Burlington Snow And Ice Accident Attorneys

Winter in New Jersey brings the slick hazards of black ice, sidewalk slush and puddles of melted snow. When these unsafe conditions result in a serious slip-and-fall accident, business proprietors or third parties may be liable for your injuries and losses.

The personal injury firm of Smith Magram Michaud Colonna, P.C., has helped hundreds of clients recover compensation for snow and ice accidents. Serving Burlington County, Camden County and South Jersey since 1965, we welcome premises liability cases both big and small.

We offer a free initial consultation, and our attorneys can arrange a home or hospital visit if your injuries prevent traveling to our office. Call us toll free at 609-589-0649 to discuss your possible claims.

Slip-And-Fall Injury From Failure To Address Ice Or Snow

Any commercial enterprise open for business has an ongoing obligation to keep surfaces clear and safe for foot traffic. In winter, this may include plowing parking lots or shoveling sidewalks in a timely manner, salting icy walkways or steps, placing mats in entryways, mopping up puddles and/or putting out caution signs.

Despite an evident safety hazard, however, it is not always clear who was derelict in their duty. Many businesses lease their space, and in turn commercial property owners may contract with property management companies or snow removal services. When someone gets injured, store owners, landlords, property managers, third-party contractors and insurance companies commonly point the finger at each other.

Our experienced lawyers cut through the confusion to identify which party (or multiple parties) can and should be held accountable. We investigate diligently to determine if the owners/managers failed to take appropriate actions and precautions. (How long did the accumulated snow sit there? Were neighboring properties in safe condition?)

We can evaluate any injury resulting from falling on ice or tracing to snowy/icy conditions:

• Black ice or crusted snow on walkways
• Snowdrifts and high snowbanks
• Tripping hazards obscured by snow (potholes, uneven pavement)
• Floors or stairs slick with water or slush
• Pedestrian injuries and parking lot collisions

Frequently Asked Questions About Snow And Ice Accidents In New Jersey

Many New Jersey clients we have served before were unfamiliar with their legal rights and responsibilities in snow and ice accidents. We have provided the answers to help ensure your rights stay protected.

How long do I have to file a snow and ice accident claim in New Jersey?

New Jersey law provides a deadline of two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if the accident occurred on government property, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing these deadlines typically bars you from pursuing compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your case.

Who could be held responsible for my snow and ice accident?

New Jersey property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. This includes commercial property owners, residential landlords, municipalities and snow removal contractors. State law requires property owners to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after precipitation ends. Multiple parties may share liability depending on property maintenance agreements and specific accident circumstances.

What evidence do I need to prove my snow and ice accident case?

Documentation strengthens claims in New Jersey courts. As such, take photographs of the hazardous conditions, your injuries and the surrounding area. Obtain contact information from witnesses, keep medical records and document any communication with property owners. Weather reports from the day of the accident can help establish how long hazardous conditions existed. Surveillance footage, maintenance records and incident reports can also support your claim.

What types of compensation can I recover after a snow and ice accident?

New Jersey law allows recovery for medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity. You may also receive compensation for:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life

This is precisely why you should keep all medical bills, proof of missed work and documentation of how injuries affect your daily activities.

What if I was partially at fault for my snow and ice accident?

Thanks to New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault by factoring in your footwear choice, attention to surroundings and whether you took reasonable precautions.

Experienced Representation In Premises Liability Claims

We welcome cases of major or minor injuries, from a sprained ankle or back strain to a fractured wrist, broken tailbone or concussion. Even if you did not realize until later how seriously you were hurt, you may still have a case. We will aggressively pursue your fair compensation for the medical, economic and personal impact.

To speak with one of our Burlington snow and ice accident attorneys in a free consultation, call Smith Magram Michaud Colonna at 609-589-0649 or email us.