If you own a property adjacent to a public sidewalk in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you know that you have the primary obligation to inspect and repair the sidewalk to make sure that it is safe. If you don’t and someone gets injured, then you can get sued.

It may seem strange, but Municipalities have only secondary liability, behind the primary responsibility of the property owner.

Given Pennsylvania law on the responsibility to maintain sidewalks, I recommend that Property Owners do the following:

• Inspect the sidewalk for defects regularly.
• If the sidewalk needs repairs, ask your Municipality to repair the sidewalk – If it will, that’s great for you!
• If the Municipality will not make the repairs, then you should make them yourself and, until you do, put up cones or warning signs to prevent injuries.
• Finally, make sure that you have adequate Property Liability Insurance to protect you if someone gets hurt and sues you.

Tim Rayne is a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer who helps accident victims receive fair treatment from insurance companies. For over 25 years, Tim has been helping accident victims understand their legal rights and fighting with insurance companies. Tim has offices in Kennett Square and West Chester, Pennsylvania but also meets with clients at their homes or virtually. Contact Tim Rayne at 610-840-0124 or trayne@macelree.com or check out his website at www.TimRayneLaw.com