Who Is Liable If You Trip on a Broken Sidewalk? Know Your Legal Rights
📽️ In This Video: Hani A. Habbas Breaks It Down - if you fall from a crack on someone else’ property, they could be liable.
In California:
Under California Civil Code §1714(a), property owners and occupiers (like businesses or landlords) must keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If a crack, hole, or broken surface causes someone to fall, the owner could be liable for negligence.
Cities may also be responsible for injuries on public sidewalks, depending on how long the hazard existed and if they were notified.
In Washington, D.C.:
Washington, D.C. laws require property owners—including homeowners—to maintain the sidewalks adjacent to their property. If you trip on a sidewalk crack outside a business or house in D.C., the owner might be at fault, even if it’s technically "public" space.
D.C. Code § 9–521 and related regulations give legal grounds for claims if dangerous conditions are not repaired in a timely and safe manner.
Common Injuries from Trip & Falls
Falling due to a sidewalk crack or unsafe walkway can lead to serious injuries, including:
Fractures or broken bones
Back, hip, or spinal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Torn ligaments
Permanent mobility issues
In many cases, these injuries require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time off work. That’s why a premises liability claim could be essential to protecting your future.
What Should You Do If You Fall on a Cracked Surface?
Take photos of the crack, your injuries, and the area immediately.
Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Report the incident to the property owner, store, or municipality (if applicable).
Contact an experienced premises liability attorney—like HH Law Firm—to review your case.
Why Choose HH Law Firm?
At HH Law Firm, we’ve successfully helped clients in California and Washington D.C. who were injured due to unsafe property conditions. We speak English, Spanish, and Arabic, and we treat every case with the care and power it deserves.
We don't just go after settlements. We go after accountability—and we won’t let unsafe property owners avoid responsibility.
Think You Have a Premises Liability Case?
Don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and timelines matter.
- Free consultations
- We come to you—hospital, home, or phone
- Offices in Irvine, CA & Washington, D.C.
- We only get paid if we win
Call us now or message us today.
Because one crack in the sidewalk shouldn't break your future.