Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of accidents in New Jersey and across the United States. And while some falls are minor, many lead to serious injuries. Victims of a fall can pursue a claim for compensation by filing a New Jersey personal injury lawsuit. However, bringing a lawsuit on your own can be challenging. In today’s blog post, our Lakewood slip and fall lawyers provide an overview of New Jersey premises liability laws, outline the responsibilities of property owners, and suggest steps to take after a slip and fall accident.
Overview of Slip and Fall Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey premises liability laws govern the legal responsibilities of property owners to keep safe conditions for their guests. These laws are intended to protect people who are legally on someone else’s property, but in some cases, they even provide protection to trespassers. Generally, to succeed in a slip and fall case, you must show that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the premises and that their negligence caused your injuries. Part of this is showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take steps to address it in a timely manner.
Responsibilities of Property Owners in New Jersey
Property owners in New Jersey have a legal duty to ensure visitors are safe from dangerous hazards. Naturally, property owners’ responsibilities vary depending on why the visitor was on their property. New Jersey law classifies all visitors into three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
Invitees are owed the highest duty of care, which includes regular inspections and prompt repairs of potential hazards. An example of an invitee is a customer of a store.
Licensees must be warned of known dangers that are not obvious. Licensees include social guests and other people who are on another’s property for their own benefit.
Trespassers who enter the property without permission are generally owed no duty of care except that the property owner cannot intentionally cause them harm.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you suffer injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health as well as your potential personal injury claim. First, get medical care for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Also, documenting your injuries is essential for your claim.
Next, inform the property owner about the accident as soon as possible and request a written report. Keep this copy for your records. You should also collect evidence from the scene, including photographs of the hazard that caused your fall, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. You’ll also want to hang on to the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident, as they could be considered evidence. Finally, consult a slip and fall attorney promptly to protect your rights and ensure that your case is handled properly.
How an Attorney Can Help with Slip and Fall Injury Claims
A Lakewood slip and fall attorney can play a major role in the outcome of your case. For example, a lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf in hopes of reaching a favorable settlement offer. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Remember, establishing a property negligence requires a thorough investigation, and your attorney will do everything possible to ensure you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Take the Next Step Toward Securing Slip and Fall Accident Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, reach out to the Lakewood personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Bathgate, Wegener, and Wolf P.C. At Bathgate, Wegener, and Wolf, we have over a century of combined experience handling all types of New Jersey personal injury cases, including many slip and fall settlements. We know what it takes to obtain the best possible result in your case and look forward to discussing how we can help you recover financial compensation for what you’ve been through. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call Bathgate, Wegener, and Wolf at 732-363-0666. You can also connect with an attorney by completing our online contact form.
