Although the cracked or crumbling sidewalk in front of your home is an eyesore, it’s more than a cosmetic blip; it’s a liability. Passersby may injure themselves during a slip and fall, then seek legal action. To avoid litigation, find out who is responsible for concrete work on sidewalks adjacent to your property. If you live in Honolulu County, here are instances when the municipality will pay for repairs and when homeowners must cover the costs.

Assigning Responsibility for Repairs

According to the sidewalk maintenance program in Honolulu County, the municipality is responsible for concrete work when roots from city trees damage public sidewalks or when the concrete must be fixed due to weather and regular wear.

Homeowners are responsible for concrete work when their actions led to the damage. This would be the case if you diverted rainwater, so it flows to the sidewalk, saturating the concrete and causing corrosion. Homeowners are also liable when their landscaping efforts affect public sidewalks. If a citizen complains about the condition of the sidewalk in front of your property, The Department of Planning & Permitting will investigate and determine whether the damage is your fault.

When Work Is Necessary

To sue for personal injuries, it must be proven that the homeowner or city knew the sidewalk was in an “unreasonably unsafe” condition and did nothing to correct the problem. To avoid accusations of negligence in Honolulu County, concrete work should be performed when the vertical or horizontal separation exceeds half an inch, vegetation grows onto or out of the sidewalk, or when there are other obstructions or defects that need to be addressed.

If your actions have damaged the sidewalks in front of your home, get help from the professionals at Peterson Bros. Construction in Kapolei, HI. With over 60 years of combined experience, the licensed  team at this family-owned business will perform high-quality concrete work to restore your walkways. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 679-9522 to schedule an appointment.