Slip and fall accidents may be more common than you think. Some slip and fall accidents are minor, leading to aches and pains, and a few bruises. Other slip and fall accidents, however, can be much more severe, leading to painful, broken bones or chronic head, back, and neck pain. Learning the most common causes can help you avoid a painful accident.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident refers to any situation in which a person slips and then falls. A slip and fall accident is a legal phrase that’s often used when discussing premises liability or personal injury cases. Sometimes, slip and fall accidents occur at home. Other times, they happen on public property, such as at a shopping mall or restaurant.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
These are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Uneven floorboards
- Loose rugs or floorboards
- Improperly stored power cords
- Cluttered walkways
- No handrails
- Improper flooring transitions
- Bad weather
- Improper safety practices
- Improperly installed stairs
- Improper ladder use
These are just some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Weather and defective parts are commonly a part of slip and fall accidents.
Who’s Responsible When a Slip and Fall Accident Occurs?
Once you know the cause of a slip and fall accident, you can usually decide who’s at fault. For example, if a person slips and falls on a slippery floor while visiting a mall, the mall is likely to be at fault. Mall employees are required to promptly clean up floor spills. If they mop the floors, then they must put out a sign letting customers know that the floors may be slippery.
Wintry weather is another common cause of slip and fall accidents. As snow and ice melt, people track the liquids indoors. Shop and property owners are expected to take certain steps to ensure their public property is safe for others. Liability can become more difficult to figure out when visiting a private property.
What is Negligence and Why Is It Important?
Negligence is commonly a part of slip and fall accidents. It refers to a person’s failure to do something. This may include a property owner failing to salt the walkways or a store manager not cleaning up a spill quickly. Personal injury lawyers will try to prove negligence when arguing a slip and fall accident in court.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident can be costly. New Jersey allows slip and fall accident victims to recover costs like medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering. Working with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to maximize your case’s compensation. Establishing enough proof is essential when building a slip and fall case.
You need a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of slip and fall cases. You need someone who will conduct the necessary investigation to find out what happened. A personal injury lawyer will also work with the insurance company to get you what you need to recover after a slip and fall accident.
Contact a Pleasantville 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 Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of a slip and fall in Linwood, Pleasantville, Longport, Brigantine, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 957-6810 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.
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.