Clifton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents can result from hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, leading to unexpected, serious injuries and financial burdens for those involved. When injuries occur due to unsafe conditions that could have been prevented, property owners may be held accountable for their negligence.

The Clifton slip and fall accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP provide legal guidance to clients injured in slip and fall accidents. With years of experience handling premises liability claims, our team has helped many individuals pursue fair compensation. We offer insight into how property owners’ responsibilities and negligence laws impact cases in New Jersey and can fight to get you fair compensation for your injuries.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Taking immediate steps following a slip and fall accident can help protect your right to seek compensation:

• Prioritize seeking medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, they should be evaluated by a medical professional, as some symptoms may appear later.
• Reporting the incident to the property owner or manager and requesting a written record is another key step.
• Do not admit fault at any time.
• Documentation of injuries will also serve as critical evidence. Take photographs of the hazardous condition, such as a wet floor or broken step, to demonstrate the property owner’s failure to address safety risks.
• Gather contact information from witnesses who observed the accident or the hazardous condition. This may strengthen your claim.
• Organize all relevant records, including medical bills and correspondence with the property owner.

What Are Examples of Dangerous Property Conditions?

Here is a short list of potentially dangerous property conditions:

• Wet or icy walkways
• Cracks on walkways
• Unsecured or torn carpeting
• Foods, liquids, and other slipping hazards on floors
• Walkways blocked by product displays
• Poor lighting
• Defective or missing handrails and guardrail railings

Who Is Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents?

Responsibility for a slip and fall accident depends on several factors, such as where the accident occurred and whether the property owner was aware of the hazard. In New Jersey, property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for individuals lawfully on their premises. If a hazardous condition existed and the owner knew or should have known about it but failed to address it, they could be held liable for injuries.

The type of property—residential, commercial, or public—also influences liability. Commercial property owners must inspect and maintain their premises regularly, while residential property owners may be held accountable if they neglect known hazards. In cases involving public property, liability may rest with a government entity, and filing deadlines or procedural requirements may apply.

How Can Negligence Be Proven in a Slip and Fall Case?

To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, claimants must demonstrate that the property owner failed to uphold their legal duty to maintain a safe environment. This involves showing that the hazardous condition existed and that the property owner knew or should have known about it. Evidence like maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can establish the owner’s awareness of the hazard.

A key element of negligence claims is proving causation. This means establishing that the hazardous condition directly caused the injuries sustained. Medical records, photographs of the scene, and testimony from individuals familiar with the condition of the property can be used to connect the injuries to the unsafe condition.

Additionally, it must be shown that the injured individual was lawfully on the property at the time of the accident. Our Clifton slip and fall accident lawyers can explain how they gather evidence to prove negligence and causation for slip and fall accident clients.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Slip and Fall Accident Injuries?

Individuals injured in slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment, can often be recovered.
• Compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity may also be available if injuries prevent an individual from working temporarily or permanently.
• In addition to financial losses, damages for pain and suffering may be awarded to account for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• In cases where the property owner’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be considered.

The amount and type of compensation depend on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the degree of negligence involved. Our Clifton slip and fall accident lawyers can investigate every potential source of compensation for your damages.

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

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident. Filing within this time frame is necessary to preserve your right to seek compensation.

However, waiting too long to pursue a claim may result in losing the opportunity to recover damages. Bear in mind that your claim’s timeline can be affected by delays and other roadblocks; we recommend consulting our Clifton slip and fall accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident.

What Challenges Might Arise in Slip and Fall Cases?

New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state. So, if a court finds you partly to blame for the accident, they assign a percentage. Your damages will be reduced by that amount; if it is 50% or more, you will not be entitled to any damages.

Other issues might include obtaining evidence to prove negligence and demonstrating the long-term impact of the injuries sustained. Gathering documentation, such as medical records and photographs, early in the process can help address these challenges. Our skilled Clifton slip and fall accident lawyers can challenge arguments raised by property owners or insurers.

Experienced Clifton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Are Committed to Protecting Your Rights

If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. For a free consultation, contact the Clifton slip and fall accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP. Call our East Orange, New Jersey, office at 973-675-8277 or submit our online contact form today. We proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.