There are thousands of slotted sidewalk grates around New York City–some of which cover holes up to seventy feet deep or more. While walking over them, they present the risk on any given day of a slip and fall sidewalk accidents in New York.
Every year, New Yorkers visit emergency rooms as the result of sidewalk accidents caused by cracked, raised or uneven walking surfaces which have resulted in head injuries, broken bones, and dislocations. Sidewalk grate accidents have long contributed to these minor catastrophes.
The MTA has finally recognized the danger that these grates pose to individuals, especially those wearing high-heeled shoes. In an instant the heel of the shoe can slip through the grating and cause the person to fall, twist their ankle, wrench their knee, or worse. The organization has announced a plan to replace a significant portion of the sidewalk grating they own with new high-heel-friendly grates. These new grates have smaller slots (just ½ inch) that are designed to stop the majority of heels from poking through.
These new grates have already been installed in several places and while that’s a step in the right direction, the MTA isn’t off the hook for every sidewalk grate accident in New York City their equipment causes. The agency has a responsibility to the public to inspect and maintain these sidewalk grates. They also have a responsibility to any victim injured by those sidewalk grates which are tripping hazards. In cases such as this the MTA should be held responsible for any medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has slipped or fallen on NYC sidewalks because of damaged or improperly maintained sidewalk hardware (grating, vault doors, etc.) regardless of whether it belongs to the MTA, Con Ed, or the City of New York itself, contact an expert New York City sidewalk accident attorney today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.