Published on behalf of Pennsylvania Government Liability for Sidewalk Defects
Pennsylvania courts, in construing liability of state or local government entities, require a defect of a sidewalk to originate from the sidewalk itself. It is difficult to make a claim that a government agency is liable for snow/ice accumulations or food/debris on a sidewalk because these things do not generally originate from the sidewalk. Rather, liability stems from defects of and not just merely on the sidewalk, such as:
- broken concrete pieces,
- uneven areas,
- excessive water/snow/ice accumulation due to a defect of the sidewalk or adjacent property (grade/sloping issues) and
- missing blocks/tiles.
Pennsylvania Sidewalk Accident Claim Notice Requirement
In a sidewalk fall down (or trip and fall) accident case against a government agency, whether state or local, Pennsylvania law requires that the injured person serve notice on the proper government agencies, which includes the Attorney General’s office (in cases involving state agencies).
This notice must be filed within 180 days of the accident. It must contain certain information, such as the address of the injured person as well as a list of medical providers. Failure to file the notice may result in denial of the claim.
Related Philadelphia Pennsylvania Sidewalk Accident Legal Articles:
- Pennsylvania Sidewalk Slip, Trip and Fall Accident Liability
- Pennsylvania Sidewalk Accident Law – Defendants in a Sidewalk Accident Lawsuit
Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers. 215.925.4451
The Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area and always offer a free consultation:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
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