The Impact of Weather Conditions on Slip and Fall Cases in New Jersey
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Weather conditions can increase the likelihood of a slip and fall accident, and this is especially true in New Jersey. Snow, ice, rain, and even fog can make walking surfaces slippery and dangerous, leading to serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects. In this article, we’ll explore how weather conditions impact slip-and-fall cases in New Jersey.
Snow and Ice
In New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks and parking lots within a reasonable amount of time after a storm. Failure to do so can result in hazardous walking conditions that increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. In addition to clearing snow and ice, property owners must also use salt or other anti-icing agents on walking surfaces to keep ice from forming.
Rain
Rain can make walking surfaces slick and dangerous, particularly when coupled with leaves or other debris on the ground. Even when it’s raining, property owners are required by law to maintain their property in a way that doesn’t put visitors at an unreasonable risk of getting hurt. This could mean sweeping and cleaning the sidewalks and parking lots on a regular basis to get rid of trash and stop puddles from forming, and posting necessary warnings for slick surfaces.
Fog
Fog can also create hazardous walking conditions by reducing visibility and making surfaces slippery. Property owners may be required by law to warn visitors about the dangers of fog and take steps to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, such as putting up warning signs or adding more lighting.
The Legal Standard for Slip and Fall Cases
In New Jersey, property owners are required by law to make sure their places of business are safe and free of hazards. This includes maintaining walking surfaces, such as sidewalks and parking lots, in a condition that does not pose a risk of harm to visitors. When a property owner fails to do this and someone is injured as a result, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
However, slipping and falling on someone else’s property is not enough to prove that they are responsible. The injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the walking surface and that this negligence caused their injuries. In weather-related cases, the person who was hurt must show that the property owner did not take reasonable steps to deal with the weather-related hazard.
Contact CourtLaw Today for a Free Consultation About Your Slip and Fall Case
At CourtLaw, we know how terrible slip and fall accidents can be, especially when they are caused by weather that can’t be controlled. That’s why we’re here to help. Our experienced Perth Amboy slip and fall attorneys have helped countless clients in New Jersey pursue compensation for their injuries, and we’re ready to fight for you too. We know that every slip and fall case is unique, and we’ll work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to support your case.
We are dedicated to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. With our team of skilled attorneys by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties involved, so you can focus on your recovery. And with our contingency fee structure, you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, Trenton.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
