What Types of Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in the Spring?
When people think of slip and fall accidents, they usually think of falls during the winter months when the sidewalks, walkways, and roadways are often covered with slick ice or snow. However, when the weather begins to turn nice again in spring, the risk of slipping and falling does not go away. There are still many dangerous walkways and surfaces where people can be injured.
Property owners are responsible to make sure their premises are safe for visitors. When a property owner allows a dangerous condition to exist and a guest or customer is injured, then they are responsible for those injuries. Just because the weather is warmer, does not negate a property owner’s responsibility to keep their premises safe.
There are some types of common slip and fall accidents that happen in the spring, including the following:
- Slip and fall on sidewalks and walkways: Even though this is common during winter, during spring, people still slip and fall on outside walkways, particularly in the morning. The reason for this is that it could still be freezing temperatures during the morning hours. Even though the high temperature during the day could get up to 50 degrees, it could dip below freezing before the sun comes up. This could leave a slick thin sheet of ice on the sidewalk or outside walkway.
- Uneven sidewalks: One common incident that happens during winter is the movement of sidewalks. When the ground continuously freezes and thaws, often, sidewalks will sink or rise. This creates uneven sidewalks. Sometimes, the unevenness is significant and can be several inches. This is a huge tripping hazard, especially on a sidewalk where people may not specifically be looking down at their feet while walking.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Falls in New Jersey?
If you are seriously injured in a slip and fall on a premises due to the property owner’s negligence, then you might be able to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. However, there is a specific time period that you have to file the lawsuit. This time period is called a statute of limitations, and all civil lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations for a slip and fall case in New Jersey is two years. So, if you do not file your personal injury claim within two years from the date of the injury, then you will be barred from seeking compensation against the at-fault party. That is why it is extremely important to contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as you are injured. You do not want to wait. The sooner your lawyer gets involved and begins an investigation, the better.
What Are Common Springtime Slip and Fall Injuries?
Many people involved in slip and fall accidents suffer the same types of injuries. Here are some common springtime slip and fall injuries:
- Head injuries: Many people who fall will hit their head on a hard surface, like a concrete sidewalk. Traumatic brain injuries are serious and can cause someone to have long-term chronic symptoms. Brain injuries include concussions, fractured skulls, brain swelling, and brain bleeds.
- Hip fractures: Hip fractures and broken bones are common slip and fall injuries. With most slip and falls, a person will hit the sidewalk very hard. All of that force can cause someone to break their hip.
- Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries are often seen in slip and fall accidents due to people attempting to brace themselves as they fall. This can cause broken bones in and around the shoulder, torn muscles, torn ligaments and tendons, or rotator cuff tears and damage.
- Hand and wrist injuries: Other common injuries are wrist and hand injuries. These are caused by people instinctively putting out their arms to potentially break their fall. The force of the fall can fracture someone’s wrist or hand or cause other problems.
- Back or spinal cord injuries: Slip and fall injuries can cause back injuries and spinal cord injuries. When someone slips and falls and hits the ground, the force of hitting a sidewalk can fracture vertebrae. A bad fall can also cause people to suffer from herniated discs that lead to nerve damage and pain down the length of the arms or legs.
New Brunswick Slip and Fall Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Are Here to Help You After a Springtime Slip and Fall Accident
A serious slip and fall accident can happen at any time, including spring. Our New Brunswick slip and fall lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr are here to answer your questions if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident. Call us at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Colonia, Elizabeth, and Newark.
