June 1, 2012
Slip and Fall Injuries Involving Ice on Walkways In New Jersey
In New Jersey, the owner of residential or commercial property has a duty to maintain the premises so as to minimize the risk of injury to anyone legally visiting the property. This includes an obligation to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of injury in a fall on an icy sidewalk, step, parking lot or other walkway. When you have been injured in a fall on ice on someone else’s property, you may have a claim for damages based on negligence. You want an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
A Property Owner’s Duty in New Jersey
A property owner in New Jersey has a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of anyone visiting the property. This requires that the owner monitor the premises on a regular basis to determine if any dangerous conditions exist, and that the owner take reasonable measures to either remedy the situation or provide adequate warning so that visitors can avoid any danger. A property owner must also address any conditions about which he or she should reasonably been aware.
In New Jersey, where ice and snow are a common occurrence, the owner of property generally has take reasonable steps to minimize the risk that others will be injured in falls caused by ice or snow on a walkway. This may require that that the owner regularly apply salt or sand to spots that are more susceptible to the formation of ice, including heavily trafficked locations. It may also require that the owner take reasonable steps to ensure that snow does not pile up or get pack down in ways that are likely to become slippery, icy or treacherous.
In most instances , the owner of residential or commercial property will have insurance to cover situations where someone is injured in a fall. Even if the property owner is someone you know—if you slip and fall at a friend’s house or place of business—you want to take the necessary steps to get full and fair compensation for your losses.It is critical to contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately following a fall to make sure that all of the appropriate evidence is collected including photographs of the area, weather records, and witness statements, as well as other pertinent information.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we have been protecting the rights of personal injury victims in New Jersey for over 25 years including Morris County, Union County and throughout New Jersey following slip and fall accidents on snow and ice. Both of our partners, Todd Leonard and Scott Leonard have dedicated their professional careers to helping others following all types of accidents and have extensive courtroom experience. To schedule a free initial consultation at our offices in Morristown, Denville, or Newark, New Jersey, contact our office online, or call us at (973) 920-7900.
Se habla español.