Association Not Liable for ‘Open and Obvious’ Sidewalk Defect

Facts: A townhouse-style condominium resident who was living with the owner of the unit, his mother, tripped and fell on the sidewalk in front of the townhouse. He claimed that the fall was due to the sidewalk being “uneven.” He sued the association in a premises liability lawsuit, asserting that it had been the HOA’s responsibility to fix the sidewalk. The association asked a trial court for a judgment in its favor without a trial. The trial court ruled in favor of the association.


The resource you requested is available only to current members.  

Please log in or start your membership account.

Member Log In

Trouble Logging In?
Reset your password. Or contact us

Need to Renew Your Membership?
If your membership has expired and you wish to renew, visit the Membership Renewal Page.

Sign up for your free trial membership and access this resource now. 

Community Association Management Insider helps community association managers keep their co-ops, condominiums, and homeowner’s associations running effectively and within budget — and all in the bounds of state, local, and federal law, as well as their governing documents.

Click here for quick FREE trial sign-up.

As a member, you get:

  • Model tools, such as letters to members, bylaws, and contractor agreements
  • Step-by-step management techniques
  • Updates on new laws and court cases that impact you
  • Easy-to-implement solutions to managers' thorniest challenges.

Community Association Management Insider will show you how to:

  • Avoid liability and get indemnity
  • Effectively and economically manage maintenance and repairs
  • Get better deals from contractors
  • Get the right insurance coverage
  • And much, much more

Sign up for your free trial membership and access this resource now »