Representing victims of NJ sidewalk accidents
When walking the sidewalks of New Jersey, we are faced with dangers that aren’t easily seen. Slipping or tripping on sidewalk hazards can leave us with serious injuries that can impact our lives for years. One can face a variety of injuries, including fractured bones, spinal cord damage, concussion, and much worse. Some physical damage can hide for years before showing signs and impacting a person’s life. In New Jersey, the burden of proof is on the victim. If you can prove that the party responsible for the conditions of the sidewalk knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your injury, you could be entitled to compensation that can help you cover medical bills and the lost wages that resulted from the injury. If you need an effective attorney to help you through your legal matter, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. in Woodbridge, NJ for a consultation.
Premises Liability in New Jersey
Most people believe that the local municipality is responsible for the sidewalks of New Jersey’s towns and cities. In many cases, this is not true. In New Jersey, the owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk is responsible for keeping the walking surface reasonably clear of hazards. The property owner should monitor and take the necessary action to rectify issues when they arise in a timely manner. Some of the many issues a property owner should resolve include surface problems, dangerous unattended substances, loose debris, and weather conditions. When it comes to hazards related to weather, a property owner has a certain amount of time to clear their walking surfaces after a storm. If you were to hurt yourself within the time provided by the law, you may not be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Whatever the situation, it is important to collect evidence to satisfy your burden of proof after an accident.
Try and collect evidence
If you are injured on a sidewalk, you may want to consider collecting evidence to support your claim. In New Jersey, the burden of proof is on the victim. This means that you will have to prove that you were seriously injured, that a hazard existed, and that the negligence of a property owner was responsible. You should consider the following steps when you are injured:
- Call for medical attention: When you get a professional to tend to your medical needs, the injury, place, and time are documented.
- Take pictures: After an accident, the property owner will be quick to deal with the issue so no one else is hurt and, possibly, try and erase evidence. When a sidewalk accident involves weather conditions, nature can erase your evidence within hours.
- Talk to witnesses: If someone saw your accident, ask for their contact information. You may need to call on them to corroborate your claim.
Contact a Middlesex County Law Firm
The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. has served New Jersey with quality legal services for over 25 years. Sidewalk accidents can leave you with serious injuries that could have been avoided if it wasn’t for the negligence of the property owner responsible for the conditions of the walkway. If you need quality legal services to help you obtain compensation for your injuries, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. for a free consultation.