Slip and Falls due to Winter Weather
Winter weather like snow and ice can cause significant slip and fall hazards. While these kinds of conditions are sometimes unavoidable, property owners have a duty to take reasonable measures to make sure their premises are safe. This is particularly true for businesses that open their doors to the general public, and when they don’t, victims are often entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Slip & Fall Injuries Can Be Serious
It’s important to be aware of the fact that slip and fall injuries can cause much more than simple bumps or bruises. In fact, a serious fall involving snow or ice can leave victims with severe injuries that could potentially affect victims for years to come. As a result, if you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, it’s critical that you go see a doctor as soon as you can. Some of the more serious injuries that you can sustain in a slip and fall accident include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Dislocations
- Severe soft tissue injuries
Property Owner Liability
Property owners must take reasonable steps to remove hazards presented by snow, ice, and other winter weather. This can include shoveling, snow blowing, sanding, or salting sidewalks, entryways, parking lots, and more. If for some reason, it is impossible to remove the hazards to a safe degree, owners must post warning signs giving customers and visitors notice of the slippery conditions so they can use the right amount of caution. When owners fail to meet this duty, people can fall and suffer serious injuries.
Obtaining Compensation After a Slip & Fall Accident
Most slip and fall cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement with the property owner’s insurance company. As a victim, it’s critical to be aware of the fact that insurance companies actively try to settle cases for as little as possible, so it’s highly advisable for you to retain a lawyer to represent you. An attorney can review your case, determine whether you have a claim, and evaluate your losses so that you have an idea of how much a reasonable settlement offer would be. If the insurance company won’t make a reasonable offer, your lawyer will likely file a lawsuit to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer for Assistance
If you have suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident that occurred on someone else’s property, there is a good chance that you are entitled to compensation under New Jersey law. At Leonard Legal Group, we offer free consultations and will never collect legal fees unless we win your case. Scott Leonard is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney and has handled slip and fall cases for over 25 years. Contact us online or call 973-984-1414 for a free confidential case evaluation.