Essex County Sidewalk Accident Lawyer
Navigating the streets of our communities on foot should not spark cause for safety concerns. Unfortunately, pedestrians who rely on sidewalks in a municipality are also heavily reliant on the fact that these sidewalks are well taken care of. If they are not, serious accidents can occur and pedestrians can suffer life-changing injuries that result in years of physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a New Jersey sidewalk slip and fall accident, you need strong legal representation on your side. At Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC, we proudly represent sidewalk accident victims and help them recover the compensation they are entitled to. To discuss your case with an experienced Essex County sidewalk accident lawyer you can trust, contact Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC today.
Sidewalk Accident Liability
When a sidewalk accident occurs, the victim is often left trying to determine who they report this incident to and whether they can take legal action against the negligent party. Though you may believe that the government is responsible for all of the sidewalks in your town, this is often not the case unless the sidewalk is next to government property. In most cases, the adjacent property owner is responsible for the conditions of the sidewalk. They are responsible for keeping the sidewalk clean and clear of hazards that could harm a pedestrian. If the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about a danger that was present and failed to remedy the issue, you may be able to take legal action against them.
Some of the many hazards that a sidewalk owner is responsible for includes making sure the sidewalk is free and clear of any:
- Weather-related hazards, like snow and ice
- Slippery substances
- Loose debris left on the sidewalk
- Uneven, cracked, raised, or otherwise dangerous surfaces
It is important to note that if the sidewalk accident was caused by a weather-related issue like snow or ice, the property owner does have a grace period to take care of the issue after the storm has passed. If you were injured during the grace period, the property owner may not be held liable, so it is important to determine the weather-clearing laws for each municipality.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
One of the biggest challenges of any personal injury case is fulfilling the burden of proof. This means that the victim of the accident must prove that the property owner was negligent and that this negligence resulted in the accident and subsequent injuries. Here are a few steps that you should take immediately following a New Jersey sidewalk slip and fall accident that will be crucial in fulfilling the burden of proof later on:
- Seek immediate medical attention so the medical professional can not only provide you the care you need but also document your injuries, where they took place, and what time they occurred.
- Take pictures or video footage of the conditions that caused you to become injured. This is especially important if the fall was caused by a weather-related hazard because it can disappear very quickly.
- Contact a skilled Essex County personal injury attorney to discuss whether you may have a case that can help you recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with the accident.
Contact an Essex County Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today!
For decades, Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC has proudly represented clients across New Jersey who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of another party. Our firm recognizes the wide array of challenges that come with an accident of this nature and we are here to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to and the justice you deserve. Contact our firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
