Both in tourist-focused areas like the Strip and residential areas all across the city, Las Vegas is much more pedestrian-friendly than many out-of-towners give it credit for. That said, not every path built for people on foot around Sin City is perfectly safe—not just because nearby drivers may act negligently behind the wheel, but also because the paths may not be in good condition thanks to subpar construction or maintenance.
If you were involved in a sidewalk fall in Las Vegas, there may be more than one person who holds liability for the injuries and subsequent losses you have experienced. No matter who is to blame or what damages you need to seek recovery for, you should think twice before trying to pursue a claim of this nature without retaining a seasoned slip and fall attorney from Shook & Stone.
Determining Who to Sue Over a Sidewalk Fall
One of the biggest reasons why lawsuits over Las Vegas sidewalk accidents can be so uniquely challenging is because, in many situations, it is hard to figure out exactly who is responsible for maintaining a particular stretch of sidewalk in good condition. Broadly speaking, both private and commercial landowners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks on or directly in front of their property, so the owner of the nearest business or residential building is often the first person to look at as a possible defendant.
Importantly, though, the city of Las Vegas owns and is responsible for maintaining public sidewalks in many areas, even those in front of private businesses. On top of that, if a dangerous flaw in a sidewalk stems from subpar maintenance performed by a third-party construction company rather than the landowner who technically owns that sidewalk, that third-party company may be the primary party at fault for an accidental fall there in legal terms. These are all complications that a skilled attorney from Shook & Stone can provide vital assistance with untangling during your unique claim.
Recovering Fairly for All Available Damages
Legal counsel can also play a critical role in identifying, assigning a fair financial value to, and proactively demanding restitution for every form of harm you have already suffered from a sidewalk fall in Las Vegas by the time you file suit over it. Depending on the circumstances, this could include not only objective financial losses like medical bills and missed work wages, but also various non-economic forms of physical pain and psychological suffering.
It can be important as well to account for the expected long-term effects of a sidewalk fall, especially if the injury caused by that fall has left you permanently disfigured or disabled. Once again, you can recover for both economic and non-economic damages in this regard, including expected future medical expenses, lost working and earning capacity, and lost overall quality of life.
Contact a Las Vegas Attorney for Help with a Sidewalk Fall Lawsuit
As a pedestrian, you must stay aware of your surroundings, wear shoes without worn-down soles, and generally act rationally to minimize your risk of accidentally slipping or tripping anywhere. At the same time, though, local landowners are expected to provide you with safe pathways to walk on, and if they fail to do so, they may hold civil liability for any injury you suffer from an ensuing accidental fall.
Taking effective legal action over your sidewalk fall in Las Vegas will be much easier with a capable lawyer on your side. Call today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with a member of the Shook & Stone team.
