New Jersey Declares State of Emergency Due to Ice and Snow Injury Risks

Ice and snow prompted New Jersey state officials to declare a state of emergency in January of 2024 – citing the increased threat of numerous hazards. One of the most overlooked hazards associated with cold temperatures and snow is a slip and fall. Unfortunately, many businesses and homeowners fail to clear away ice and snow from their sidewalks and pathways – and New Jersey residents end up paying the price. These accidents are especially harmful to the most vulnerable members of our society, including children and the elderly. What can you do if you were injured during the latest snowstorm that struck New Jersey?

Snow and Ice Trigger State of Emergency in New Jersey

On January 20, 2024, it was reported that New Jersey state officials had officially declared a state of emergency in response to ice and snow. Governor Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency after snowfall across the Delaware River. Areas with particularly high levels of snow included Burlington County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic City. Murphy provided a statement to the media when explaining his logic:

“It just gives us a lot more latitude in terms of managing the storm. In addition to that, we did things such as a commercial vehicle ban that we did in concert with Pennsylvania.”

The commercial vehicle ban speaks volumes about the various threats that may emerge in the aftermath of a snowstorm. While slips and falls on icy sidewalks cause many injuries, semi-trucks also pose a serious hazard. When these commercial vehicles attempt to drive through snow and ice, they often end up losing control and causing serious crashes. This has the potential to affect numerous motorists throughout the Garden State – and banning these vehicles was probably a good call. 

However, Governor Murphy also specifically stated that he was worried about ice on sidewalks. This came at a time when numerous businesses and property owners were desperately attempting to clear away ice and snow from their premises. While clearing away ice and snow is required by law, many property owners fail in this duty and directly cause people to suffer serious injuries. Unfortunately, not every property owner is responsible, and many business owners simply do not care about causing injuries to others. 

Another major threat revolves around the potential loss of power. Outages are common in the event of winter storms – and they may pose particularly high dangers to seniors and immuno-compromised individuals. 

Around this time, a doctor publicly warned New Jersey residents about the dangers associated with icy sidewalks. Some of these threats may be surprising to many. For example, the doctor stressed that some people have suffered broken bones and back injuries simply from shoveling snow. The doctor was quoted by CBS News as stating that walking on fresh snow is actually safer than walking on an icy sidewalk in many cases. This is because fresh, untouched snow typically offers better traction than an icy sidewalk that has been walked on. 

The doctor also outlined several common injuries that occur from these falls, including “a lot of orthopedic injuries including hip fractures, spinal fractures, head injuries.” Many of these injuries are caused by black ice – a particularly dangerous hazard. Black ice is particularly dangerous because it is almost impossible to see – especially for those with visual impairments. Finally, the doctor warned of various other winter-related injuries – such as frostbite and hypothermia. 

Can I Sue After Slipping on an Icy Sidewalk in New Jersey?

A slip on an icy sidewalk can lead to a personal injury lawsuit – especially after a state of emergency has been declared. Property owners have a legal and ethical responsibility to keep their walkways free from hazards – and they can be sued for failing in this duty of care. This applies not only to sidewalks but also driveways, parking lots, and any other walking areas. 

Find a Qualified Slip and Fall Attorney in New Jersey

If you were injured after slipping on ice or snow, it might be worth speaking with a qualified injury attorney in New Jersey. These legal professionals can help you take action against those who should have cleared away ice and snow from the walking area you slipped on. It is important to hold these negligent property owners accountable for their failure to carry out basic tasks during winter, and a personal injury lawsuit sends an important message. Your claim could provide you with compensation for medical expenses, future missed earnings, emotional distress, and any other damage you might have incurred. Book your consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today to get started with an effective action plan.