City Liability for Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents

Many New Jersey residents rely on the city’s sidewalks to get around. Additionally, many tourists may spend a lot of their time on New Jersey’s boardwalks. Do you know what happens if you experience an injury on one of these boardwalks or city streets? Whose responsibility is it to maintain these walkways? Who will cover your medical costs if you are injured on one of them?

What is Negligence?

Negligence occurs when someone has a duty of care to others but fails to uphold it. City officials have a duty of care to residents and tourists to properly maintain and repair things like city sidewalks and boardwalks. If they fail to do this, it may be considered negligence. Negligence might include:

• Failing to repair broken sidewalks
• Failing to fill in cracks on the boardwalk
• Failing to notify people of loose cement
• Failing to notify people of slippery walkways

These are just a few examples of negligence. It is also not always easy to determine who is at fault when an injury occurs.

City or municipalities are only liable for a sidewalk or boardwalk injury if they were negligent and that negligence caused the accident and injuries. Slipping and falling on the sidewalk or boardwalk does not always mean the cause was negligence. Proving each of these elements is important when seeking compensation.

Be Aware of City and State Statute of Limitations

One unique thing about personal injury cases against the city or state is that they usually have a shorter statute of limitations. Statute of limitations refers to the time you have to file a personal injury claim. If you go beyond this time limit, even if you have sufficient evidence, the court may dismiss your case.

Different cities within the state have their own statute of limitations. This time limit can be as short as 30 days. In addition to staying within the timeline, you will also need to submit your claim and request for compensation within that time period.

Additionally, some cities may have unique filing requirements. With such a short timeline, it is important to consider your options as soon as possible. This means reaching out to a personal injury lawyer who can help you consider your legal options.

Injured on a City Sidewalk? Consider Your Legal Options

Minimal mistakes or missing the timeline can make your claim ineligible. For this reason, it is important that you submit your claim within the timeline while also ensuring that you have all of the required information. You may need things like a description of the location, the details of the accident, medical records to support your injury, and a request for a specific amount of compensation for your damages.

It is also important that you file your claim at the right location. It is not always easy to locate who is liable following an accident. With city and state officials being in charge of different areas and departments, it is not always clear who is liable and where to file your claim. A personal injury lawyer familiar with the city laws can help you file your claim to the right location.

Contact a Brick Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Sidewalk Slip and Fall Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of a slip and fall in Edison, Woodbridge, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Brick, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Edison, Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.