Winter weather means the ground is bound to be coated in snow and ice in New Jersey. Unfortunately, this means a lot of shoveling for many of us. But snow removal is more than just a tedious task that allows us to get our cars out of our driveways. It is important to clear our properties of snow & ice because failing to do so can result in serious injury. So, if any injury occurs, who is considered responsible? The answer depends upon a number of different factors. Some factors include whether you own or lease the property, the type of property, the time the accident occurred, and so on. Read on to learn more about snow removal in New Jersey and who may be held responsible for an accident.
Who is Responsible for Snow Removal?
Generally, in New Jersey, property owners are legally responsible for keeping their properties safe and maintained. This means clearing their properties of any snow and ice after a snow or rainfall event. This applies to homeowners, shops, businesses, and municipal buildings. But, sometimes it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for clearing a property. For example, what if you are leasing a property? You are not technically the owner, so do you still have to clear the property? Or is that responsibility left to your landlord? The answer is, it depends. In some cases, a landlord will pass the responsibility on to their tenant in a lease, in which case you would be held responsible. Make sure to check your lease carefully for more information regarding snow removal on your property. If you are responsible, you will have a certain window of time by which you must clean your property. If an accident occurs outside this window, you may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
What if Someone is Injured on My Property?
If you fail to clean your property during the designated window of time, and someone is harmed as a result, you may be considered negligent and held responsible for any injuries. If someone is injured due to your negligence, they may be entitled to recover compensation for the burdens they now face, including medical bills, lost wages, and more. If this occurs, you will need to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
If someone is injured on your property this winter in a snow & ice accident, contact our firm as soon as possible. Our firm consists of skilled and experienced attorneys who will fight to protect you.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
