If you have been through even one of New Jersey’s notoriously cold winters, you undoubtedly understand how hazardous snow and ice can be. Falling on an icy surface may leave you with life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and even paralysis.
While snow and ice go away in warm summer months, slip-and-fall risks never subside. When temperatures rise, you simply may encounter different slip-and-fall hazards.
Wet sidewalks
Homeowners in New Jersey typically have a general duty to provide reasonably safe walkways for pedestrians. In an effort to keep grass green, someone may allow a sprinkler to spray water onto a sidewalk. If water does not dry quickly, a puddle may cause you to slip and fall.
Produce misters
The Garden State lives up to its nickname during the spring and summer, as a variety of fresh produce shows up on grocery store shelves. To make fruits and vegetables more appealing and heavier, grocers often use misters. If these misters spray water onto the floor, though, you may slip and fall when buying groceries.
Farmers’ Markets
If you prefer to shop for locally sourced or organic produce, you may find farmers’ markets irresistible. These places may be full of slip-and-fall hazards, however, as vendors often use hoses and misters. You may also trip and fall at a farmers’ market, as limited space may make walkways dangerously narrow.
Amusement parks
Amusement parks are often full of water slides and other attractions that are naturally slippery. Any time you have wet individuals running around, though, you may lose your footing. If you take your children or grandchildren to the amusement park, your otherwise fun day may end with a catastrophic slip-and-fall injury.
Because a slip-and-fall injury may change your life forever, you must exercise additional caution when walking in public places during spring and summer months. Fortunately, if someone’s conduct causes or contributes to the slip-and-fall hazard that injures you, you may be eligible for financial compensation.