Do I Have a Case if I Tripped and Fell on a Sidewalk?

shutterstock_191985275 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.