Slip-and-fall accidents are a common way people get hurt. They often happen on poorly maintained surfaces, whether on public or private property. Sadly, these accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and spinal or back injuries. Understanding injury and accident laws can help you find out who is liable. This knowledge is crucial for seeking the compensation you deserve for your damages.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in Jersey City, you may be entitled to compensation. We are committed to helping victims of these accidents pursue the compensation they rightfully deserve at Omni Injury and Accident Law. Our experienced New Jersey slip and fall lawyer thoroughly investigates each case, identifies negligent parties, and builds a strong claim to hold them accountable.
We will handle all communication with insurance companies, negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today by calling (646) 736-4184 for a free consultation.
How Can a Jersey City Slip and Fall Lawyer Help You?
It can be a challenging experience to be involved in a slip-and-fall accident. Our Jersey City Slip and Fall attorneys at Omni Injury and Accident Law helps injured individuals and their families recover fair compensation for their injuries and protect their rights under New Jersey law.
- Claim Filing & Documentation: We identify the liable party, file your claim, and preserve evidence such as photographs, video surveillance, and medical records.
- Accident Scene Investigation: From inspecting the property for defects to gathering witness testimony and police reports, we conduct thorough investigations to build your case.
- Settlement Negotiations: We handle communication with the insurance company, ensuring you’re not pressured into a lowball offer.
- Legal Action: If negotiations stall, we’re prepared to go to arbitration, litigation, or even the supreme court to pursue your claim.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact our New Jersey personal injury lawyer today to get answers to all your questions you might have about your claim.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey
Slipping, tripping, and falling on a hard surface is likely to cause some sort of trauma. If a person lands on their back, neck, or head, these injuries can be serious. The length of the fall, surface, and reason for the fall can all be factors in the type and severity of the resulting harm. Common slip-and-fall injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries: A TBI happens when the brain bounces inside of the skull due to impact. Landing on the head or hitting the head during a fall can cause the brain to impact.
- Broken bones: Fractures, particularly to the ankle and wrist, can occur due to the unnatural movement or impact of a fall.
- Bruising: Landing on a hard surface or hitting an object can lead to contusions under the skin. Severe bruising can be painful and take time to heal.
- Spinal cord injuries: Dislocations, fractures, and damage to the nerves in the spine can happen due to the sudden trauma of a slip, trip, or fall.
- Facial trauma: If a person falls on their face, they may suffer facial injuries. This can include broken bones, damage to cartilage, lacerations, and bruising.
- Neck injuries: Injury to the ligaments and tissues in the neck, such as a whiplash injury, may happen during a fall.
- Soft tissue injury: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons may be strained and sprained during a fall. Sprained ankles and dislocations are an example.
- Scarring and disfigurement: If a person suffers a severe cut, or requires surgery, they may be left with significant scarring and permanent disfigurement.
- Death: In unfortunate circumstances, a fall may lead to fatalities. Falls from heights or falls that lead to serious head or internal injuries may cause death.
Common Causes Of Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey
Several factors may cause slips and falls. Hazards may be created due to poor maintenance and housekeeping, inadequate repairs, and weather. Property and business owners should take steps to eliminate and warn of dangerous conditions. Some hazardous conditions that may cause falls:
- Wet Floors and Unlabeled Wet Floors: Spills, mopping, or leaks that leave surfaces slick without warning signs often lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.
- Slippery Stairs: Moisture, worn-out treads, or lack of grip on stairs can easily cause someone to lose balance and fall.
- Loose Carpet or Torn Rugs: Unsecured or frayed carpeting creates tripping hazards, especially in high-traffic areas or poorly maintained properties and businesses.
- Uneven Pavements and Uneven Sidewalks: Cracked, lifted, or sloped walkways can catch your foot and cause sudden trips, leading to serious physical injuries.
- Broken Handrails: When stairway handrails are missing or loose, visitors lose vital support that helps prevent dangerous falls and injuries.
- Poor Lighting or Substandard Lighting: Dim or burnt-out lighting in hallways, stairwells, or walkways can obscure hazards and increase the risk of falls.
- Improper Cleaning Procedures: Failure to promptly clean spills or post warning signs during cleaning can result in slippery, dangerous surfaces for visitors.
- Weather Conditions Such as Snow or Ice: Untreated sidewalks, driveways, or entryways during winter months create highly hazardous walking conditions for pedestrians and guests.
- Debris, Trash, or Foreign Objects in Walkways: Objects left in walking paths pose unexpected tripping hazards, especially when not visible or promptly removed by staff.
- Unsafe Buildings and Unsafe Equipment: Deteriorating structures or faulty equipment, like unstable ladders or loose floorboards, can create significant injury risks for occupants.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall in New Jersey?
The minutes and even days after your fall will probably determine the entire outcome of your case. Here’s what you should do to strengthen your injury claim
- Get Medical Help – Prioritize your safety and obtain a full evaluation.
- Report the Accident – Ask the manager or property owner to create an incident report.
- Take Photos of the Accident Scene – Include the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Take Down Witness Information – Names, numbers, and statements matter.
- Obtain a Weather Report – This helps in cases involving weather conditions such as snow or ice.
- Preserve Evidence – Keep your clothes, shoes, and any foreign objects that may have caused the fall.
- Speak With Responding Officers – Make sure the police file an accurate report.
- Obtain a Copy of Medical Records – These will document your injuries and future medical expenses.
- Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer – Probably the most important step to take after slip and fall. We’ll help you negotiate with the insurance company and pursue fair compensation.
Where Most Slip and Falls Occur in New Jersey
Falls can occur in any location. If a person is injured due to poor property maintenance or a failure to warn of a dangerous condition, this may implicate a personal injury claim. Some places where most slips and falls occur include the following:
- Grocery Stores and Retail Stores
- Apartment Complexes
- Restaurants and Cafés
- Parking Lots
- Sidewalks
- Office Buildings
- Government-Owned Property
When falls occur in these areas, it’s important to report the accident, take photos of the accident scene, and journal details of the accident while your memory is fresh.
Who Pays for a Slip and Fall in Jersey City?
Property owners and business owners have a duty of care to maintain their property and warn visitors of any hazards that may exist. This legal concept is what is known as premises liability. Who will ultimately pay for slip and fall accidents will depend on where the person fell and why they fell.
A fall on residential property will likely result in the private property owner’s home owner insurance policy paying. When a person slips, trips, or falls on commercial property the property owner or the business owner may be responsible, depending on the cause of the injury. If a person is hurt on public property, the government may be liable for resulting injuries.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Recovering damages after a fall injury is essential for securing justice and recuperating your financial losses. If you have a serious or permanent injury, adequate compensation may be necessary to pay for any future damages associated with lost earnings or ongoing medical treatments. Ultimately, the compensation you will receive will depend on your injuries, losses, and the liable party.
Economic Damages:
- Medical Bills: This covers everything from your ER visit to follow-up doctor appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, and even medication.
- Lost Wages: This is the lost income you would have earned if the accident hadn’t kept you away from work.
- Future Medical Expenses: Some injuries don’t heal overnight. Future medical expenses cover what’s coming down the road during long-term recovery.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: This isn’t just about physical pain but rather about the day-to-day struggle and limitations you’ve faced because of your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Accidents leave more than physical scars. Emotional distress covers anxiety, depression, fear of falling again, and the mental toll of your experience.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from doing things you love, this helps compensate for what you’ve lost beyond money.
In extreme cases, punitive damages may apply if the property owner’s conduct was reckless or grossly negligent. A Jersey City slip and fall lawyer can review your claim and help you understand the amount of damages you may be owed. With the skilled assistance of an experienced attorney, you can be rest assured that your rights are protected and they are fighting for maximum compensation.
Statute Of Limitations For Slip And Fall In Jersey City
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file a lawsuit before the two year deadline may mean you are unable to recover compensation. Determining this deadline and whether any exceptions apply is critical. In some cases, the deadline may be extended:
- For minors, the clock starts at age 18.
- If your injuries weren’t immediately apparent, the timeline may begin when they were reasonably discovered.
- If filing against a government entity, strict deadlines apply – starting with a 90-day tort notice.
Get Legal Help from a Jersey City Slip and Fall Attorney today!
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but you have the right to pursue compensation when they’re caused by someone else’s negligence. Our Jersey City Slip and Fall Lawyer know how to build strong cases based on premises liability law, solid documentation, and aggressive advocacy.
We’ll work tirelessly to get you the settlement you deserve while you focus on recovery. Call us today at (646) 736-4184 for a free consultation at Omni Injury and Accident Law. Our team is ready to fight for you – and we don’t get paid unless you win.
