Living in New Jersey during the winter means dealing with snow and ice. However, frozen precipitation can lead to slick surfaces. For that reason, many people experience slips during the colder months. In the best circumstance, a slip and fall accident can be a nuisance and uncomfortable. Yet, some falls on ice-covered surfaces can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.
What action can someone take if they slip on an ice-covered parking lot or slide uncontrollably on an unmaintained sidewalk? Sometimes, those occurrences can be serious enough to warrant a personal injury claim against the owner of the property. Winning a premises liability lawsuit can help injured individuals recover damages. This can include mounting medical bills and lost wages.
Who is Sued in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
Any person, business, or government entity can be the legal owner of a snow-covered property. Although, suing a government agency for premises liability requires in-depth knowledge of New Jersey personal injury law. Recovering damages from the government can be tougher than a private, public individual or a commercial enterprise claim.
Conditions Needed for a Slip and Fall Case
Not all weather-related falls can be blamed on a property owner’s negligence. For instance, a blizzard can cause slippery conditions faster than the owner can maintain the premise. As a rule, the owner should do everything possible to provide safe entrances and exits for expected public and private traffic.
If the owner fails to remove snow and ice or fails to contract someone else to maintain the premise, the owner may be held liable for injuries sustained during a slip and fall accident. This means owners should remove all barriers for safe travels by providing adequate lighting, removing ice from slanted roofs, and posting warning signs.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
People are often caught off-guard when they fall, so they have little reaction time. Accordingly, they may suffer very serious injuries. A prime example of a significant slip and fall injury would be a traumatic brain injury. Other types of slip and fall injuries can include broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord compressions, muscle sprains, and deep bruises.
Steps to Take After a Snow and Ice Injury
After suffering a personal injury due to snow and ice build-up, individuals should document the situation; even if they are not sure they want to file a premises liability claim. Later, you can have the option to seek real-time information within the two-year statute of limitation.
What does it mean to document a personal injury occurrence? Documentation can include everything from images of the area of the slip and fall accident to a video showing the depth of accumulation. Other ways to document a snow and ice accident is to record the names and phone numbers of witnesses who may be called to give testimony later.
Medical invoice copies related to treatment from the slip and fall injury should be retained for proof of payment towards recovery. During the settlement or trial, all documentation will be taken into consideration to justify a damage amount.
South Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Help Clients Who Suffered Injuries During a Slip and Fall Accident
If you or someone you know suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Slip and fall accidents are common during the winter months and can lead to serious injuries. Our South Jersey personal injury lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm help victims of slip and fall accidents and will fight to protect your rights. Contact us online or call us at 609-926-3300 for a free consultation regarding your case. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we also serve clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and throughout South Jersey.