bricks that shift underfoot and cause loss of balance.
• Large potholes or missing chunks of sidewalk that create dangerous gaps where a foot can get caught.
• Slippery substances, such as algae, mold, or spilled liquids, which can make the sidewalk slick and dangerous, especially during Miami’s rainy season.
• Poor drainage that leads to standing water or flooding, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.
• Construction debris or obstacles left on or near the sidewalk without proper warnings or barriers.
• Improperly placed utility covers or grates that are uneven or broken.
• Faded or missing markings near driveways, ramps, or crosswalks that fail to alert pedestrians to changes in the walking surface.

Documenting Your Accident

What you do in the moments and days following a sidewalk accident can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Proper documentation helps prove what happened, how it happened, and who may be responsible. If you can, you should do everything in your power to take the following steps:

1. Take clear photos of the scene, including wide shots to show where the hazard is located and close-ups to capture the exact defect that caused your fall.
2. Photograph your injuries as soon as possible after the accident and continue to document them during your recovery.
3. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident or the hazardous condition.
4. Report the accident to the property owner or manager if the sidewalk is in front of a business or private residence. Ask for a copy of any written report.
5. Note the exact location where the accident happened, including the nearest street address or intersection.
6. Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the fall in case they become important evidence later.
7. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and a medical record can strengthen your case.
8. Write down your own account of what happened while the details are fresh in your mind. Include the date, time, weather conditions, and anything else you remember about the incident.

Who is Liable?

Determining who is responsible for a sidewalk accident in Miami requires understanding local laws and ordinances. Generally, the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County is responsible for maintaining public sidewalks. However, in many areas, adjacent property owners–whether residential, commercial, or otherwise–may be responsible for keeping the sidewalk in safe condition.

In Miami, liability often depends on where the sidewalk is located and what caused the defect. For example, under Miami-Dade County Code, property owners can be held responsible if their tree roots damage the sidewalk, or if they fail to fix hazards they caused or were aware of. A business that allows water to spill onto the sidewalk or places merchandise in pedestrian pathways can also be liable if someone is injured.

When the sidewalk is on city or county property, such as a sidewalk along a public park or government building, the city or county may be the responsible party. However, bringing a claim against a government entity involves special procedures. You generally must provide written notice of your claim within a certain period (typically within three years in Florida) and there are limits on how much you can recover in damages when suing the government.

Because liability can fall on either a private party or a government agency, or sometimes both, it is important to have a sidewalk accident lawyer who understands these distinctions.

Contact a Miami-Dade County Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we provide experienced legal guidance to injury victims throughout Miami. We handle the investigation, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, take cases to court to fight for our clients’ rights. Our goal is to help you secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses caused by the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a sidewalk accident, do not wait to get legal help. Contact a dedicated Miami sidewalk accident lawyer from our firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward justice.