A New Jersey slip and fall lawyer handles injury claims involving dangerous conditions on another person's or company's property. An attorney may investigate what caused the fall, determine who controlled the property, examine whether the dangerous condition was known or should have been discovered, gather evidence, evaluate damages, negotiate with insurers, and pursue litigation when appropriate.
Slip and fall accidents may result from many different property hazards, including:
Falls can cause injuries ranging from temporary strains to serious, long-term conditions. Common injuries include:
Dangerous property conditions can exist in many locations, including:
Depending on the property and circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:
Evidence can be especially important because dangerous conditions may be repaired, cleaned, removed, or changed shortly after an accident. Useful evidence may include:
Early legal guidance may be useful when evidence such as surveillance footage or maintenance records needs to be preserved. Consider speaking with a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer when:
When comparing New Jersey slip and fall attorneys, consider:
What must be proven in a slip and fall case?
A claim generally requires more than showing that an accident occurred. Issues may include whether a dangerous property condition existed, whether the responsible party knew or should have known about it, and whether that condition caused the injuries.
What compensation may be available after a slip and fall?
Depending on the claim, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, future treatment costs, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, and other qualifying losses.
What if I was partly responsible for my fall?
New Jersey's comparative negligence rules may reduce compensation when an injured person shares responsibility. The percentage of fault assigned to each party can affect whether and how much may be recovered.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, including most slip and fall cases. Certain circumstances can change the deadline, so it is important to evaluate the claim promptly.
What is the cost of hiring a slip and fall attorney in New Jersey?
Many slip and fall attorneys handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee, meaning the attorney fee is based on the amount recovered rather than being paid upfront. New Jersey court rules regulate contingency fees in personal injury cases, and the exact fee and case costs should be explained in the attorney’s agreement.