Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Lawyer in New Jersey
A property owner has a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors. A serious slip and fall injury due to the negligence of another party can put the victim in the hospital or rehabilitative care for weeks or months. In New Jersey, winter weather creates hazardous conditions. Pedestrians often sustain significant injuries from slips, trips, and falls. Frequently, these accidents occur on commercial properties that have not maintained safe conditions for visitors.
If you’ve been hurt in a winter slip and fall accident, contact Harrell Law Firm. We will investigate your claim and fight for maximum compensation for your losses and damages. Insurance companies work hard to protect their profit margins, which often means they will devalue, delay, or outright deny legitimate accident & injury claims. Having an attorney protects your rights and ensures you get the money you are entitled to. Schedule a free consultation with a slip and fall lawyer.
Who is Liable in a Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Accident?
Liability will vary based on the location of a slip and fall accident. Residential single-family homeowners do not have the same maintenance obligations as apartment buildings and commercial properties. For example, the different municipalities in New Jersey require homeowners to remove snow and ice within a specific amount of time after the snow stops falling. In some cases, it is four hours if it snows overnight. If someone slips and falls, the homeowner could be held liable, depending on the specific laws of the municipality.
Commercial Property Owners
On the other hand, commercial property owners have to determine if the condition of the sidewalk poses a dangerous risk to pedestrians. They may be required to conduct routine inspections. However, each city in New Jersey has different rules for business owners. Some require snow removal after 24 hours, and others require removal within eight hours or eight hours after sunrise if it snows overnight.
We can investigate your slip and fall accident to determine how long the snow or ice was on the property and the owner’s legal responsibility. It’s wise to seek professional guidance from an experienced icy sidewalk accident lawyer to navigate these complexities and hold all responsible parties accountable.
What To Do After a Winter Slip and Fall Accident
In the aftermath of a winter slip and fall accident, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention: Consult a healthcare provider even if your injuries seem minor. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for your well-being, establishing a clear connection between the accident and your injuries, and strengthening the validity of your case.
- Document the accident scene: If possible, take pictures of the accumulated snow and ice, your injuries, and any nearby businesses that may have surveillance cameras.
- File a report: Next, inform the property owner, manager, or relevant personnel about the slip and fall.
- Gather contact information of witnesses. If there were any eyewitnesses, obtain their names and contact information, including cellphone numbers and email addresses.
Finally, refrain from providing a statement to the insurance company or agreeing to a settlement offer without consulting a New Jersey winter slip and fall accident lawyer.
Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries
As noted, a property owner has a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors. Injuries from a slip and fall accident can put the victim in the hospital or rehabilitative care for weeks or months. They cannot work or care for their family. They may never recover fully.
Compensation could include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The deadline or statute of limitations is generally two years from the accident date. Prompt action is wise to preserve valuable evidence. A skilled winter slip and fall accident lawyer in New Jersey is critical in securing the compensation you deserve.
New Jersey Snow and Ice Lawyer You Can Count On
Insurance companies are big corporations that invest millions in lawyers and other professionals to protect their bottom line. Working directly with the insurance company can put you at a massive disadvantage when resolving an injury claim. When you work with Harrell Law Firm, you put experience on your side and send a message to the insurance company that you are not going to settle for less than your claim is worth. Our experienced team will:
- Determine all parties responsible for your slip and fall accident.
- Keep you informed about the status and progress of your claim, providing valuable updates throughout the legal process.
- Communicate with insurance companies and any other parties.
- Gather relevant evidence and build a compelling case.
- Advocate for your rights and interests, seeking a fair resolution for your injuries.
Contact Harrell Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured, you could be eligible for a financial settlement. Contact an experienced attorney at Harrell Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation to hire us afterward. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
We look forward to hearing from you.