Liability for New Jersey Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls occur on a daily basis. Some of these slips and falls are minor and may lead to minimal cuts and scrapes. Other falls, however, may lead to sprained or broken bones, head and neck injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries. It’s not always clear who’s responsible when slip and fall accidents occur, but finding out is important.
What is a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident generally occurs when a person slips on a slippery substance, like a wet floor. A trip-and-fall accident occurs when a person trips and falls over an obstacle, like a loose floorboard or broken stairs. In most slip and fall cases, the person falls backward, whereas, in a trip and fall case, most people fall forward.
This may lead to a difference in the injuries sustained. Slip and fall accidents commonly lead to head and neck injuries because this is where the person naturally lands when they fall backward. Trip and fall accidents commonly lead to concussions and wrist and knee injuries because this is how people brace their fall forward, protecting themselves.
Who’s Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident?
It’s not always clear who’s responsible when a slip and fall or trip and fall accident occurs. One important factor when considering responsibility is the location in which you fall. If you’re at home, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to blame anyone if you slip and fall unless a contractor improperly installed your floor or a defective product led to your injury.
If you’re visiting a public property, however, the store owner or property manager may be at-fault if you fall and injure yourself. What caused the slip and fall also makes a difference when it comes to responsibility. If you aren’t paying attention and fall down the stairs, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to blame anyone else. However, if the store owner doesn’t put out a sign notifying you that the floors are wet, they may be to blame.
Slip and fall accidents aren’t commonly cut and dry. For this reason, it’s best to work with a personal injury lawyer if you’re injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall case.
Important Steps to Take After a Fall Accident
You should always receive medical care following any slip and fall or trip and fall accident. The store will also likely encourage you to fill out an accident report. It’s up to you if you do this, but having a record of the fall is usually a good idea. This is also a good time to take any photographs or videos of the dangerous situation. Swap information with anyone who witnessed the accident, too, who may be able to testify on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages in a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Case
Working with a personal injury lawyer to file a slip-and-fall case may help you recover the following costs:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
A personal injury claim can help you deal with the costs of your injury. This can make paying your medical bills and property damages easier while also allowing you to take time off from work to recover.
Contact a Hudson County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured because of a slip and fall in Hudson County, Mercer County, Union County, Nutley, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 947-4670 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue #1 Nutley, NJ 07710, as well as an office in Hamilton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
