Sidewalk Accident Attorney in Parsippany, NJ
When we navigate the streets of our communities, we are constantly faced with potential safety hazards. Sidewalks are no exception. The sidewalks of New Jersey are riddled with hazards that can cause a multitude of injuries including broken bones, muscle damage, spinal cord injuries, serious concussions, and more. These injuries can lead to overwhelming medical bills and lost wages that can seriously impact your future.
If you were injured because someone did not take proper care of their sidewalk, you should consider your legal options. If you can establish that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazard that caused your injury, you may be entitled to damages that will help you with your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Lutz Injury Law, we have over 30 years of experience proudly representing clients across New Jersey who have been hurt by another party’s negligence. For strong legal representation after a New Jersey sidewalk accident, contact Lutz Injury Law today.
Sidewalk Accident Liability
If you suffer from a serious injury sustained in a sidewalk accident, you may wonder who is responsible for your condition. Though you may believe that the government is liable, this is often not the case unless the sidewalk is next to government property and they knew about the condition. In most cases, the adjacent commercial property owner is responsible for the sidewalk conditions. This means they are legally obligated to keep the sidewalk clean and clear of hazards that could harm a passerby. They must maintain their sidewalk up to the Department of Transportation’s standards. The adjacent property owner must keep their section of sidewalk reasonably clear of:
- Weather-related hazards
- Uneven, cracked, raised, and depressed surfaces
- Slippery substances
- Loose debris
If the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did not take the necessary steps to fix the problem, you may have a valid personal injury case. In regards to weather conditions, a property owner has a certain amount of time to rectify the snow, ice, or standing water after a storm. That being said, if you were injured before the property owner was legally obligated to remove the weather-related hazard, you may not have a valid claim against that property owner.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
To win financial compensation for a sidewalk injury, you will have to satisfy the burden of proof, meaning you must prove that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your accident. To do so, you may need to prove that a condition existed. First of all, seek medical attention. A medical professional will tend to your needs and document where and when your injury occurred. If you can, take pictures of the safety hazard, talk to witnesses, and collect any other information that will help your case. Weather-related hazards can disappear within the hour, which is why you must have evidence of the condition before the property owner or Mother Nature erases it. If you cannot collect evidence, contact our office to act quickly and send someone to the scene of the accident.
Contact a Morris County Sidewalk Accident Attorney
In the state of New Jersey, wrongly injured individuals can count on the legal team at Lutz Injury Law to effectively gather and present evidence on their behalf to maximize their chances of winning their personal injury claims. With the help of our experienced and dedicated attorneys, you may recover significant compensation that can offset some of the burdens caused by your accident. For quality legal representation when you need it most, contact Lutz Injury Law today.