Sidewalks provide many benefits for pedestrians and we all use them every day. Most sidewalks are constructed with concrete slabs. Over time, problems can arise with maintenance and repair of sidewalks in New Jersey. Dangerous conditions can be caused by wear and tear, weather, and even tree roots. Many hazards are never repaired due to confusion over who is responsible for maintaining and repairing New Jersey sidewalks.
In New Jersey, property owners are responsible to maintain their sidewalks free from dangerous conditions. However, the laws are different for private residences, business owners, charities and schools, and government or municipal property. This is why you need an experienced NJ Injury Lawyer if you are injured from a fall on a sidewalk in New Jersey.
Common Examples of Hazards on Sidewalks
Poor construction- Deteriorated concrete
- Uneven sidewalk slabs
- Tree roots raising slabs causing uneven surface
- Cracked or missing concrete
- Ice and Snow
- Holes in sidewalks
- Debris, mud and dirt
- Puddles and water
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need immediate emergency hospital care. Other injuries may develop hours or even days after your fall. I handle all series injuries from sidewalk accidents in New Jersey, including:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Herniated discs
- Shoulder, arm, elbow, hand and wrist injuries
- Broken bones
- Leg, knee, foot and ankle injuries
- Injuries from sidewalk slips and falls
- Joint and muscle tears and injuries
Who is Responsible When Injured on a Sidewalk in New Jersey?
The answer to this depends on how you fell and tripped, and where you fell. The law is different depending on the owner of the property by the sidewalk.
- Commercial property owners must maintain the public sidewalk, keep it clear of all defects and hazards, and are required to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks.
- Residential property owners are not responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks and will not be liable if you fall on a sidewalk in front of a private home.
- Municipal property owned by towns and government are protected by the Tort Claims Act and require special claim notice that must be filed within 90 days. Additional defenses are available to public entities if you fall on their sidewalks.
- Charitable property, schools, and churches are protected by the “Charitable Immunity” and may be protected unless their failure to maintain their sidewalks is “gross negligence.”
Contact a Skilled Trial Attorney
If you or a loved one falls on sidewalk in New Jersey, you should contact a seasoned litigator familiar handling these claims. An experienced NJ Injury Lawyer can help determine who is responsible for the property where you fell. Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were injured from a fall on a sidewalk. A skilled NJ personal injury lawyer may be able to help your case overcome the pitfalls with public property and charities and may be able to enlist the services of a specialized witness who is qualified as an expert in premises liability. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session.
