Winter in New Jersey brings snow and ice that can make sidewalks dangerous. Every year, thousands of people slip and fall on icy walkways, suffering broken bones, head injuries, and other serious harm.
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident on a snowy or icy sidewalk in Hudson County, you might be wondering who’s responsible. The answer isn’t always simple, but property owners often have a legal duty to keep sidewalks safe.
Who’s Responsible for Sidewalk Safety?
In Hudson County, property owners must maintain the sidewalks next to their buildings. This includes both homeowners and businesses. Under New Jersey law, this is called “premises liability” – meaning property owners must keep their property reasonably safe for people walking by.
Property owners are typically required to:
Clear snow and ice quickly after storms end, usually within a reasonable time period set by local laws.
Apply salt or sand to prevent slippery conditions and make walkways safer.
Keep sidewalks in good repair by fixing cracks, holes, or uneven pavement that could make ice and snow more dangerous.
Provide adequate lighting so people can see hazardous conditions.
When property owners fail to do these things and someone gets hurt, they may be legally responsible for the injuries.
Local Rules Matter
Each city and town in Hudson County has its own rules about snow and ice removal. For example:
- Some cities require sidewalks to be cleared within 12 hours after snow stops falling
- Others give property owners up to 24 hours to remove ice and snow
- Many areas have different rules for businesses versus residential properties
- Some places require clearing by a certain time of day
Because these rules vary from town to town, it’s important to know what applies in your specific location.
Government-owned sidewalks around public buildings or parks may have different rules that can limit when you can hold the government responsible.
Common Injuries from Ice and Snow Falls
Slipping on ice or snow can cause serious injuries, including:
Broken bones, especially in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles when people try to catch themselves or land hard.
Head injuries like concussions or more serious brain trauma from hitting the pavement.
Back and spine injuries that can cause chronic pain and limit your ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
Soft tissue damage such as sprains, strains, and deep bruising that can take months to heal.
Some injuries might not seem serious right away but can get worse over time. That’s why seeing a doctor after any fall is important, even if you feel okay at first.
What to Do After a Sidewalk Fall
If you slip and fall on ice or snow, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights:
Get Medical Help
See a doctor or go to the emergency room, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records will be important evidence if you file a claim later.
Report What Happened
Tell the property owner, building manager, or business about your accident. Ask them to write down what happened and get a copy of the report.
Take Pictures
Use your phone to photograph:
- The icy or snowy conditions that caused your fall
- The sidewalk and surrounding area
- Any visible injuries
- Your torn clothing or damaged belongings
Find Witnesses
Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw you fall. Their testimony could be important for your case.
Keep Everything
Save the clothes and shoes you were wearing when you fell. Don’t wash or throw them away – they might be evidence.
Call a Lawyer
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and deal with insurance companies.
How Legal Help Makes a Difference
Ice and snow accident cases can be tricky. Insurance companies often try to avoid paying by arguing that:
- The weather conditions were “natural” and unavoidable
- You should have been more careful walking
- The property owner didn’t have enough time to clear the sidewalk
- Your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can help by:
- Investigating exactly what happened and who was responsible
- Gathering evidence like weather reports, local ordinances, and witness statements
- Working with medical experts to document your injuries
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get you fair compensation
- Taking your case to court if necessary
Know the Time Limits
New Jersey has strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation forever.
That’s why it’s important to act quickly after a slip and fall accident.
Get the Help You Deserve
Slipping on ice or snow isn’t just “bad luck” – it’s often the result of someone’s negligence. Property owners in Hudson County have a legal duty to keep their sidewalks safe, and when they fail to do so, they should be held responsible.
If you’ve been injured in a winter slip and fall accident, don’t assume you have no options. Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Winter will come every year, but you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s carelessness.