New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer

Common Types of Injuries in Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-term consequences. In New Jersey, falls regularly lead to broken bones, including hip and wrist fractures, particularly for older adults. Traumatic brain injuries are also common, occurring when individuals strike their heads during a fall—these can range in severity from mild concussions to serious brain damage. Some victims suffer back injuries such as herniated discs, sprains, or spinal cord injuries. Often, a slip and fall accident leads to soft tissue injuries, tearing ligaments or muscles, which might not be obvious at first, but can require weeks or months of treatment. The nature and seriousness of the injury may affect both the recovery process and the compensation you can seek. Our team pays careful attention to medical documentation and the long-term impact of your injuries to guide an approach that addresses both immediate and future needs. We frequently work with clients who require ongoing physical therapy or consultations with medical professionals as part of their recovery journey. Understanding these medical challenges helps us assist each client with compassion and a focus on securing resources to support recovery in Morris, Essex, Bergen and Passaic counties and throughout New Jersey.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip & Falls?

There is a common misconception that slips and falls most often occur as a result of the victim’s own clumsiness or negligence. However, this is not the case. In fact, most slip and fall accidents result from unsafe property conditions or hazards that should have been removed or repaired. At the very least, the existence of these hazards should be communicated to visitors so that they may take the necessary measures to avoid being injured.

Slip and fall accidents are often the consequence of negligence on the part of property owners who fail to adhere to safety protocols. For instance, businesses and homeowners should implement routine inspections to identify potential hazards and take corrective actions promptly. Additionally, employees should be trained to recognize and respond to dangerous conditions, such as calling for immediate cleanup of spills or alerting maintenance about structural issues. Understanding the root causes of slips and falls can help in implementing preventive measures, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents. Prevention strategies might also include installing non-slip flooring, ensuring adequate lighting, and maintaining clear pathways free of obstacles.

Specifically, some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Recently mopped or waxed floors
• Spills and fallen merchandise
• Uneven flooring
• Torn or ripped carpeting
• Tripping hazards, such as cords lying in walkways
• Cluttered walkways and aisles
• Potholes
• Defective stairs, stairwells, and steps
• Missing handrails
• Poor lighting
• Improper property maintenance
• Defective escalators
• Accumulated ice or snow
• Missing signage, such as wet floor signs
• Building code violations

Property owners should take the necessary steps to repair, remove, or warn visitors of unsafe or hazardous conditions. When they fail to do so, and innocent people are hurt, they can be held legally responsible for victims’ economic and non-economic losses.

Call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online for a free consultation with a slip and fall attorney in New Jersey. You pay no fees unless/until we recover compensation on your behalf. 

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Slip & Fall Accident

If you are involved in a slip, trip, and fall accident on someone else’s property, there are several things you can do to protect your rights and your future recovery.

To the best of your ability, try to do the following after a slip and fall accident:

• Seek immediate medical attention; if necessary, call 911
• Notify the property owner about the incident and get their name and contact information
• Make sure the property owner or manager makes a report of the accident and requests a copy
• Take pictures of or otherwise document the condition that caused your slip and fall
• Note the conditions surrounding the incident, such as poor lighting or missing warning signs
• Talk to any witnesses who saw the incident and get their names and contact information
• See a doctor right away if you do not receive emergency medical care
• Preserve any evidence from the accident and keep copies of your medical records
• Consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer in New Jersey, like those at DeZao & DeZao, P.C..

Talking to a personal injury attorney is one of the most important things you can do after a slip and fall accident. An attorney will be able to inform you of your options based on a review of the facts of your case. At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we always offer our honest advice and only accept cases that we truly believe we can win.

Should you choose our firm to represent your case, you can count on our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers to advocate tirelessly for you. We understand the immense challenges you and your family are facing, and we want to help you secure the maximum compensation you are owed. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, allowing them the financial resources they needed to heal and move forward with their lives. Find out how our team can help you get back on your feet today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip & Fall Claims

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip & Fall Claim in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors, like the party involved, may affect this timeframe. For instance, additional notice requirements might apply if a municipal entity is involved, potentially altering deadlines. Consulting with a legal professional helps ensure compliance with all relevant timelines, safeguarding the right to pursue compensation.

What Damages Can I Recover from a Slip & Fall Claim?

Victims of slip and fall accidents may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Some claims might also cover future expenses if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability. Establishing the full scope of damages typically requires thorough documentation of losses and a comprehensive understanding of the injury’s impact on one’s quality of life. Expert testimony may also be necessary to substantiate claims for future medical expenses or loss of earning capacity.

Can I File a Claim If I Was Partly at Fault?

New Jersey's comparative negligence rule allows individuals to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for their slip and fall accident, as long as their share of fault is less than 50%. The compensation awarded may diminish proportionally to their degree of responsibility. Legal representation can significantly assist in effectively establishing a fair assessment of liability and maximizing potential compensation.