Where the Sidewalk Ends… and Responsibility Begins: A Personal Injury Attorney’s Perspective

Lately, I’ve been rereading Where the Sidewalk Ends with my kids. Shel Silverstein’s poems spark big laughs and big questions in our home. If you’ve read it, you know it’s full of imagination, wonder, and laugh-out-loud moments. But as a personal injury attorney and a mom of three, the title stuck with me. There is so much meaning in the words: Where the sidewalk ends.

I spend a lot of time thinking about what happens in those “in-between” places—the transitions, the drop-offs, the unexpected. And when it comes to our kids’ safety, where the sidewalk ends isn’t just poetic. It’s a real-life hazard.

Whether it’s a broken curb, a lifted slab, or a sidewalk that simply disappears into a busy road, these seemingly small details can lead to serious injuries. Children are especially at risk. And when a child gets hurt because a space wasn’t safe, it’s not just unfortunate; it may be a matter of legal responsibility.

Why Sidewalk Safety Matters for Kentucky Families

As a Louisville personal injury lawyer serving families across Kentucky, I’ve seen too many preventable injuries happen in places where walkways stop abruptly, curbs are unmarked, or paths are poorly maintained. Children trip over uneven sidewalks on their way to school. Parents stumble while carrying toddlers through cracked parking lots. A missing handrail or lack of signage turns an ordinary outing into a hospital visit.

Just last year, over 6.8 million people sought emergency treatment for fall-related injuries—many of them kids (CDC).

These aren’t just freak accidents. In many cases, property owners, cities, or businesses can be held liable for failing to make public areas safe for kids. And if your child has been hurt, you may have the right to pursue compensation to cover medical bills, future care, or emotional trauma.

Helping Our Kids Recognize Risk (Without Fear)

We don’t want to make the world feel scary. But we do want to raise observant, confident kids. That means pointing out when a sidewalk has a crack, teaching our little ones to slow down when the pavement changes, and reporting dangerous conditions in parks, neighborhoods, and schools.

And when property owners don’t maintain safe spaces, that’s where we, as attorneys, step in.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hurt on a Sidewalk or Public Space

If your child trips and falls due to an unsafe walkway—especially on public or commercial property—you may have a legal case. It’s not about blame. It’s about responsibility. We believe every child deserves safe spaces to run, ride, and roam freely—without injury being part of the story.

• Seek medical care right away, even if the injury seems minor

• Take photos of the area where it happened

• Note whether there were warning signs, railings, or safety measures in place

• Get names of any witnesses if possible

• Contact a child injury attorney in Kentucky to understand your legal options

Our team at Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC offers free consultations and walks you through your options with honesty and care. We treat every family like our own because we are a family too.

What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You

If your child was injured on a sidewalk, playground, or other public area, we help determine:

• Who is responsible for the unsafe condition

• Whether negligence was involved (e.g., lack of maintenance, missing signage)

• How to build a strong case and protect your child’s future

From the Bookshelf to the Real World

Shel Silverstein’s work reminds us to embrace wonder, curiosity, and play. As parents, we want our children to explore the world boldly, but safely. That’s where we come in.

So as you read with your kids this week—whether it’s Shel Silverstein or something else—remember: sometimes poems spark more than giggles. They spark awareness.

If your child has been injured in a fall or you’ve experienced a safety concern in your neighborhood, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to help.