New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer

Fighting For Slip, Trip, & Fall Accident Victims in New Jersey

In general terms, a “slip and fall” accident refers to a case in which a person is injured by slipping, tripping, and/or falling due to a dangerous condition or hazard on a premises. Such falls can happen inside or outside of a building and be caused by a variety of unsafe or defective conditions, such as uneven flooring, wet floors, poorly lighted steps, or, in the case of outdoor accidents, weather-related or hidden hazards. An icy patch outside a door, a crack in the asphalt, or even a pothole can be the cause of a slip and fall in a parking lot, for instance.

When you are injured due to poor property maintenance or unsafe, defective, or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers understand the complex and sensitive nature of these cases. When you turn to DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we will inform you of all your legal options and devise an innovative legal strategy based on the details of your case.

Get started with a free initial consultation; call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online to get started with our slip & fall accident attorney in New Jersey 

Who Is Liable for a Slip & Fall Accident?

Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability law. In New Jersey, premises liability laws outline the duties, responsibilities, and obligations property owners have to different types of visitors, including invited guests and customers (invitees), those who lawfully enter the property (licensees), and individuals who enter a property unlawfully (trespassers).

Understanding who is liable in slip and fall accidents can be complex, as it requires establishing the property owner's negligence. Property owners must regularly inspect their premises and address potential hazards promptly. Documenting maintenance schedules and repair efforts can be crucial evidence in these cases. Visitors, in turn, must exercise due caution and heed any posted warnings. The interplay between these responsibilities often determines liability in a slip and fall incident. It is important for victims to gather evidence immediately following an accident, such as photographs of the hazard and witness testimonies, to support their claim.

Generally speaking, New Jersey property owners must:

• Properly maintain buildings and premises
• Remove or repair dangerous conditions or hazards
• Warn visitors of dangerous conditions or hazards that cannot be removed or repaired
• Refrain from causing willful injury or harm to anyone who visits the property, including trespassers

If a property owner fails to take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable injury, and someone is hurt in a slip and fall accident as a result, the property owner could be liable for the injured party’s damages. As the person bringing the claim (known as the “plaintiff”), you will need to prove that the property owner owed a duty of care based on your status as a visitor, that they violated this duty of care, and that you were injured as a result of the property owner’s failure to uphold the duty of care.

Additionally, to hold a property owner liable for your damages, you will likely need to prove that the dangerous condition or hazard that caused the incident was one the property owner knew about or reasonably should have known about. The law does not hold property owners liable for dangerous or defective conditions which they could not reasonably have known existed.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip & Falls?

There is a common misconception that slip 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 slip and falls can help in implementing preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of accidents significantly. 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. There are no fees for you 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 request 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.

Contact Our New Jersey Slip and Fall Attorneys Today

At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., our dedication to serving the community with integrity and personalized care sets us apart. Our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers have significant experience navigating the complexities of slip and fall claims. We prioritize understanding the unique aspects of each client’s situation to tailor legal strategies that best serve their needs. Our approach involves meticulous case preparation, including gathering critical evidence, consulting with industry experts, and staying updated on local laws and legal precedents. This commitment to thoroughness positions our clients for the best possible resolution of their claims.

Contact DeZao & DeZao, P.C. today to get started with our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers.