New Jersey Manhole Cover Accident Attorneys

Manhole cover pushed off entrance to sewer in New Jersey with two safety cones around it

Were you injured after tripping over or falling into a manhole in New Jersey? If so, you could be owed significant compensation, and a skilled New Jersey manhole cover accident attorney can help you seek it.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. have been aggressively pursuing justice for those who’ve been injured due to negligence for over 40 years. Our team has secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We’re ready to stand up for you if you were injured in a manhole accident that was caused by the negligence of another.

Often, victims of manhole cover accidents are unaware of their rights and might not know who is to blame for their injuries. Fortunately, our attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of claims and can help identify who should be held accountable for the harm and losses you’ve suffered.

Types of Accidents Caused by Loose Manhole Covers

The types of accidents caused by open, loose, or sunken manhole covers include the following:

  • Pedestrian accidents – If a manhole cover on a sidewalk or pedestrian walkway is left open, loose, or not flush with the ground, a pedestrian can trip over or fall into it.
  • Motor vehicle accidents – An open manhole cover on a roadway could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, swerve and hit other cars, or get their tire stuck in the manhole. Loose manhole covers could also roll away or be thrown into the air, striking nearby vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
  • Construction worker accidents – Construction workers could trip or fall and be injured in a manhole cover accident since they work on sites where manhole covers are often loosened or left open for work.

Common Injuries Sustained in Manhole Cover Accidents

The extent and severity of injuries caused by manhole cover accidents can vary significantly. Common injuries include the following:

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Loose Manhole Cover Accident in New Jersey?

After a loose manhole cover accident in New Jersey, you should take these important steps to maximize your chances of obtaining compensation for your losses:

  • Seek medical attention – No matter how minor your injuries, you need to be examined by a doctor as quickly as possible after the accident to protect your health and create a medical record related to the incident.
  • Collect evidence – Collecting evidence immediately after the accident and in the days, weeks, and months that follow will help you prove the severity of your injuries and the total losses you sustained from the accident.
  • Contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney – In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. That only gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The sooner a lawyer starts working on your case, the more likely it is that they will be able to help you collect all the evidence you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can also negotiate an appropriate settlement with the insurance company rather than go to court.

Liability in New Jersey Open Manhole Cover Accidents

Manholes are used by city and construction workers to access underground pipelines and utilities. Accidents can be caused by a construction worker who did not replace a manhole securely after completing repair work. Maybe the city failed to properly inspect a roadway after construction. Whatever the reason, it’s likely that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence and was preventable.

In most manhole accident cases in New Jersey, the city could be liable, since they are responsible for maintaining the safety of all public roads and sidewalks. However, there are some cases where a construction company or other local entity may be held accountable as well. An immediate investigation by a New Jersey personal injury lawyer is critical to determine and prove liability so we can maximize your chances of obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Compensation Available in a New Jersey Manhole Accident Lawsuit

The types and amount of compensation available to you in a manhole accident lawsuit will depend on the specific details of the incident and your injuries. You may be eligible for compensation for the following:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and reduced future earning potential
  • Property damage repair or replacement expenses
  • Any other out-of-pocket expenses (such as transportation to medical appointments and home accessibility modifications)
  • Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries and emotional stress associated with the accident
  • Loss of the ability to have normal family relationships
  • Funeral and burial expenses, if applicable

Contact a Knowledgeable Manhole Cover Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Today


The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. have the experience and resources necessary to help you seek justice if you were injured in a manhole cover accident. We will only collect our fee when we recover money for you. There’s no risk to reach out to us to discuss your case, so call or reach out to us online for your free consultation today.