Do I have a case after tripping on an uneven public sidewalk?

by Andrew
(San Juan Capistrano, CA)

On New Year's Eve 2011, I was walking to a restaurant to get lunch with my friends and fellow bandmates (who shall go unnamed until I know I can use them as witnesses). On the way, as we talked about our band playing a small show for our friends, I tripped on an uneven sidewalk in San Clemente, CA by the San Diego Gas & Electric building between the fire station and hospital.

My shoulder still hurts from the fall. I was talking to a friend currently involved in a lawsuit and he said I may have a case. However, I need some legal information on how I can pursue this. Do I need to go to a doctor? I am a musician by trade and this fall has effected my work performance. Any information would be appreciated.

Disclaimer: Information provided in our response is NOT formal legal advice. It is generic legal information based on the very limited information you provided. Under no circumstances should the information in our response, or anywhere else on this site be relied upon when making decisions about your case. You should always get a formal case review from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Do I have a case after tripping on an uneven public sidewalk?":

Andrew (San Juan Capstrano, CA):

If you are still hurt go to your doctor, the local emergency room, or a local medical clinic. You will have plenty of time to consider legal action against the owner or those responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk.

If your shoulder still hurts the doctors may want to put you through a battery of tests. They may first take some x-rays. They may also send you for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). It is also possible, but not probable, the doctors may want to run a CAT Scan (Computer Axial Tomography) test.

The x-rays will primarily seek to locate broken bones or hairline fractures. The MRI can go further in identifying torn rotator cuffs, torn ligaments, or muscle damage. A CAT Scan can primarily identify organ damage.

If, after seeing your doctors they are unable to locate any of the above-referenced or similar injuries, you really won't have much, if any, of case. In the alternative, if the tests reveal some sort of damage to your shoulder, you will have a case.

If the tests reveal injuries to your shoulder contact your local county records department. They can assist you in identifying who owns the sidewalk upon which you fell. Once that is determined you can go ahead and sue the proper party.

The State of California has a one (1) year Statute of limitations. That means there is a one year period from the date of your injury before which you must either settle your claim against the owner or file a lawsuit.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.


Best of luck,

Law Guy