Walking on the sidewalk provides a safe alternative to walking alongside traffic, but it’s not without risk. Personal injury attorneys can attest that the paths in Sacramento are especially hazardous because the city is full of trees with snaking roots, which can push up concrete into a crumbling mess. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of tripping—and to increase your chances of securing a fair payout if you do.

Avoiding Injury

You can avoid slipping, tripping, and falling by wearing adequate footwear and paying attention to your surroundings. For example, skip the stilettos and opt instead for shoes with little or no heel when you know you’ll be walking outside. Also, make sure they fit correctly, and bring along any necessary mobility aids, such as a cane or walker, for optimal safety. Finally, as soon as you start walking, put your phone in your pocket to ensure your attention is focused solely on scanning the ground for potential hazards.

If you happen to own property, it’s up to you to prevent injury to others, as well. For example, if city ordinance deems you responsible for maintaining the walkway in front of your property, address any crumbling, cracking, or uprooting as soon as possible. If you have to replace entire sections of the sidewalk, make sure the new concrete remains level with the old parts.

Taking Action

If you end up slipping, tripping, or falling despite your best efforts to avoid injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. To give your claim the best chance of success, photograph the hazard that caused you to fall, and then call a personal injury attorney.

A lawyer will evaluate the circumstances to determine whether you have grounds for a claim against the party who owns the property or the municipality that’s responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. Either way, your legal team will gather evidence of liability and damages so you can seek the compensation you deserve.

If you tripped and fell while walking on the sidewalk, contact the Law Offices of Alan M. Laskin to determine how you should proceed. Operating out of Elk Grove, CA, this firm is comprised of compassionate personal injury attorneys who know what it takes to win sizable settlements and verdicts. To explore all their practice areas, visit their website. To request a complimentary case evaluation with a strategic personal injury attorney, call (916) 689-0700.