Sidewalk Personal Injuries
Dec. 20, 2022
Under New Jersey law, property owners have a duty to maintain their sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition. This includes repairing any cracks or other hazards that could cause someone to trip or fall. If a property owner fails to maintain their sidewalk and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable for the victim's injuries.
Injuries that can result from a poorly maintained sidewalk may include:
Trips and falls: Sidewalks that are uneven or have cracks or other hazards can cause people to trip and fall, resulting in injuries such as bruises, scrapes, broken bones, and even head injuries.
Slip and falls: If a sidewalk is wet or icy and the property owner has not taken reasonable steps to prevent people from slipping and falling, such as by clearing the sidewalk or posting warning signs, they may be liable for any injuries that result.
Vehicle accidents: If a poorly maintained sidewalk causes a pedestrian to fall into the street and be struck by a vehicle, the property owner may be held responsible for the pedestrian's injuries.
Injuries sustained on a poorly maintained sidewalk can range from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the hazard and the circumstances of the fall. If you have been injured on a sidewalk, it is important to seek medical attention.
To hold a property owner liable for injuries sustained on a sidewalk, the victim must be able to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it. In some cases, the victim may also need to show that the property owner acted negligently by not taking reasonable precautions to prevent the hazard from causing an injury.
If you have been injured on a sidewalk in New Jersey and believe that the property owner may be at fault, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you have a case against the property owner.