Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey
I was not the condo owner when the slip-on-ice accident occurred
I purchased a condo unit in Hoboken on June 2nd 2005. There was an accident occurred at our building front sidewalk five months before I close the deal. An old lady fell on the ice and seriously injurred. But her attornety just filled a lawsuit last month. All the owners' names are in the lawsiut, including all the owners who didn't own the building when the accident happened. I have the proof of condo ownership (deed). What should I do to get out of the lawsuit? What kind of letter should I write to the plaintiff's attorney to let him dismiss me? Is my own letter sufficient? Thanks.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: I was not the condo owner when the slip-on-ice accident occurred
The very first thing you need to do is to contact your homeowner's insurance company and give them the claim. Yes, I know that they won't pay for the same reason you think that you are not liable. But, the policy gives you the right to have them defend any claims that are made against you. If you don't promptly "tender the claim" to the insurer, your policy might not provide that coverage.
That will probably end it for you. The insurer will hire a lawyer who will get a dismissal as a matter of course. If not, ask again.
See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm