If you’re a snow contractor in New Jersey, you’re probably concerned with liability and high insurance costs. There’s a new bill in the state legislature intending to help.
The bill is called “S.3121,” and here is the official synopsis: “Prohibits snowplow or de-icing service contract from indemnifying promisee against liability for loss or damage in certain instances.”
What does this mean in plain English? It means that if you are hired by a property owner to manage snow and ice on that property and there is a “slip and fall” incident, you are not automatically responsible—regardless of what your contract with the property owner says.
As it currently stands, many property owners are allowed to assign all responsibility in a “slip and fall” lawsuit to the snow contractor, despite the fact that property owners are often involved in the snow and ice management process. If this bill is passed, the property owner can’t automatically walk away from potential negligence on their part.
This could translate into lower insurance premiums for people who remove snow and ice.
Do you have any feelings about this bill? If so, click here to find your state representative. When you do, a form will appear. Please note that much of the information on this form is optional. Go to the “email box” at the bottom and tell your representative what you think about “Snow Removal Liability Limitation Act, S.3121.” Should they vote “YES” or “NO”?
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