New Jersey Slip and Fall Attorneys
Most people envision a slip and fall accident as taking place in a grocery store, when a shopper loses footing in a puddle of spilled liquid or when they step on a stray grape or other piece of fruit. However, these potentially debilitating slip and fall accidents can and do occur almost anywhere, in parking lots, on sidewalks or stairs, at the mall or at a local business.
The statistics on slip and fall accidents are grim. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), out of one million people, about 17,000 die from these kinds of slip and fall accidents every year. As many as fifteen percent of all on-the-job injuries reported in New Jersey and across the United States are slip and falls.
COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS IN NEW JERSEY
Slip and fall accidents in New Jersey, as in many places, can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces:
- Spilled liquids in grocery stores, restaurants, or other public places.
- Rain, snow, or ice on sidewalks, parking lots, or entryways.
- Recently mopped or waxed floors without proper warning signs.
- Poor Lighting:
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking lots can make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in elevation.
- Uneven or Damaged Walkways:
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks.
- Broken or missing floor tiles.
- Loose or frayed carpeting.
- Clutter and Debris:
- Objects left in walkways, such as boxes, electrical cords, or merchandise.
- Litter or debris on the ground.
- Defective Stairways:
- Broken or missing handrails.
- Irregular stair heights or depths.
- Slippery stair treads.
Property owners in New Jersey, as elsewhere, have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition to prevent slip and fall accidents. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. Our slip and fall attorneys can help determine negligence and who is at fault in these cases.
WHAT INJURIES ARE COMMON IN SLIP AND FALL LAWSUITS?
In slip and fall lawsuits, the following injuries are commonly seen:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Commonly occur in wrists, arms, ankles, and hips, particularly in older adults.
- Sprains and Strains: Often involve ligaments and tendons, particularly in ankles and wrists.
- Head Injuries: Includes concussions and more severe brain trauma, which can have lasting effects.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Can lead to chronic pain, herniated discs, or paralysis.
- Cuts and Abrasions: Result from falling on sharp or rough surfaces, causing pain and potential scarring.
- Shoulder Injuries: Includes dislocations, fractures, and rotator cuff tears, often requiring surgery.
- Knee Injuries: Torn ligaments or meniscus tears that impact mobility and may need surgical intervention.
Our slip and fall attorneys can help you figure out what applies to your lawsuit and how these injuries have affected your life and livelihood.
WHO IS LIABLE FOR SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS?
All property owners are required to keep their property free of any debris that could cause a customer, visitor, or passer-by to slip and fall. If a freshly mopped floor or icy sidewalk jeopardizes the health of a store’s patrons, the unsafe area must be clearly marked to alert people to the possible danger.
Spilled liquid must be cleaned up within a reasonable amount of time. Dangerous stairways must be adequately lit at nighttime. Cracks, holes or uneven sections in sidewalks must be repaired to eliminate the danger of an accidental trip or slip. Many landlords and business owners neglect their duty to keep their properties safe.
DO I NEED A SLIP & FALL ATTORNEY?
Having an experienced slip and fall attorney on your case ensures that your rights are protected, and you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Here is a list of how an experienced personal injury attorney can help with your slip and fall lawsuit.
Investigation
Gather Evidence: Our slip and fall attorneys will collect evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, and maintenance records.
Document the Injury: We obtain medical records and expert opinions to document the extent of the injuries and their impact on the client’s life.
Inspect the Scene: We may visit the location of the accident to better understand the conditions that led to the slip and fall.
Determine Liability
Identify Responsible Parties: We will determine who is liable for the accident (e.g., property owner, tenant, maintenance company).
Prove Negligence: Our slip and fall lawyers will help establish that the responsible party was negligent in maintaining a safe environment, leading to the accident.
Handle Legal Procedures
File Legal Documents: Our experienced team will prepare and file all necessary legal documents, such as the complaint, to initiate the lawsuit.
Meet Deadlines: We will ensure all legal deadlines are met to keep the case moving forward.
Prepare for Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, our personal injury lawyers will prepare the case for trial by gathering additional evidence, deposing witnesses, and developing a legal strategy.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Communicate with Insurers: We also handle all communications with insurance companies on behalf of the client.
Negotiate Settlements: We will negotiate to secure a fair settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Although having an experienced slip and fall attorney is not required, it is the best chance of you winning appropriate compensation from your New Jersey slip & fall case. If you are asking “do I need a slip and fall attorney near me?” the answer is likely “Yes!”. Local slip and fall attorneys are adept at navigating the complicated legal structures that you might encounter when pursuing your slip and fall case.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF A SLIP AND FALL LAWSUIT?
The process of a slip and fall lawsuit typically involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that your case is thoroughly examined and fairly resolved. While the specifics can vary depending on your location and the details of your case, here is a general outline of the steps involved:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after the accident, prioritize your health by seeking medical care. Documenting your injuries is crucial for both your recovery and your lawsuit.
2. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer attorney to evaluate your case. They will help determine whether you have a valid claim and advise you on the best course of action. Maize Slater has numerous slip and fall lawsuits with varying degrees of compensation and can help you evaluate your lawsuit.
3. Investigation of the Incident
Your slip and fall attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as:
- Photos or videos of the accident scene.
- Witness statements.
- Medical records.
- Accident reports.
4. Filing the Slip and Fall Lawsuit
If a settlement cannot be reached with the property owner or their insurance company, our slip and fall attorney will file a formal lawsuit. This officially starts the legal process.
5. Discovery Phase
Both parties exchange information through a process known as discovery. This may include:
- Depositions (sworn testimony from involved parties).
- Interrogatories (written questions that must be answered under oath).
- Requests for documents and evidence.
6. Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
Throughout the process, there may be opportunities for settlement negotiations. Our slip and fall lawyer will work to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries. If a settlement is agreed upon, the case can be resolved without going to trial.
7. Trial (if necessary)
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial:
- Both sides will present their evidence and arguments.
- Witnesses may be called to testify.
- The judge or jury will then decide on the outcome of the case and the amount of compensation, if any.
8. Collection of Compensation
If you win the case or reach a settlement, the final step is to collect the compensation. Our slip and fall attorneys are well versed in navigating the logistics and final approvals in these types of cases.
Our slip and fall lawyers are well versed in navigating this process and can help it run smoothly and efficiently so you don’t have to add stress to your injuries.
New Jersey Slip & Fall Lawsuits
Our experienced slip & fall lawyers have had extensive success in litigating personal injury lawsuits from a slip and fall accident. In fact, we have one of the largest New Jersey slip and fall settlements that we are aware of: a $4 million settlement for a woman who tripped on a wire which was placed across the entrance to a store. We also won a $2.5 million slip and fall settlement in which our client suffered severe spinal injuries as a result of slipping on water (terms of the settlement are confidential). In another case, our New Jersey slip and fall attorneys won a $890,000 jury verdict for the widow of an eighty-year-old New Jersey resident who slipped on an icy parking lot outside a grocery store. He suffered spinal injuries that caused him to suffocate and die on the spot in front of his elderly wife. She received compensation for her husband’s pain, suffering, and her loss of his services for her, as well as emotional distress for having to helplessly watch him as he died. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
At the New Jersey law firm of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, our slip and fall lawyers aggressively pursue the rights of slip and fall accident victims.
WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE FROM A SLIP AND FALL LAWSUIT?
When pursuing a slip and fall lawsuit, the compensation you may be entitled to can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Compensation our slip and fall attorneys pursue generally falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Here’s a breakdown of the types of compensation you might receive:
Economic Damages from Slip and Fall Cases
These are quantifiable financial losses that you have incurred as a direct result of the slip and fall accident.
- Medical Expenses – Includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to the slip and fall injury.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for the income you lost due to being unable to work during your recovery. This can also include lost earning capacity if the injury has long-term or permanent effects on your ability to work.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Covers incidental expenses related to the injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications, or hiring help for daily tasks.
Non-Economic Damages Awarded from Slip and Fall Lawsuits
These are more subjective losses that do not have a specific dollar value but significantly impact your quality of life. Our slip and fall lawyers can help you determine which of these applies to your situation and injuries.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured as a result of the injury.
- Emotional Distress – Covers psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress that may have resulted from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injury has prevented you from participating in activities or hobbies you previously enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
HOW MUCH DOES A SLIP AND FALL ATTORNEY NEAR ME COST?
When hiring a slip and fall attorney, the cost is typically structured so that you don’t pay any fees unless you win your case. This arrangement is known as a contingency fee agreement. Under this model, the attorney’s fee is contingent upon successfully securing a settlement or winning a verdict in your favor. If the attorney does not win the case, you generally owe nothing for their services. This helps you feel safe knowing our slip and fall attorneys are working their best for you.
Contact our New Jersey Slip and Fall Attorneys
At Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, our lawyers specialize in protecting the rights of people who were injured in slip and fall accidents. We will fight to recover damages for personal injuries and other losses. Our team of slip and fall attorneys will assess the situation, visit the site, take photos, document your injuries, and provide the most aggressive and effective legal representation. If you or a loved one have been injured please contact our New Jersey slip and fall law firm today. We will respond as soon as possible to discuss your case at no cost to you.
