Representing victims of weather-related slip and fall accidents
Some of the most common slip and fall accidents are ones that involve weather conditions. While we walk on streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, we are subject to hazards that can cause us injuries. If you get hurt on a walking surface because of snow, ice, or standing water, you could face injuries including broken bones, concussion, spinal cord damage, and worse. Mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a serious impact on your quality of life can burden you for many years. Some injuries could stay dormant before showing signs and devastating your life. It is important to know that property owners have a certain amount of time to clear their walking surface after a storm. If you have been injured within the time allotted for weather clean up, you may not be entitled to compensation. In some cases, a pedestrian accident involving weather conditions involves a municipality. Suing a municipality is a complicated and time-sensitive matter. If you need quality legal services from an experienced attorney, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. in Woodbridge, NJ for a consultation.
After the accident
Always seek medical attention after an accident. It will help you tend to your needs while documenting the accident. If possible, collect evidence for yourself. If you can, take pictures of the surrounding area and the hazard that caused your injury. If anyone saw your accident occur, try and collect their contact information. Weather conditions can change by the minute so it is important to act quickly or call our office to act on your behalf. Not only will the property owner act quickly to avoid further injuries, nature can change a sheet of ice or snow into a puddle within minutes.
Snow and ice removal laws
You may believe that a municipality is responsible for all public walking surfaces in your town. This is not the case. In regards to sidewalks, the adjacent property owner is responsible for the condition of the sidewalk in front of their property and their responsibilities go beyond just clearing it from snow and ice. Parking facilities and sidewalks should be monitored regularly and hazards should be removed in a timely manner. Every property owner has a certain period of time to clear their public walking surfaces of snow and ice after a storm. Our offices are in Woodbridge, New Jersey. According to the laws of Woodbridge, a property owner must clear a path on the sidewalk that is no less than 3 feet wide to allow for safe passage. The owner has until 8 pm on the calendar day after the date that the snow or ice event concluded.
Recovering Damages After an Accident
If you were injured because of a snow or ice accident outside of the time allowed for removal, you may be able to recover damages. If you can prove that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did not follow the municipal regulations, you need to consider your legal options. If you were injured on municipal property, you need to act quickly as you have a limited amount of time to bring a suit and a high legal standard to satisfy. In all of these cases, contact an attorney that can guide you through your legal matter.
Contact a Middlesex County slip and fall attorney
The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. has been a legal resource for the people of New Jersey for over 25 years. If you are involved in a snow and ice slip and fall accident, your life can be negatively impacted for years to come. It is important to retain the services of an attorney that can assess your case, explore your legal options, and passionately represent your interests and future. If you need our help, feel free to contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. for a free initial consultation.