It’s a business or homeowner’s nightmare and a lawyer’s dream – someone trips on the sidewalk in front of your home or business.
If you’re a business or homeowner, you know the nightmare. You have a beautiful shop or home marred by the ugly sidewalks of Los Angeles. Cracked, uplifted and crumbling, the sidewalks are a labyrinth of trip hazards just waiting to catch the foot of that distracted pedestrian.
Now, you would think the city of Los Angeles is supposed to be responsible for the maintenance of their 11,000 miles of sidewalk. Just wait until you get sued by a personal injury attorney and see how fast the city divests itself of any responsibility. The best thing to do to avoid any of the headaches of a trip and fall lawsuit is to fix the problem at the source – the sidewalk.
How did my sidewalk become a trip hazard?
There are so many ways a sidewalk becomes a trip hazard. Remember, the city of Los Angeles has newer and older sections – all of which were built at blazing speed at the time.
For example, most sidewalks in the San Fernando Valley were poured from the 1940s to the 1960s, when the area was converted from farmland to planned communities. That means, the sidewalks out in the Valley are at least 60 years old! Older sections of the city, like Highland Park and Leimert Park, were developed in the 1920s. Think of how old those sidewalks must be. Most sidewalks have a lifespan of about 30 years. Our concrete sidewalks are far far older.
And when you look down our city streets, you may notice our lovely shady trees. Many of those trees (especially in the Valley) were planted because they are fast-growing. Well, guess what? Those trees and their roots are wreaking havoc on your sidewalk. Over time, the roots increase in size and lift up the concrete, creating those uplifts you likely see in your sidewalk. In extreme cases, the sidewalk eventually cracks and crumbles.
Should I repair my sidewalk trip hazard?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes.
The question of who is responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalks in Los Angeles is so murky that even the city’s own website will tell you to consult an attorney. In fact, a quick search on the Internet will reveal the dozens and dozens of attorneys out there to help out a pedestrian who tripped. And remember, personal injury attorneys generally do not get paid until they get a settlement for their client, which means they’ll be gunning for your home or business.
Not only do you have to worry about pedestrians tripping on your sidewalk, but you also have to worry about your insurance. If you are a business owner, you will find that most insurance companies are hesitant or just plain won’t insure you if your sidewalk has trip hazards. It’s the same thing if you’re a homeowner or an apartment building owner. It doesn’t matter that the sidewalk is technically owned by the city. You have to fix it before you can get insurance.
So, should you repair your trip hazard of a sidewalk? If you want to avoid lawsuits and get insured, the answer is yes.
Pedestrian walkway/sidewalk maintenance in Los Angeles
If you’re just looking at a small uplift in your sidewalk, it’s actually easier than you may think to repair the sidewalk. You may be thinking that you have to replace the entire sidewalk. While the city does have a rebate program to promote that, you will have to pay upfront for the repairs. That can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000. Do you have that kind of cash lying around?
If you want a quick and wallet-friendly solution to the sidewalk problem, concrete grinding is the way to go. I know, you probably see those uplifted sidewalks that people have tried to fix with asphalt. Believe me, concrete grinding is a much better, and more aesthetically pleasing option.
What is concrete grinding? Simple. Hire a concrete contractor who has a concrete grinding machine. This machine will shave down the uplifted section of concrete to make it even with the concrete around it. This solution is quick and simple. In one day, you’ll have a smooth sidewalk.
Concrete Grinding Versus Replacement in Los Angeles
By now you may have heard about Los Angeles’ Safe Sidewalks LA rebate program. The city will pay you up to $12,000 to replace your sidewalk. There are cases in which this is the best option. If your sidewalk has major uplift or is crumbling, you’ll want to get that replaced. However, you may not need to do all that work.
If you have a simple, small uplift in your concrete, you are likely a good candidate for concrete grinding. It usually runs about $1000 to complete. We have the specialized equipment and trained technicians to quickly fix that pesky sidewalk. The work will be done in about a day, rather than the week-long process required to replace your sidewalk. You don’t have to worry about permits or inspections or someone stepping on your newly poured concrete.
Ready to fix that trip hazard lurking outside your property? Give us a call today! We are a licensed concrete contractor with 20+ years of experience in repairing and replacing concrete sidewalks. With the specialized equipment and trained techs, we have the know-how to fix your sidewalk and be easy on your wallet.
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from property owners across Los Angeles.
Good communication, and gave us the lowest quote we received for some pretty significant sidewalk repair and root abatement. They came through on deadlines and worked quickly. Alonso, the owner, was our only point of contact, and he was helpful, prompt, and professional.
As an older person, I'm well aware of the risks of falling. That's why I called Safer Sidewalks - because I don't want anyone hurting themselves in front of my home. And I don't want to fall either. This company is honest, reliable and thorough. What more could you want?
They are exceptionally good at what they do, it's a change from average contractors. Little more expensive than I had in mind but well worth it cause they went beyond my expectations. I have no hesitation to recommend them.
Safer-Sidewalks was the most expensive of the three contractors I considered, but I hired them because I trusted they would do a great job. They proved me right by doing an incredible job in just two days. I needed to replace the sidewalk in front of my property. The work required heavy machinery and had to be done after hours on a Saturday, which made it a high-stress project. When the owner, Alonso, showed up with two massive skid steers, he explained that using heavy equipment was the only way to demolish everything in a single day. During demolition, the crew accidentally damaged a wall and broke a hidden water pipe. I panicked, but Alonso stayed calm, reassured me, and promised to handle it. His crew worked until 1:00 AM to fix the plumbing, repair the stucco, and paint the damaged wall. In just one day, they demolished the old sidewalk, poured new concrete, fixed the pipe, restored the wall, and even power-washed the front of the building. You truly get what you pay for. Safer-Sidewalks delivers top-tier professionalism, and I highly recommend them. Feel free to contact me directly if you want a personal reference for Alonso and his team!
Alonso and his team just finished the sidewalk repair, driveway repair, and driveway ramp widening in front of our house, and I couldn't be happier. They took care of the tree root removal and pruning making the process extremely fluid. Alonso worked with myself and the city the whole way through on permits and the sidewalk rebate program which would've been a headache to figure out on my own. Solid communication, fair price, and the concrete looks great. Would definitely recommend if you need sidewalk or driveway work done in LA.
Alonso and his team are as professional and courteous as they come. They took great care to ensure we were able to do other construction around their work, and the job was done perfectly. Truly can't say enough good things about their work ethic, and about Alonso as a person. They will be my first call the next time a teenage driver destroys my curb.
Nice fast clean Job at a good price. My wife shopped the Job and we got a good price and a good job. 5 star review. Sidewalk looks brand new.
I highly recommend Alonzo and his team. They were extremely professional and responsive and did an outstanding job repairing our sidewalk at a fair price.
Alonso made me an appointment three days after meeting, and in one day they did a beautiful job repairing, and where necessary, replacing my sidewalk. They ground down dangerous edges and replaced broken, cracked sections. I am confident that my previously dangerous sidewalk is now completely safe. It was a pleasure working with safer-sidewalks and I recommend them without hesitation.
Searched for too long for help with our curb drain and DOE permits. Safer sidewalks got it done in a week!!! Drain is great, sidewalk looks great and permit process went quick.
Alonso came the day after I contacted them to check out my problem which was that a tree root was rising in my driveway and lifted my drive 4 inches in a few spots. My low riding Prius could not get in the driveway without scraping the bottom of the car badly. They came in, analyzed the situation and repaired it by removing the tree root and redoing a section of the concrete. They did a fabulous job for a really great price. While they were there, they even suggested we needed to put a skid free surface on our sidewalk slope so we wouldn't slip when it got wet or was raining. They fixed that too and didn't even charge us extra — amazing prices. They really work with you. I can't imagine using anybody else for concrete work in Los Angeles.
Dennis was extremely respectful and considerate. When I asked him if he needed help he said he could get it. He asked if I wanted him to move his car. Offered to help me with things. He explained his process to me along the way. He was very thorough and did a fantastic job!! I highly recommend this company.
It was great working with Alonso Romero at Safer Sidewalks. We love the finished product and he helped guide us through the process with the city. Our sidewalk is now safe without trip hazards. We are truly grateful.
It was a pleasure working with this company. The sidewalk needed repair and they set up a day and completed the job promptly and professionally. The concrete work looks amazing. Pricing was reasonable. We didn't need to get any other estimates.
Alonzo and his crew did an excellent job on repairing my sidewalk and curb. They broke up all the old sidewalk and removed all existing roots and debris and did this all in one day.
Alonso and his team did a great job on our sidewalk repair and curb repair. They showed up on time and finished as promised. Alonso was very accommodating on any need that came up. We highly recommend his company.
This company is very professional and thorough. They came back for 4 days until the sidewalk and driveway repairs were absolutely correct. My plantings on the parkway between the sidewalk and street took a real beating during the driveway repair, and Alonso assures me they will make that right.
Alonso quoted a good price, showed up and did the work exactly as he quoted on my very cracked driveway, finished on time, and the driveway looks brand new! I'm very pleased with his work and his level of professionalism! Highly recommend him and his crew.
Alonso gave a very reasonable estimate and followed through excellently. No cost overruns and passed final inspection — all I could ask for. As a plus he recommended some great sub contractors for another project going on at my house.
My experience with the contractors was very good. Alonso was very polite and professional. If I texted him he would respond right away. He and his team repaired my sidewalk curb and I'm pleased with the work that was done.
Owner Alonzo explained well. His worker Eddie did a fine job remediating the trip hazard and was courteous as well. I'm pleased with the result.
For those seeking sidewalk repair services, the value for money offered by this company is exceptional. Their competitive pricing, coupled with high-quality workmanship, ensures that every penny spent is worth it. With safer sidewalks and peace of mind, investing in their services is truly a wise decision. The sidewalk rebate program is great for fixing ada concrete ramps, curbs and gutter flows, and sidewalks.
I was so excited when I found out about the city's sidewalk repair rebate program, but the bureaucratic red tape was overwhelming. I called other companies, but no one was willing to help me out with getting the rebate. Alonso and his amazing team not only helped me through the process to get the rebate, but did a great job on my new handicap concrete ramp.
This rebate program is changing my neighborhood. The sidewalks in my North Hollywood neighborhood have been falling apart for years. The tree roots are destroying our sidewalks. I gave Safer Sidewalks a call and that is a one-stop shop. They went through all the paperwork for me.
A few years back, my neighbor thought it would be a good idea to try to fix his cracked sidewalk with some asphalt. The city got all over him for it. With this city rebate program, it's a game changer. I called Safer Sidewalks and they handled the whole thing — from getting the rebate to fixing my sidewalk.
I can't say enough about what a great job Alfonso did for us. He is very professional. He and his crew were fast and reliable. I will definitely use Alfonso in the future.
Facing the relentless destruction caused by city trees, my sidewalk became a hazardous mess with erosion and large tree roots wreaking havoc. I live in Silver Lake. I discovered Safer-Sidewalks on Google. Thanks to them, I no longer fear for my safety while walking on my once perilous sidewalk.
Had my sidewalk repaired by this company and used my rebate from the city of LA. I couldn't be happier.
