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Las Vegas is known for its vibrant pedestrian activity, especially in areas like the Strip, Downtown Fremont, and various residential and entertainment districts. With the surge in electric scooter usage and foot traffic, the condition of sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps, and curb cuts plays a major role in public safety. Unfortunately, when cities and private property owners fail to maintain these public pathways, it can lead to devastating injuries. From tripping over broken pavement to losing control of a scooter on an uneven curb ramp, pedestrians and riders face daily hazards—and in many cases, someone may be legally responsible.
In this article, we’ll explore when cities or private entities may be liable for injuries caused by unsafe walkways, and what victims need to know to protect their rights.
Common Walkway and Ramp Hazards in Las Vegas
Las Vegas streets are constantly under pressure from high pedestrian volume, extreme weather, and construction. This often leads to deterioration or design flaws that create serious risks:
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Improperly sloped or crumbling ADA ramps
- Tree roots lifting pavement
- Obstructed walkways from signage or debris
- Faded or missing crosswalk paint
- Loose tiles or bricks in decorative pavers
- Construction zones without proper pedestrian redirection
For scooter users, these hazards are especially dangerous. Small wheels can easily get caught in cracks or misaligned panels, leading to abrupt accidents that result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or worse.
Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk and Ramp Maintenance?
Determining who is liable in a sidewalk or ramp injury depends on where the hazard is located and who controls the property. In general, responsibility falls under one of the following categories:
1. The City or County
In Las Vegas, many sidewalks, curbs, and pedestrian ramps are public property, making the local government potentially liable for dangerous conditions. However, suing a city or municipal agency comes with unique legal hurdles, including:
- Shorter time limits (often six months or less) to file a notice of claim.
- Immunity rules that may shield public agencies from certain lawsuits unless gross negligence can be proven.
- Maintenance delegation—even if the city owns the sidewalk, responsibility may lie with a third-party contractor or adjacent property owner.
2. Private Property Owners
In some areas, especially around commercial buildings, malls, casinos, or private parking lots, sidewalk or ramp maintenance may be the responsibility of the business or landowner. This includes:
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants or shopping centers
- Event venues or stadiums
- Apartment complexes and HOAs
If the hazard is on privately maintained walkways—even if it appears to be part of the public sidewalk—the owner or tenant could be liable under premises liability laws for failing to warn or fix a dangerous condition.
3. Construction Companies or Contractors
If a temporary hazard exists due to construction or roadwork, the contractor may be liable for failing to provide safe detours or proper signage. For example, a construction zone without ramps or an unsafe pedestrian path marked off by cones could be considered negligence.
Proving Liability: What the Injured Person Must Show
To hold a party legally responsible for a sidewalk or ramp injury, the injured person typically must prove:
- A hazardous condition existed. (E.g., broken ramp, cracked pavement, uneven tiles.)
- The responsible party knew or should have known about it.
- They failed to fix it or warn pedestrians.
- That failure directly caused the injury.
Evidence is crucial in these cases. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a poorly maintained walkway, the following actions can make or break your case:
- Photograph the scene immediately, including the hazard and any injuries.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Request nearby surveillance footage (from businesses or traffic cameras).
- Seek medical attention right away and follow all treatment instructions.
- File an incident report with the city or property manager.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in premises and municipal liability.
Special Considerations for Scooter Riders
Electric scooters—especially rented ones from companies like Lime, Bird, or Spin—are now a common sight in Las Vegas. However, Nevada law doesn’t always make it clear whether these devices are treated as pedestrians or vehicles. This gray area can complicate liability in injury claims involving:
- Loss of control on sloped or cracked ramps
- Collisions at crosswalks where paint has faded
- Sudden stops from obstructions or potholes
Insurance companies may try to argue that the scooter rider was partially or entirely at fault. This is where Nevada’s comparative negligence laws come into play. Even if you are partially responsible (e.g., not wearing a helmet or going too fast), you may still recover damages if the property owner or city was more than 50% at fault.
Case Example: Injury on a Downtown ADA Ramp
Imagine this scenario: A tourist in Downtown Las Vegas is using a sidewalk ADA ramp to cross the street when her foot catches on a broken edge of the ramp. She falls forward, breaking her wrist and sustaining a head injury. The ramp had been crumbling for months, with no signage or repair attempts.
In this case, multiple parties might be at fault:
- The City of Las Vegas, if the ramp is on public property and has been reported before.
- The adjacent business, if maintenance was contractually their responsibility.
- A third-party property manager or cleaning contractor, if they failed to report the hazard during routine inspections.
An experienced attorney can help the victim gather evidence, determine liability, and pursue compensation from the appropriate parties.
What Can You Recover in a Walkway or Ramp Injury Claim?
Victims of sidewalk or ramp hazards may be entitled to various damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the case involves gross negligence—such as repeated complaints ignored by a city or business—punitive damages may also be possible.
Preventing These Injuries: A Public Safety Responsibility
While pedestrians and scooter users should always stay alert, the burden of safety cannot fall entirely on individuals. Cities and businesses must proactively:
- Inspect and repair walkways regularly.
- Respond to public complaints in a timely manner.
- Provide accessible, safe paths during construction.
- Train staff to report hazards.
- Use durable, ADA-compliant ramp materials and curb designs.
Injuries caused by neglected walkways are preventable, and holding responsible parties accountable is key to preventing future harm.
Injured on a Walkway or Ramp in Las Vegas? The Firm Can Help.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a defective sidewalk, curb ramp, or pedestrian pathway in Las Vegas, don’t wait. Liability in these cases can be complex—and time-sensitive. Whether the city, a business, or a contractor is to blame, The Firm, led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., has the experience and resources to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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