Do I Have a Case if I Tripped and Fell on a Sidewalk?
In New Jersey, when we talk about responsibility for damages in the event someone slips and falls on a sidewalk in front of your property, the primary determinant is whether or not we’re talking about a business or a residential situation. A residential homeowner is not responsible for the condition of his sidewalk if someone falls and gets injured. I know that sounds strange, but unless that homeowner has tried to correct the condition and done it in a negligent manner that contributed to the danger, he is not responsible for care of his sidewalk. For a business owner, it’s entirely different. Anyone who owns and operates a business is responsible for the care and condition of his sidewalk. And if you fall in front of a business or any professional office, the owner of that establishment is going to be responsible for damages if it was caused, in fact, by the condition of the sidewalk.
This informational blog was provided by Ronald W. Sage, an experienced New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer.