Accidents involving slips, trips, and falls happen to people of every age, sex, and race. When these accidents are caused by the failure to maintain a property or the failure to fix a dangerous condition on the property, the injured individuals may have a premises liability claim against the responsible parties. That is why it is so important to contact a New Jersey slip-and-fall lawyer if you are ever involved in any kind of incident.
Dangerous conditions can cause individuals to slip, trip, and fall in many different locations. Slip and fall accidents can occur both inside and outside at construction sites, pools, retail stores, private homes, commercial properties, and parking lots. Individuals can slip and fall on public sidewalks and streets, stairs, escalators and elevators.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in New Jersey, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly affect your health and your ability to recover compensation.
Seek medical attention right away.
Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions—such as concussions, spinal injuries, or internal trauma—may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records also provide critical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Report the incident.
Notify the property owner, store manager, landlord, or supervisor as soon as possible. Ask for a written incident report and request a copy if one is available.
Document the scene.
Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, such as wet floors, ice, uneven pavement, or broken stairs. Capture the surrounding area, warning signs (or lack thereof), and your visible injuries.
Gather witness information.
If anyone saw the accident, collect their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable in proving how the accident occurred.
Avoid giving statements to insurance companies.
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. It is best not to discuss the accident or accept a settlement before speaking with a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer.
Contact an experienced New Jersey slip and fall attorney.
A lawyer can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, handle communications with insurers, and protect your right to compensation while you focus on recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer serving New Jersey, call (856) 528-4494
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often occur because property owners or managers fail to correct dangerous conditions or warn visitors of known hazards. Common causes include:
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Wet, slippery, or sticky floors caused by spills, leaks, or recent cleaning
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Snow, ice, or water accumulation in parking lots, walkways, and entrances
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Uneven, cracked, or broken sidewalks and pavement
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Loose, torn, or improperly secured carpeting and rugs
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Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, and parking garages
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Missing, broken, or loose handrails on stairs
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Cluttered or overcrowded aisles in retail stores
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Broken steps, escalators, or elevators
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Uncovered or damaged manhole covers and drainage grates
When these conditions are not addressed in a reasonable amount of time, the responsible parties may be held liable under New Jersey premises liability law.
New Jersey Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me (856) 528-4494
Common Locations for Accidents
- Wet and sticky floors in commercial establishments (including spilled food and drink in grocery stores and wet bathroom floors)
- Overly crowded aisles and passageways
- Rough, cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Parking lots or sidewalks covered with ice, snow and rain
- Floors with bulging or improperly secured carpeting or rugs
- Stairs with missing, worn out or loose handrails
- Over manhole or sewer covers and drainage gates
- Inadequately lit stairwells
Serious bodily injuries can result from slips and falls. Broken bones, muscle sprains and strains, back injuries, bruising, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injury and even death are common bodily injuries associated with slip and fall accidents. A seasoned lawyer in New Jersey could handle the legal work while an individual focuses on recovering after a slip and fall.
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Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
To succeed in a slip and fall accident lawsuit, the injured individual, or their slip and fall attorney in New Jersey, must prove the existence of a legal duty to keep the premises safe from dangerous conditions and a breach of that duty which caused an injury.
New Jersey courts will examine whether the injured individual was an invitee, licensee or trespasser on the property in determining whether a duty has been breached. Invitees include property guests and those individuals who have an implied invitation to enter a property. Licensees enter a property for their own benefit with an express or implied invitation. Those who enter a property without permission are trespassers.
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Potentially Responsible Parties
The proper identification of all potentially responsible parties in premises liability matters is an important part in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Property owners, property managers, business owners, custodians, property caretakers, repair companies and landscaping services may also face slip and fall accident liability for their intentional or negligent behavior.
When an injury occurs on property owned by a local, state or federal governmental entity, the injured individuals may still recover for their losses although special immunity laws may limit the amount of liability for these governmental entities. A knowledgeable lawyer understands the distinctions between defendants in a trip and fall claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in New Jersey
How do I prove negligence in a New Jersey slip and fall case?
To prove negligence, you must show that the property owner or responsible party owed you a duty of care, failed to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition, and that this failure directly caused your injuries. Evidence may include photos, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness testimony.
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault, though your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Can I file a claim for slipping on ice or snow?
Yes. While property owners are not automatically liable for every winter accident, they may be responsible if they failed to take reasonable steps to remove snow and ice or failed to warn visitors of dangerous conditions.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in New Jersey?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government-owned property may have much shorter notice deadlines.
How much is a slip and fall case worth?
The value of a slip and fall case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, long-term impact, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and estimate potential compensation.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall accident?
While not legally required, having a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer greatly improves your chances of recovering fair compensation. Property owners and insurers often dispute liability, and legal representation helps protect your rights.
The benefit of a New Jersey Slip and Fall Attorney
If you or your loved one has been injured in a New Jersey slip and fall accident, the experienced South Jersey injury lawyers at Grungo Law can assist you and your family in obtaining compensation for your past and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Reach out today to discuss your options.
Call or text (856) 528-4494 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form