Walking down a Dallas sidewalk should be safe and uneventful. But when sidewalks are cracked, broken, or uneven, what should be a simple walk can turn into a painful and costly accident.
If you tripped on a broken sidewalk in Dallas, you may be wondering: Is the city responsible for your injuries? Can you file a claim? And how do you protect your rights after a trip and fall accident?
At Rad Law Firm, our Dallas personal injury attorneys have fought for injured Texans since 1992. We’ve seen firsthand how a single misstep on a poorly maintained sidewalk can lead to life-changing injuries, lost income, and overwhelming medical bills.
This guide explains your rights, the city’s responsibilities, and the steps you need to take if you were hurt on a broken sidewalk in Dallas.
The Dangers of Broken Sidewalks in Dallas
Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with miles of sidewalks connecting homes, businesses, parks, and schools. But not all of those sidewalks are safe. Cracks, potholes, uneven slabs, loose bricks, tree root damage, and poor lighting are common hazards.
When a sidewalk is not properly maintained, it creates a dangerous environment for pedestrians. Trip and fall accidents caused by broken sidewalks can result in serious injuries such as:
-
Broken bones and fractures (ankles, wrists, hips, ribs)
-
Severe sprains and torn ligaments
-
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
-
Cuts, abrasions, and facial injuries
-
Spinal cord injuries and back damage
What makes these injuries even more frustrating is that they are preventable. Property owners and city governments are expected to keep public walkways safe. When they fail, innocent people pay the price.
Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Maintenance in Dallas?
The first question in any broken sidewalk injury case is: Who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk where you fell?
In Dallas, responsibility can depend on the location:
-
Public Sidewalks – Typically, the City of Dallas is responsible for repairing sidewalks located in public areas. However, property owners adjacent to the sidewalk may also share responsibility in some situations, particularly if city ordinances place repair duties on the landowner.
-
Private Property or Business Sidewalks – If the sidewalk is on private property, in a shopping center, or outside a business, then the property owner or business owner may be responsible for maintenance.
-
Construction Zones – If a sidewalk is damaged due to construction, the contractor or construction company may be liable if proper warnings and barriers were not placed.
-
Government Property (Schools, Parks, Municipal Buildings) – If the accident occurred on government-owned property, liability may fall on that entity, but strict rules apply under Texas law.
Can You Sue the City of Dallas for a Broken Sidewalk Injury?
This is where things get complicated. In Texas, suing a city or government agency is difficult because of sovereign immunity laws. However, under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you may be able to file a claim against the City of Dallas if:
-
The injury was caused by a dangerous condition on government-owned property,
-
The city had actual or constructive notice of the hazard, and
-
The city failed to repair it within a reasonable time.
That means you must prove that the city either knew about the broken sidewalk or should have known through regular inspections, yet failed to act.
⚠️ Important: Claims against the city have strict deadlines. You must file a formal notice of claim within 6 months of the accident (and sometimes even sooner depending on city rules). Missing this deadline can destroy your case.
Private Property Owners and Sidewalk Liability
If your accident occurred on a sidewalk outside a store, restaurant, or apartment complex, liability may rest with the property owner or management company. Under Texas premises liability law, property owners must:
-
Regularly inspect their premises (including sidewalks)
-
Fix dangerous conditions in a timely manner
-
Warn visitors of hazards (such as by placing signs or cones)
If they fail to do so, and you trip and fall because of their negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of Trip and Fall Sidewalk Accidents in Dallas
Many hazards can make a sidewalk unsafe. The most common include:
-
Uneven pavement slabs caused by tree roots or shifting soil
-
Large cracks or potholes that catch shoes or canes
-
Loose or broken bricks in decorative walkways
-
Poor lighting making it difficult to see defects at night
-
Failure to clear debris after storms or construction work
-
Lack of warning signs near hazards
Each of these conditions may give rise to a broken sidewalk injury claim if negligence can be proven.
What To Do If You Tripped on a Broken Sidewalk in Dallas
If you suffered a trip and fall injury, your actions immediately after the accident can make or break your case. Here are the most important steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of the broken sidewalk from multiple angles. Capture any hazards, lack of warning signs, and your visible injuries.
3. Get Witness Statements
If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information. Witness testimony can strengthen your case.
4. Report the Accident
If it happened on city property, file a report with the City of Dallas Public Works Department. If on private property, notify the property manager or business immediately.
5. Preserve Evidence
Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing. They may show scuff marks, blood, or tears that prove how the fall occurred.
6. Contact a Dallas Slip and Fall Attorney
Do not try to handle a sidewalk injury claim on your own. The city and insurance companies will fight hard to deny responsibility. Having an experienced Dallas accident lawyer on your side gives you the best chance of securing full compensation.
Compensation for a Broken Sidewalk Injury in Dallas
A successful trip and fall claim can recover compensation for:
-
Medical expenses (ER bills, surgery, rehabilitation, medication)
-
Lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries
-
Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your career
-
Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional trauma
-
Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed
Every case is unique, and damages depend on the severity of your injury and the strength of your claim.
Challenges in Dallas Sidewalk Injury Cases
While victims deserve compensation, pursuing these cases can be difficult due to:
-
Government immunity protections limiting lawsuits against cities
-
Short deadlines to file claims against government entities
-
Disputes over liability between the city, property owners, and contractors
-
Insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts
This is why hiring a skilled Dallas injury attorney is critical. At Rad Law Firm, we know how to navigate these obstacles, build strong evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Case Example: Broken Sidewalk Claim in Texas
Consider this example: A Dallas resident tripped on an uneven sidewalk slab outside a city park. The fall caused a fractured wrist and required surgery. After investigation, it was discovered that the city had received multiple complaints about the same broken sidewalk months earlier but failed to repair it. With legal representation, the victim was able to file a timely claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This example shows why timely action and skilled legal help are so important.
Why Choose Rad Law Firm for Your Broken Sidewalk Injury Case?
At Rad Law Firm, we have been representing injured Texans for over 30 years. Our team has handled countless slip and fall, trip and fall, and premises liability cases—and we know exactly how to take on city governments, corporations, and insurance companies.
-
✅ Experience: Since 1992, we’ve recovered millions for injury victims.
-
✅ Aggressive Representation: We don’t back down when cities or property owners deny responsibility.
-
✅ Local Knowledge: We know Dallas laws, ordinances, and court systems.
-
✅ No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
When you’re up against the City of Dallas or a negligent property owner, you need a results-driven slip and fall attorney who fights to win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Sidewalk Injuries in Dallas
1. What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—but your compensation may be reduced.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
-
Against a private property owner: Generally 2 years under Texas law.
-
Against the City of Dallas: A notice of claim must be filed within 6 months (sometimes sooner depending on city rules).
3. Do I need a lawyer for a sidewalk trip and fall claim?
Yes. These cases are complex, especially when a city is involved. Without a lawyer, your claim is likely to be denied or underpaid.
4. What if the city says they didn’t know about the hazard?
We can investigate past complaints, maintenance logs, and inspection records to prove that the city should have known about the dangerous sidewalk.
5. Can I still sue if the sidewalk was on private business property?
Absolutely. Businesses owe a duty to keep walkways safe. If they failed, they can be held responsible for your injuries.
Protect Your Rights After a Trip and Fall on a Broken Sidewalk in Dallas
If you’ve been injured because of a broken sidewalk in Dallas, don’t wait. The law gives you limited time to act, and evidence can disappear quickly. The City of Dallas and negligent property owners will try to avoid responsibility—but with the right legal team, you can fight back.
At Rad Law Firm, we’ve been standing up for injury victims since 1992. We know the tactics cities, businesses, and insurers use to deny claims—and we know how to beat them.
Call Rad Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a broken sidewalk injury in Dallas, let us fight for you. Our team of Dallas accident lawyers and slip and fall attorneys will review your case for free, explain your rights, and take immediate action to protect your claim.
📞 Call Rad Law Firm at (972) 661-1111 today
or
💻 Contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Final Thoughts
Tripping on a broken sidewalk is more than just an inconvenience—it can lead to serious injuries, lost income, and a long recovery. While cities and property owners may try to dodge responsibility, the law is clear: if they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it, they can be held accountable.
Don’t let a broken sidewalk injury derail your life. Get the aggressive, results-driven representation you deserve from Rad Law Firm—Dallas’s trusted accident and injury attorneys since 1992.