The weather patterns in the Northeast have been highly unpredictable, characterized by sudden shifts in temperatures, torrential rainstorms, persistent fog, and unanticipated snow and ice. These erratic weather conditions have disrupted routine activities, not only causing inconvenience but posing an increased risk to safety. During inclement weather conditions, the likelihood of slip and fall accidents increases. As such, understanding how weather conditions can impact a premises liability claim is crucial. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by poor weather conditions on another person’s property, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined Morris County Slip & Fall Attorney who can help you navigate your legal options to seek reasonable compensation for your damages. Please continue reading to learn how weather may affect your slip and fall case.
Can inclement weather conditions impact my premises liability case in New Jersey?
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident caused by dangerous weather-related conditions on another individual’s property, you have the right to pursue legal action to recover monetary compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. However, it’s paramount to determine the extent of the property owner’s liability in such cases, as there are cases in which they may not be held accountable for accidents that arise due to inclement weather conditions.
For inclement weather conditions to play a role in a slip and fall case, it must be established that the property owner had prior knowledge or should have reasonably known about a dangerous property condition that could potentially put their guests at risk of harm and failed to rectify the situation promptly. In New Jersey, property owners are granted an adequate period to detect and address potentially dangerous property conditions. If they fail to address the issue, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a direct result of their negligence. For instance, if you are walking up the stairs to a retail store and you suffer an injury due to an uncleared weather-related hazard, you will likely have a valid claim. However, if the injury occurred as a result of inclement weather conditions and the property owner did not have adequate time to reasonably detect and address the hazard, you may not be able to hold them accountable for your damages.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to inclement weather conditions, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a skilled Morris County slip & fall attorney who can help you determine whether you have a valid claim. At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Allow our firm to represent your interests to maximize your chances of recovering the just compensation you deserve.