Can You Sue For Slipping On Ice In Bergen County, NJ?

By Doug Standriff on March 5, 2025

Slip and fall accidents on ice can lead to serious injuries. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. However, can you sue for slipping on ice? If you’ve been injured in such an accident, it’s possible to seek compensation.

There are specific factors that determine if you have a valid case. This article will guide you through the conditions that affect your right to sue after slipping on ice in Bergen County, NJ.

Can You Sue for Slipping on Ice in Bergen County, NJ? Understanding Premises Liability

New Jersey law holds property owners accountable for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions.

Under premises liability law, property owners must keep their land in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This includes addressing hazards like icy sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.

If you slip on ice due to a property owner’s failure to properly clear it, you may have the grounds to sue for injury. However, proving negligence is key to a successful case. A property owner must have known about the ice hazard and failed to address it or should have reasonably known about it.

What Factors Affect Your Ability to Sue?

In Bergen County, there are several factors that will impact your ability to sue after slipping on ice. The most important factor is if the property owner knew or should have known about the icy condition. If the property owner was aware of the hazard but didn’t take timely action to remove it, you might have a case for negligence.

Another factor to consider is how long the ice was present. If the property owner had ample time to clear the ice but didn’t, that strengthens your case. However, if the ice formed recently and the property owner didn’t have time to address it, it could be more difficult to prove negligence.

The location of the fall also matters. For example, if you slip in a public space like a sidewalk or parking lot, the municipality or business might be liable. Nevertheless, if the fall occurs in a private home, it could be more challenging to seek compensation.

Proving Negligence

To successfully sue for slip and fall accident, you must demonstrate that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury. This can be done by showing the following:

• The Property Owner Was Aware of the Icy Condition: You must prove that the property owner knew about the ice or should have known based on the time of day or the weather conditions.
• Failure to Address the Hazard: You must show that the owner failed to take action to remove the ice or apply salt to make the area safer.
• Your Injury Was Caused by the Ice: Finally, you need to link your injury directly to the slip on the ice. You must provide medical records and other evidence showing that your injuries were the result of the fall.

Witnesses, video footage, and photographs can be vital in proving these elements. If you can gather evidence that shows the ice was present for a long period and the property owner neglected to address it, your chances of winning a case increase.

How to Strengthen Your Case

After a slip and fall accident on ice, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Not only does this protect your health, but it also creates a record of your injuries.

Make sure to keep all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment records. They will be important for proving the severity of your injuries.

Next, document the scene of the fall. If possible, take pictures of the ice and the surrounding area. These photos can help show the property’s condition at the time of your accident. Write down any details you remember, such as the weather conditions, the time of day, and how long the ice had been present.

If there were any witnesses to your fall, get their contact information. Their testimony may support your case if they can confirm that the property owner knew about the ice and did not take action to clear it.

Time Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. For that reason, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the slip and fall. If you don’t act within this time frame, you lose the right to sue for damages.

It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and make sure you meet all deadlines for filing a claim.

Don’t Settle for Less – Get the Best Slip and Fall Lawyers in Bergen County on Your Side

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, Bergen Law is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. We bring over 30 years of experience as New Jersey personal injury lawyers.

With a proven track record of success, expert negotiation skills, and extensive trial experience, we handle each case with dedication and precision. Doug Standriff is certified as a Civil Trial Attorney. This gives you the competitive edge of having a seasoned professional on your side.

Get a free consultation to evaluate your case. Let Bergen Law use its results-driven strategy and trial experience to help you recover and get the justice you deserve. Contact us today.