Homecrest Trip and Fall Accident Lawsuits
Trip and fall accidents in Homecrest are most commonly caused by cracked and uneven sidewalks, tree root heave, raised concrete slabs, and poorly maintained building entryways. Under NYC Administrative Code § 7-210, property owners — not the city — bear responsibility for maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property in safe condition.
Homecrest Sidewalk Defects
Homecrest Sidewalk Defects
Homecrest’s housing stock dates largely from the early to mid-20th century. The concrete sidewalks on residential blocks between Kings Highway and Avenue U have settled, cracked, and been displaced by mature tree roots over decades. Height differentials of even one inch between adjacent sidewalk slabs create tripping hazards, particularly for elderly residents. The commercial corridors along Kings Highway and Coney Island Avenue add hazards from worn and uneven paving, metal cellar doors, and unrepaired utility cuts.
Property Owner Liability
Under NYC Administrative Code § 7-210, property owners in New York City are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property. A height differential of as little as one inch between adjacent sidewalk slabs is sufficient to constitute a tripping hazard. Property owners who fail to repair known defects — or who should have discovered them through reasonable inspection — can be held liable for resulting injuries.
For trip and falls inside buildings, the landlord or property manager responsible for maintaining common areas (hallways, stairwells, lobbies, parking areas) may be liable if a defective condition caused the fall. Torn carpeting, loose floor tiles, broken stairs, poor lighting, and missing handrails are common building defects that cause trip and fall injuries in Homecrest’s older apartment buildings.
Common Injuries
Hip and Pelvic Fractures
Falls onto hard surfaces frequently fracture the hip or pelvis, particularly in elderly victims. These injuries often require surgical repair and extended rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Head impacts from falls can cause concussions, contusions, and severe brain injuries. TBI symptoms may not appear for hours or days after the incident.
Spinal and Back Injuries
Falls can fracture vertebrae, herniate discs, and damage the spinal cord, resulting in chronic pain and permanent mobility limitations.
Wrist and Shoulder Fractures
Bracing against a fall with outstretched hands commonly results in wrist fractures, forearm injuries, and rotator cuff tears.
Filing Deadlines
Important Deadlines
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years under CPLR § 214. If the injury occurred on city property or involved a government entity, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
Need Help With a Trip and Fall Claim in Homecrest?
The Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C. represents trip and fall victims throughout Homecrest and Brooklyn. Contact us for a free case evaluation – call (800) 560-0214 or click the button below to submit your information.
Get a Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
The statute of limitations is three years for personal injury under CPLR § 214. If a government entity is involved, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover.
Depending on the circumstances, you may recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
