Firm Logo
201-231-7847

Shovels keep Bergen County property owners out of court

February 19, 2014

Many Bergen County residents are weary of shoveling snow. According to the National Weather Service and New Jersey State Climatologist, Bergen County had over a foot of snow just during the Valentine’s Day storm. That represents a lot of physical labor, just to clear a sidewalk path or free a car from a parking spot.

How can anyone keep up with winter’s wrath this season? Shoveling sidewalks isn’t just about being considerate. State premises liability and municipal laws require homeowners and business owners to clear away snow and ice on exterior walkways to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. The laws set time limits for compliance.

Some people shovel snow even as flakes are falling to get a head start, while others wait until a snowstorm passes before tackling the job. Laws contain guidelines for cleanup, like a 10-hour window to clean sidewalks after a storm in Woodbury. The penalties for failing to shovel away snow or salt and sand icy spots can be fines or, worse, a liability claim brought by a person injured on your property.

As tiresome a job as snow removal, it’s wise to do a thorough job. You can buckle down and clear a foot of snow from a front path, but ice patches left behind are dangerous. The walkway isn’t safe until the snow and ice are gone or treated so slip and fall accidents, including serious head and back injuries, don’t happen.

Snow shoveling is tedious and backbreaking and, after so many punishing months of winter, still necessary to prevent someone from getting hurt. Ice treatment may have to occur several times since snow frequently melts and freezes again, creating new problems. Ignoring details, like leaving behind slushy puddles and negligently piled snow, can cause preventable hazards.

Premises liability laws don’t disappear when the snow does. New Jersey property owners and managers are liable year-round for accidents caused by poor maintenance.

Source: South Jersey Times, “Woodbury to residents, businesses: Shovel your sidewalks after snowstorms” Jason Laday, Feb. 12, 2014

“Smart, creative and

aggressive lawyers who put

their client’s interests first" —

"The Epstein Law Firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement in an extremely complex and difficult financial services case. He and his team not only mastered the complex issues in the case, but also expertly handled all aspects of the negotiations. I cannot thank Michael enough for his dedication and hard work, and I highly recommend him and The Epstein Law Firm for those who need smart, creative, and aggressive lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.”

"The Epstein Law Firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement in an extremely complex and difficult financial services case. He and his team not only mastered the complex issues in the case, but also expertly handled all aspects of the negotiations. I cannot thank Michael enough for his dedication and hard work, and I highly recommend him and The Epstein Law Firm for those who need smart, creative, and aggressive lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.”

More Five Star Reviews
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
© 2023 The Epstein Law Firm. All Rights Reserved.Disclaimer.Site Map.