Winter in Jersey City can be beautiful — snow-dusted streets, cozy shops, and the sparkle of city lights. But for pedestrians, that winter charm often comes with a serious hazard: slippery sidewalks and icy parking lots. Each year, countless people suffer injuries after slipping on snow or ice that hasn’t been properly cleared.

If you’ve fallen during the winter months, you might wonder who’s responsible for your medical bills and lost wages. The answer depends on where the accident happened and who had the duty to keep the area safe. Understanding New Jersey’s snow and ice liability laws can help you know your rights — and take the right steps toward compensation.

The General Rule: Property Owners Have a Duty to Maintain Safe Conditions

In New Jersey, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. That includes removing snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm.

However, the exact duty depends on the type of property. The law treats commercial and residential property owners differently.

Commercial Property Owners: Higher Responsibility

If you fell in front of a business, office building, or apartment complex, chances are the property owner or tenant can be held liable. New Jersey courts expect commercial property owners to take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, and tenants from foreseeable hazards — including winter weather dangers.

Reasonable steps can include:

• Shoveling sidewalks and pathways after a storm
• Applying salt or sand to prevent ice buildup
• Clearing parking lots and entrances
• Making sure downspouts and gutters don’t drain water onto walkways, where it can refreeze

Timing is important, though. The law doesn’t require property owners to clear snow while it’s still falling — but they’re expected to take action once the storm ends. What counts as “reasonable time” varies based on factors like storm size, time of day, and accessibility of the area.

If a business delays too long or ignores icy conditions altogether, they could be found negligent.

Residential Homeowners: Limited Liability

Residential property owners — like those with single-family homes — generally have less responsibility. In most cases, homeowners aren’t automatically liable for injuries that occur on public sidewalks in front of their property, even if the sidewalk is icy or snowy.

However, there are exceptions. For example:

• If the homeowner creates the hazard (like using a hose that leaks and freezes), they may be liable.
• Some local ordinances require homeowners to shovel sidewalks within a certain timeframe. Failing to do so might not guarantee a lawsuit, but it can lead to fines or citations.

In Jersey City, property owners are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within four hours after snowfall stops, during daylight hours. While this ordinance mainly helps ensure public safety, it can also be cited as evidence of negligence if someone is injured.

Public Property and Government Responsibility

What if your fall happens on a public sidewalk, at a city park, or near a government building? In those cases, the city or another government entity might be responsible — but these claims are more complex.

Under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, government agencies are protected from certain lawsuits unless you can prove:

1. The public property was in a dangerous condition.
2. The city or agency knew (or should have known) about the condition.
3. They failed to fix it within a reasonable time.

You also have just 90 days from the date of your accident to file a Notice of Claim with the city. Missing that deadline can bar you from seeking compensation entirely, so time is critical.

How to Prove Negligence in a Winter Slip and Fall Case

Proving fault in an ice-related slip and fall case can be challenging. After all, everyone knows snow and ice are natural winter hazards. But property owners can still be held liable if they failed to act reasonably.

To strengthen your case, it’s important to gather:

• Photos or videos of the icy area (before it’s cleaned up)
• Weather reports showing when the storm ended
• Maintenance logs from businesses or landlords showing if — or when — snow removal occurred
• Witness statements from anyone who saw the fall or the dangerous condition
• Medical records linking your injuries to the accident

This evidence helps show that the property owner didn’t do enough to make the area safe within a reasonable time.

Common Winter Slip and Fall Injuries

Falls on ice can cause serious, long-lasting injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Broken wrists, ankles, or hips
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and spinal injuries
• Shoulder dislocations or tears
• Severe bruising and soft tissue damage

Even a minor fall can lead to lingering pain or mobility issues, especially for older adults.

Why Legal Help Matters

Winter slip and fall cases are unique because timing, weather patterns, and maintenance efforts all play a role. Insurance companies often argue that you should’ve been more careful or that the property owner didn’t have enough time to clear the snow.

An experienced slip and fall lawyer can gather the right evidence, interview witnesses, and work with weather experts to build a strong case. They’ll also handle communications with insurers, who often try to settle for less than your claim is worth.

If you’ve been hurt in a winter slip and fall accident, contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone. Attorney Carbone has over 35 years of experience helping Jersey City residents recover compensation for injuries caused by unsafe property conditions — including those due to ice and snow.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Jersey City brings plenty of challenges, but unsafe sidewalks and parking lots shouldn’t be one of them. Property owners and businesses have a duty to clear ice and snow promptly to protect others. If they fail to do so and you get hurt, you have the right to hold them accountable.

By acting quickly, preserving evidence, and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can take the first steps toward recovery — both physically and financially.