Bad weather can make a property more dangerous, but that does not mean that rain or a snowstorm can absolve a property owner of all responsibility. If a property owner or manager does not take steps to make their property safer and you get injured as a result, you should be able to sue for compensation. A Monmouth County supermarket accident lawyer from our firm may be able to help you.
Can the Weather Be Blamed for a Slip and Fall Accident?
When it’s raining or snowing, each customer can track water into a store and make the floors more slippery. A damaged sidewalk can become even more of a hazard once it is covered in snow and ice. Wet stairs can be dangerous, especially if handrails are already broken or nonexistent.
It is a property owner’s job to think about these things though. Yes, it may be a bit harder to keep a property safe during a storm, but there is still the obligation to do everything possible to keep customers and invited guests out of danger.
Can I Still Sue a Property Owner if Bad Weather Contributed to an Accident?
This is why a property owner can blame bad weather for an accident like a slip and fall, but this defense is rarely a good enough excuse. A property owner still needs to do their best to show that they tried to keep people safe. If they cannot show that they did that, then they need to be held accountable when someone gets hurt.
Sometimes it is also possible to show that a property owner should have known that the bad weather would create safety issues. A great example of this is a roof leak. If the owner knows that their building has a leaky roof and they do not fix it or address it in any other way, then they should be held liable when someone slips.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Damages in a Slip and Fall Case?
You have two years to sue for compensation if you get injured in a slip and fall accident. Past that point, your case is likely to get thrown out no matter how obvious it is that you are the party who has been wronged.
Acting quickly is a smart idea here, and not just because you might run out of time. The faster you act, the easier it is for your lawyer to obtain useful evidence like surveillance footage. They can also talk to witnesses before their memory of the accident begins to fade. Finally, the faster you act, the faster you can secure your compensation.
Meet With an Attorney
When you are ready to move forward with your personal injury suit, contact the Falcon Law Firm. We can schedule a consultation where we can discuss your legal options and what a lawyer can do to assist you.
