Snow and ice-related premises liability cases

Steps to Take After a Snow-Related Slip and Fall Accident

You never expect to be injured when visiting your favorite restaurant or a friend’s house. But, when it does occur, it can be complicated as you attempt to figure out who is responsible for covering your costs. A slip and fall accident, especially on icy conditions, can leave you with costly expenses. Back, neck, leg, or head injuries can force you to miss work, which can lead to financial strain. How can you determine who is responsible for your damages?

Important Elements in a Premise Liability Case

Slipping and falling on a property due to ice and snow would typically fall under a premises liability case. Premises liability cases have the following elements:

Timeline

Property owners cannot realistically be expected to remove all ice and snow within minutes of it falling and they may not legally be liable if the slip and fall occurs within a short period of time. However, if the owner failed to improve the safety of their property over a longer period of time, then they might be liable for the damages. Generally speaking, the owner has 48 hours to remove the hazard.

Awareness

An awareness of the hazard is also important. With snow and ice, awareness could also include any awareness of an upcoming snowstorm or icy conditions. Additionally, if the property is in a location where a good amount of ice and snow is expected, then the property owner may be expected to remove it much quicker.

Controlling the Risk

The problem with snowstorms is that they continue to be a risk. A property can get hit with a large snowstorm and then another one, just a day or two later. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to control the risk. In addition to removing the hazard, the property owner must also stop the accumulation of snow or ice.

Awareness of Property Visitors

Although laws typically give property owners 48 hours to remove a hazard from their property, this is not always the case if the property owner is expecting company. Public restaurants or stores that welcome visitors daily are expected to remove any hazards before opening for business. Property owners who have invited guests over or who have service appointments are expected to provide a safe property for all visitors.

What to Do if You Are Injured in a Premise Liability Slip and Fall Case

There are many important elements involved in a premises liability case. If you are injured while visiting either a public property or at a friend’s house, it may make sense to go over the details of the case with a premises liability lawyer. This will allow you to consider your legal options and determine whether or not you have a case. If you do decide to pursue compensation through a premises liability case, then a lawyer can assist you in collecting the necessary documents.

Contact a Clark Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Team Law represent clients injured because of a slip and fall in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and throughout New Jersey. Call (866) 917-5611 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Ave, Clark, NJ 07066, as well as offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Edison, Summit, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, and Jersey City.

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.