A cracked and uneven sidewalk not only looks bad, but it can also lead to trips and falls, and serious injuries. Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam War veteran George Neff has been fighting with the city of Cleveland for years to fix a dangerous section of sidewalk on Hunter Street in the city’s Waterloo neighborhood.
If the city knows about a hazardous condition, they are obligated to fix it. If it goes unrepaired, they are responsible for any injuries that may result from their negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a neglected sidewalk the Cleveland slip and fall attorneys at Paulozzi LPA are here to help.
The sidewalks along Cleveland’s East 163 and Huntmere streets are full of dangers for walkers. In the summer, it may be easier to maneuver and navigate the uneven concrete, but Neff says, “When this fills over with leaves or fills over with snow, you don’t see any unevenness because it’s flat.”
There are multiple drop-offs, several inches deep between the pavers, and Neff is frustrated by the thought of someone getting hurt because of the city’s failure to properly address the problem.
The city council has verbally addressed the situation. pledging to investigate the sidewalk in question and fix any problem areas, but Neff wants an immediate response. He also worries about his wife who walks with a cane and could easily take a tumble on the uneven concrete.
About five years ago, Dena Katch left a Cleveland Indians baseball game and walked down the sidewalk on East 9th Street, near Bolivar Road with friends. When she got in front of the 900 Prospect parking garage, she tripped on a large break in the pavers and fell hard to the concrete, suffering a broken ankle, an injured knee, and a badly bruised hand.
After Katch’s fall, the owners of the garage, Geiss Properties, put an orange cone near the hazard but did not fix the actual problem. Because property owners are responsible for sidewalks outside their businesses, they are responsible for any defects that are brought to their attention. This means it is their duty to repair and maintain the sidewalks around their business.
Before the incident, the garage owners had not been cited by the City of Cleveland for the problematic walkway, but they were cited after Katch’s fall. Katch also obtained an attorney and filed a lawsuit against the owners.
Sidewalk accidents are like all slip and fall cases. You must document what happened with evidence—pictures of the scene, contacting emergency responders, and collecting witness statements. Evidence is vital because the scene of the accident may change, depending on the situation or the climate. It is up to the claimant to prove the municipality or property owner was negligent.
The Cleveland slip and fall attorneys at Paulozzi LPA are here to defend your rights and repair the damages done by helping you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.
