Slip and Fall on a Sidewalk? New Jersey Law May Be on Your Side
If you slip and fall inside a busy commercial property—such as a grocery store or shopping mall—and suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions, it’s often a straightforward case of liability. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. But what if your accident occurs just outside—on a sidewalk that appears icy but otherwise intact?
Until recently, proving liability in that situation was difficult. Under longstanding New Jersey common law, property owners—whether residential or commercial—were only liable for sidewalks they negligently constructed or repaired, not for general maintenance.
That changed in Padilla v. Young, 257 N.J. 540 (2024). In this landmark decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that commercial property owners now have a legal duty to maintain the public sidewalks that abut their property. The Court emphasized fundamental fairness, concluding that these owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks in reasonably good condition—not just structurally sound, but also safely maintained.
This decision significantly broadens the scope for injured pedestrians seeking compensation. Victims no longer need to prove that a sidewalk was broken or improperly constructed—just that it was poorly maintained, such as being left icy or slick without treatment.
Of course, proving negligence still requires careful investigation, documentation, and legal strategy. That’s where an experienced attorney becomes essential.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall outside a commercial property, don’t wait. Contact Simon Law Group LLC to discuss your rights and how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call 800-709-1131 to schedule your free consultation or send us a text and we'll get back to you.
