Winter is right around the corner, and with it comes the snow and ice that can make Princeton sidewalks and roadways hazardous for pedestrians and drivers. Unfortunately, every year, accidents caused by extreme weather occur, leading to injuries and, in the worst cases, fatalities. What many New Jersey residents don’t realize is that when it comes to slip and fall accidents in public or commercial spaces, the owner or tenant of the premises can be held responsible.

Most people would agree that as good citizens, we have a responsibility to make sure that the sidewalks in front of our property are safe for passersby. But more than just a moral obligation, property owners can be held legally liable for any accidents that occur because of their failure to properly maintain their property.

Most cities and municipalities in New Jersey have regulations that require property owners to maintain their sidewalks in the case of ice and snowstorms. The exact rules differ from place to place, but they generally call for a fine if sidewalks aren’t cleared in a reasonable amount of time following a storm.

In Princeton, Sec. 19-2 of the “Code of the Township of Princeton, New Jersey, 1968” states:

The owner or occupant of premises abutting or bordering on sidewalks and bicycle paths along public streets in the Township shall remove or cause to be removed from the sidewalks and bicycle paths in front of or bordering upon their premises all snow and ice within forty-eight hours after such snow shall have ceased falling thereon or after such ice shall have formed thereon.

Because the rules are different in every city, it can be useful to contact a personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable of New Jersey regulations to assist you.

And while slip and fall accidents are more prominent during periods of extreme weather, the responsibility of property owners to safely maintain their premises extends beyond just ice and snow. For example, they can be held liable for many different kinds of accidents, such as falls caused by any of the following:

  • wet floors that haven’t been properly marked
  • spills that aren’t cleaned in a timely manner
  • frayed carpet
  • uneven steps or walkways

If you or a loved one have been injured in a New Jersey slip and fall accident, you could be facing a lifetime of consequences, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. we specialize in winning personal injury settlements for our clients that can help them adequately deal with all of the obstacles and challenges they may be faced with. Call (609) 240-0040 today to receive a free consultation.

The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.

Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help