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Sidewalk Falls Linked To Tree Root Damage

On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | October 21, 2025 | Uncategorized

At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we regularly encounter cases where a simple walk down the street turns into a serious injury due to uneven pavement. Often, the culprit is not just poor maintenance but root systems pushing up concrete slabs. Tree-related sidewalk issues pose a unique challenge for those injured, especially when responsibility isn’t clear. That’s where the insight of a knowledgeable Coral Springs, FL slip and fall lawyer becomes critical.

Why Tree Root Damage Matters

Sidewalks are generally expected to be smooth, stable surfaces. But when tree roots grow beneath them, they can shift and lift slabs, creating raised edges or cracks that catch a foot. In Florida’s subtropical climate, trees grow fast, and roots from oaks, ficus, and banyans are particularly known for disrupting nearby surfaces. It is true that sidewalks must be maintained for the safety of the public that will be using them. What makes these cases more difficult is that root damage can develop slowly and might not look dangerous at a glance. Some municipalities and property owners may not act until someone gets hurt, leaving the injured person to deal with pain, lost wages, and medical costs.

Who Is Responsible?

Responsibility for sidewalk maintenance varies depending on where the fall occurred. In many cities, adjacent property owners whether residential or commercial must maintain the sidewalk in safe condition, even if the city planted the tree. In other jurisdictions, the city retains control over public sidewalks and must respond to hazards. Determining fault requires asking:

• Who owns or controls the sidewalk area?
• Were there prior complaints or notices?
• How long had the condition existed?
• Was there a reasonable opportunity to fix or warn about the hazard?

When a lawsuit highlights negligence, it often reveals a pattern of inaction: ignored repair requests, overlooked inspection reports, or a failure to trim or manage known root systems. Your attorney will work with you to answer these questions and prove who is to blame for your injuries.

Evidence That Supports Your Claim

Strong sidewalk injury claims rely on:

• Photographs showing uneven concrete, especially if measurements reveal the height difference.
• Incident reports filed with city or property management.
• Witness statements confirming the fall and condition of the walkway.
• Medical records showing the type and severity of the injury.

If medication masks brain trauma, as it sometimes does with head injuries following a fall, a victim may not recognize or report their full symptoms immediately. That’s why it's important to seek medical attention even after what seems like a minor fall.

Unique Challenges With Root-Related Claims

Root-related sidewalk cases are more difficult than standard slip-and-falls. Property owners or municipalities might argue that the damage is “natural” or that the hazard wasn’t visible. In these cases, showing that the problem had been reported or that similar conditions exist nearby can help demonstrate a broader failure to act. Additionally, defense teams often claim that the victim was distracted, improperly dressed, or not watching where they walked. This is why photos and early documentation are so vital.

How We Help Injured Pedestrians

Our firm takes steps to preserve physical evidence, consult city maintenance records, and bring in experts if needed to assess whether the root damage was longstanding and preventable. We also analyze past complaints or inspection logs, especially if the area has a history of accidents or requests for repair. Contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm today if you have suffered an injury due to these circumstances.