Serving New Jersey clients after a municipal slip & fall accident
As pedestrians, we walk the streets, sidewalks, parking facilities, and any other walking surface with the hope that the property owner will take every precaution to ensure a safe passage. Often, a slip and fall accident will occur because of a negligent private or commercial property owner. When the property is owned by a municipality, the situation is much different. Like any property owner, a municipality should be regularly monitoring public walking surfaces and clearing any hazard that may put people in danger. Some of the many hazards include potholes and other surface issues, slippery and dangerous substances, loose debris, and unattended weather conditions. If you suffer from a serious injury and can prove that a municipality knew or should have reasonably known about the condition, you may be entitled to damages. Our firm has over 25 years of experience guiding clients through the complex undertaking of bring a lawsuit to a municipality. These matters are time-sensitive and come with a high legal standard. If you need our assistance, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. in Woodbridge, NJ.
Evidence
In New Jersey, the victim of the personal injury case has the burden of proof. This means that the injured party needs to demonstrate that their injury was serious and was caused by the negligence of the other party. If your municipality should have known about the hazard or already knew and did nothing to fix the problem, you may have a valid case.
After the accident
Seek medical attention before you do anything. A medical professional will document some of the aspects of the incident. If you can, take pictures of the hazard that caused your injury. If you noticed that someone saw your slip and fall, ask them for some information in case you need to contact them in the future. If you cannot act for yourself, contact our firm to send a representative to act in your stead. Many of these hazards will be gone within a few hours, so act quickly.
How municipal lawsuits differ in New Jersey
Suing a private or commercial property owner is much different than suing a municipality. Firstly, the process must follow a strict set of guidelines and meet the legal standard to constitute a personal injury claim. According to Title 59, New Jersey allows for lawsuits based on personal injury matters. Aside from collecting evidence and proving negligence, you will have only 90 days from the incident to file a Notice of Claim. If New Jersey agrees that your claim is valid and that it was caused by the negligence of one of its actors, you will be compensated for your injuries.
Contact a Middlesex County municipal slip and fall accident attorney
Bringing a lawsuit to a municipal entity seems straightforward but truly needs the legal support of a passionate, skilled, and experienced attorney. If you have been injured by the negligence of a municipality, you need to consider your legal rights immediately. If you need a law firm to assess your situation, guide you through your legal options, and passionately represent your needs, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. for a free initial consultation today.