Published on behalf of First responders such as firefighters, police officers and emergency service personnel put their lives on the line every day. These jobs are inherently dangerous and if an on-the-job injury occurs, such emergency responders have a right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. However, under New Jersey law, such workers are entitled to make additional claims against negligent homeowners and property owners. For example, a police officer who responds to an emergency and slips and falls due to a defective condition of the property may have negligence claims against the property owner. Such claims would be separate from the workers’ compensation claim.
In 1993, the New Jersey legislature enacted N.J.S.A. 2A:62A-21 and N.J.S.A. 2A:62A-22, which specifically give a police officer, firefighter or other emergency responder the ability to file suit against any property owner or homeowner whose negligence results in an accident. First responder negligence claims against property owners or homeowners usually involve the following situations:
- slip and fall on sidewalk,
- trip and fall due to hazards on property, and
- stairway accidents.
Under New Jersey law, police officers, firefighters and emergency service personnel are treated the same as any other person who comes onto another person or business’ property. Therefore, when the property owner fails to take reasonable care of their property or fails to conduct reasonable inspections to discover hidden dangers, they may be liable in an injury lawsuit.
If you’d like to have your case reviewed by our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers, call 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area:
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Published: May 24, 2012