The heavy snowfall that blanketed New Jersey in January 2025 brought winter scenes to neighborhoods and towns and left behind dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches across various counties, with reports of thundersnow intensifying the storm’s impact. This winter weather has created hazards for anyone navigating sidewalks, driveways, and indoor spaces affected by icy surfaces.
Slip and fall accident risks rises dramatically during winter storms, particularly when snow is left uncleared or compacted into ice. Treacherous conditions are exacerbated by black ice, which is nearly invisible and catches pedestrians off guard. The consequences of these hazards can be severe, with victims often sustaining broken bones, head injuries, or other serious medical issues.
Property owners are obligated to maintain safe premises during and after snowfall. However, their negligence can lead to liability, and slip and fall accident vicitms may be entitled to pursue compensation for the harm they sustained.
If you’ve been injured due to poorly maintained property conditions following this recent storm, contact our compassionate and experienced team. Call The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A. at (973) 358-6134 to discuss your case and legal options.
The Hazards of Slippery Surfaces
Snowstorms can leave streets and walkways dangerously slick. Common hazards include icy sidewalks, untreated driveways, and uncleared parking lots. These areas can quickly become treacherous, turning what would usually be a simple walk into a hazardous journey.
Snow, which initially softens upon hitting the ground, can harden into ice, creating slippery surfaces. As pedestrians try to navigate these areas, they can lose their footing, causing them to fall and potentially suffer serious injuries.
Even more concerning, snow can conceal underlying hazards such as cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces that would otherwise be visible and avoidable. What may seem like a harmless patch of snow can hide a deep crack in the pavement, turning a walk to the mailbox into an unexpected trip to the hospital. The impact of a fall can be devastating.
Slip/trip and fall accident victims may experience:
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Strains
- Head injuries
- Spinal injuries
These injuries often require medical treatment and sometimes lead to long-term pain or even permanent disability.
Property Owners’ Obligation to Maintain Safe Premises During Winter Weather
Property owners must ensure the safety of their premises, especially during the winter months when snow and ice create significant risks for pedestrians. This responsibility includes taking reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment by promptly addressing hazardous conditions caused by winter storms. Property owners must act swiftly to clear walkways of snow and ice or take appropriate actions to warn others of the dangers until they can be addressed.
Reasonable measures include actions such as:
- Shoveling snow from driveways and walkways
- Applying salt or sand to reduce slipperiness
- Using snow-melting systems to prevent the build-up of hazardous conditions
These steps are essential in preventing injuries from slip and fall accidents, and failure to take them could lead to liability if someone is injured on the property.
That said, the definition of "reasonable" can vary depending on the circumstances. A property owner’s obligation to clear snow may depend on the severity of the storm and the time that has passed since it occurred. In response to the January 2025 snowstorm, Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the coming hazardous weather conditions and dangerously low temperatures. Thus, property managers would face difficulties managing snow removal under such conditions. However, even in these extreme circumstances, property owners are still expected to take action as soon as it is safe, ensuring that walkways remain passable and marked when they cannot be immediately cleared.
Establishing Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Proving liability in a slip and fall accident caused by snow or ice requires demonstrating specific legal elements that connect a property owner’s negligence to your injuries.
Establishing the following elements can strengthen your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve:
- Duty of care: Property owners are responsible for keeping their properties safe for visitors, which includes clearing snow and ice within a reasonable timeframe after a storm to prevent hazardous conditions.
- Breach of duty: Failing to fulfill the duty of care constitutes a breach. Examples include neglecting to shovel sidewalks, failing to salt icy driveways, or not posting warnings about hazardous conditions.
- Causation: The hazardous condition must have directly caused your injury. A clear connection between the property owner’s negligence and your harm must be established, whether it’s a broken bone, a sprain, or a head injury.
- Damages: To file a claim, you need to show that your injury caused real, measurable losses, like medical bills, missed income, or the physical and emotional toll of pain and suffering.
Collecting strong evidence is crucial to proving liability. Photographs of the icy or snowy conditions at the time of the accident can illustrate the hazard. Witness statements from individuals who observed the conditions or your fall provide additional support. Medical records document the severity and impact of your injuries, while maintenance logs can show whether the property owner made any effort to address the hazard within a reasonable timeframe.
Get Legal Help with Your Slip and Fall Case
Slip and fall accidents caused by winter weather hazards can leave victims facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Property owners who neglect their responsibility to address icy or snowy conditions must be held accountable for the harm their negligence causes. Taking legal action helps you seek the compensation you deserve and reinforces the need for safer practices in our communities.
At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., we have spent years helping clients across New Jersey navigate slip and fall cases. Our team knows how challenging these claims can be, and we’re here to support you at every step. From thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your accident to gathering evidence such as maintenance logs and witness statements, we work to build a strong case on your behalf.
We also handle negotiations with insurance companies, preventing you from being pressured into accepting a low settlement. If necessary, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in court to pursue a favorable outcome.
Contact us at (973) 358-6134 for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and hold negligent property owners accountable.