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If you've suffered a trip and fall sidewalk injury in Arizona, one of the first questions running through your mind is probably: who is responsible for this? Cracked pavement, raised concrete slabs, tree root damage, and uneven surfaces send thousands of Arizona residents to the emergency room every year. Figuring out who owns and maintains a particular stretch of sidewalk — and whether they were negligent — is the key to recovering the compensation you deserve. Here's what you need to know.

Who Typically Owns Sidewalks in Arizona?

Sidewalk ownership in Arizona isn't always straightforward, and that ambiguity can directly affect your injury claim. Responsibility generally falls into one of three categories:

• City or municipality: Many public sidewalks in cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa are owned and maintained by local governments. However, Arizona municipalities often shift maintenance obligations onto adjacent property owners through local ordinances.
• Adjacent property owner: Under Phoenix City Code and ordinances in many other Arizona municipalities, the owner of property bordering a sidewalk is responsible for keeping it in a safe, passable condition. That includes repairing cracks, removing trip hazards, and clearing debris.
• Homeowners Association (HOA): In planned communities — extremely common across the Phoenix metro area — the HOA may own and maintain sidewalks within the development. Their CC&Rs and governing documents will define their maintenance duties.

Because sidewalk ownership can overlap or be disputed, identifying the right liable party early is critical. Our Slip and Falls attorneys at Sher Law Group regularly untangle these ownership questions so our clients can focus on recovering.

What Does Arizona Law Say About Premises Liability?

Arizona follows premises liability principles rooted in common law and shaped by decades of court decisions. Under Arizona law, property owners and occupiers owe a duty of reasonable care to people lawfully on or near their property. When a dangerous condition — like a broken sidewalk panel — exists and the owner knew or should have known about it, they can be held liable for injuries that result.

Arizona also applies a pure comparative fault system under A.R.S. § 12-2505. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for your trip and fall (say, you were looking at your phone), you can still recover damages — but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000. Understanding how comparative fault could affect your case is one reason it's so important to speak with an experienced attorney. You can learn more about how this works in our post on Arizona Comparative Negligence Law Explained.

Suing a City or Government Entity: The Notice of Claim Requirement

If your trip and fall happened on a publicly owned sidewalk in Arizona, there is an urgent and often-overlooked step you must take before filing a lawsuit. Under A.R.S. § 12-821.01, before you can sue a government entity in Arizona — including a city, county, or state agency — you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 180 days of the injury. Miss this deadline and you lose your right to pursue the government for your injuries, full stop.

The Notice of Claim must include specific information: a sufficient description of the claim, the amount you are seeking, and the facts supporting your claim. Courts have dismissed cases for technical deficiencies in these notices, which is why you should not attempt to handle this step without legal guidance. If you were injured on a public sidewalk, contact our office at 480-418-7437 as soon as possible — the 180-day window starts running on the date of your accident, not the date you discovered your injury.

Common Causes of Trip and Fall Sidewalk Injuries in Arizona

Arizona's extreme heat, monsoon seasons, and aggressive tree root growth create a particularly hazardous environment for sidewalks. Some of the most frequent causes of sidewalk trip-and-fall accidents we see include:

• Raised or sunken concrete panels caused by tree root growth or soil shifting
• Cracked or broken pavement left unrepaired for extended periods
• Uneven surfaces at driveway aprons or property transitions
• Missing or broken sections of sidewalk
• Inadequate lighting near sidewalks that obscures hazards at night
• Construction debris or improperly marked work zones

The severity of these injuries should never be underestimated. A trip and fall can result in broken wrists, hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, torn ligaments, and spinal injuries — damages that carry significant medical costs and long recovery times.

What You Should Do After a Sidewalk Trip and Fall in Arizona

The steps you take immediately after your injury can make or break your claim. Here is what our attorneys recommend:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries — especially head trauma and soft tissue damage — are not immediately apparent.
• Document the scene. Take photos and video of the exact hazard that caused your fall, your injuries, your footwear, and the surrounding area including any warning signs (or lack thereof).
• Get witness information. If anyone saw you fall, collect their name and phone number.
• Report the hazard. If it's a public sidewalk, report the defect to the city or municipality. If it's private property, document your report in writing.
• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
• Contact a personal injury attorney promptly. Arizona's general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years under A.R.S. § 12-542, but government claims require action within 180 days.

How Sher Law Group Can Help With Your Sidewalk Injury Claim

At Sher Law Group PLLC, our personal injury lawyers have helped injured Arizonans navigate complex premises liability claims, government notice requirements, and insurance negotiations. We know how to identify the right liable party — whether that's a city, a private property owner, or an HOA — gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim, and fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you or someone you love has suffered a trip and fall sidewalk injury in Arizona, don't wait. Call us today at 480-418-7437 or reach out online to schedule your free case review.