Autumn brings crisp air, vibrant foliage and outdoor events and activities. However, this beautiful season also introduces conditions that can lead to serious slip and fall accidents. While some falls are unavoidable, many occur because a property owner has neglected their legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. When negligence leads to injury, victims have the right to seek financial compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

These are among the dangers particularly associated with the fall season:

• Slippery fallen leaves — A carpet of colorful leaves may be picturesque, but it can conceal significant dangers. When leaves become wet from rain or morning dew, they create slippery surfaces on sidewalks and other pavements. Piles of leaves can also hide underlying hazards such as uneven pavement, potholes, or unseen objects like rocks or sticks. Property owners are responsible for regularly clearing leaves from walkways, parking lots, and entrances to prevent these treacherous conditions.

• Increasing darkness — As we move deeper into fall, the sun sets earlier each day. This issue is compounded in November when the clocks are turned back, plunging evening commutes and activities into darkness. Property owners and municipalities have a responsibility to ensure their premises are adequately lit for visitors. When they fail to adjust timers for outdoor lighting or repair broken fixtures, they create a dangerous environment. Poorly lit parking lots, stairwells, and sidewalks make it difficult to see potential tripping hazards like curbs, cracks or steps.

• Dangerous event venues — For many, autumn means gathering for sporting events like football and soccer games. While enjoyable, these events can pose risks if facilities are not properly maintained. Seating tiers or bleachers can be dangerous if they lack proper handrails, have broken steps or are cluttered with debris and unattended spills. A slip and fall accident caused by such negligent maintenance or the failure to post warnings about unsafe conditions could be grounds for legal action against a school, municipality or organization responsible for the venue.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to these or other hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your fall, gather evidence to establish the property owner's negligence and handle all the necessary legal actions to pursue your case for compensation.

At Brown, Novick & McKinley Attorneys at Law in Woodbury, we seek compensation for New Jersey residents who have suffered slip and fall injuries on someone else’s property. To schedule a free consultation about your potential premises liability claim, please call 866-942-4909 or contact us online.