Seaside heights sued after man claims boardwalk hole caused serious fall

A New Jersey man has filed a lawsuit against Seaside Heights, alleging a dangerous condition on the borough’s boardwalk caused him to trip, fall, and suffer permanent injuries.

The Borough of Seaside Heights is facing a personal injury lawsuit from a man who claims he was seriously hurt after falling on the borough’s iconic boardwalk because of what he describes as a hazardous defect.

According to the complaint, plaintiff John Mendola alleges he was walking on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk when he encountered a hole in the walking surface that caused him to trip and fall. The lawsuit claims the incident occurred because the boardwalk was not properly maintained.

Lawsuit alleges dangerous boardwalk condition

Mendola contends Seaside Heights owned, operated, maintained, and controlled the section of boardwalk where the fall occurred. The complaint alleges borough officials had a duty to inspect and maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors and patrons.

The lawsuit specifically claims a hole in the boardwalk created a dangerous condition that caused him to “trip and fall with great force and violence.”

According to the filing, the borough allegedly failed to inspect the area, correct the hazard, or adequately warn pedestrians about the condition.

Plaintiff claims permanent injuries

The complaint alleges the fall left Mendola with severe injuries that required medical treatment and caused significant pain and suffering. The lawsuit further claims the injuries affected his ability to work and participate in normal activities.

Court records state the plaintiff alleges he suffered injuries that resulted in permanent disabilities and may require additional treatment in the future.

The lawsuit also claims the borough failed to warn visitors of the alleged hazard despite having a responsibility to make the area safe.

Jury trial requested

According to the complaint, a Notice of Tort Claim was served on the borough on Oct. 18, 2024, within the timeframe required under New Jersey law for claims against public entities.

The lawsuit was filed June 8 and seeks damages for injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, attorney fees, costs, and other relief. Mendola has requested a jury trial.

The allegations contained in the complaint are claims made by the plaintiff and have not been proven in court. Seaside Heights had not filed a response to the lawsuit at the time of filing.

Key Points

• A lawsuit claims a hole in the Seaside Heights Boardwalk caused a man to trip and fall.
• Plaintiff John Mendola alleges he suffered severe and permanent injuries as a result of the incident.
• The suit claims Seaside Heights failed to properly inspect, maintain, or warn visitors about the alleged hazard.

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