Brick Slip and Fall Lawyers
All property owners in New Jersey have a legal responsibility to maintain their property and take immediate steps to address any hazardous conditions on the premises that could increase the risk of a slip and fall injury. A wide range of hazards can cause a slip and fall accident, from wet floors and icy parking lots to defective flooring and insufficient lighting. Unfortunately, when a negligent property owner fails to maintain the premises or make the necessary repairs, this can increase the risk of a serious, yet preventable, slip and fall accident. If you suffered a serious slip and fall injury, and you believe that the property owner’s negligence caused the accident, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced Brick slip and fall lawyer at your earliest convenience.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall accident will likely happen if a property owner fails to take the necessary steps to ensure the property is safe and free of potential hazards. The following are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Wet Floors: This is one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. If spills are not cleaned up promptly, or the necessary warning signs are not displayed, a slip and fall accident is more likely to occur. These types of accidents often occur in places like grocery stores, restaurants, and public restrooms, where spills are common.
- Uneven Surfaces: When sidewalks, tiles, flooring, and other surfaces are not properly maintained or repaired, if they become loose or uneven, this is a significant slip and fall hazard.
- Structural Damage: If a property is not maintained, there is a risk of significant structural damage, which can cause slip and fall accidents. Leaking pipes or roofs can cause slippery floors; damaged carpeting and loose floorboards or tiles can cause unexpected trips and falls.
- Lack of Warning Signs: If a property owner or property management company is aware of a potential hazard, they must place proper signage alerting patrons until they can fix the issue. For example, if the floors are being cleaned and waxed, the property owner must place signs notifying patrons that the floors were recently cleaned and are likely to be slippery.
- Weather: While property owners cannot control the weather that causes their sidewalks or parking lot to be covered in snow or ice, they are expected to take the necessary steps to address the issue, like plowing and salting the parking lot.
- Cluttered Walkways: There is an increased risk of a slip and fall accident when electrical cords, boxes, tools, and other debris clutter walkways. Property owners are responsible for removing these items and ensuring the walkways are clean and free of clutter.
- Poor Lighting: Property owners are also responsible for ensuring that the areas where people walk are well-lit. Poorly lit stairwells, parking lots, sidewalks, and other walkways become a slip and fall hazard if the areas are not properly lit.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident in Brick?
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, the following are the most important steps you need to take to ensure that you receive immediate medical attention and that you recover the financial compensation you deserve:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Whether you suffered minor cuts and scrapes or a more serious injury, you must be examined by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will assess the severity of your injuries and recommend the best course of treatment.
- Report the accident. Notify the property owner that you were injured in a slip and fall accident. If the accident occurred in a store or a restaurant, ask the manager for an incident report form. Get the contact information for the property manager and owner, including the property owner’s insurance information.
- Take photos of the scene. If you can do so, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries, including the safety hazard that caused you to fall.
- Talk to witnesses. If there were witnesses who saw the accident, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
- Avoid social media. While it may be tempting to post information about your injury on social media, it is highly recommended that you avoid posting any details about the accident. Insurance companies can access your social media accounts and use your own words against you. For example, they may find a picture of you out to dinner with friends and argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you are able to go out to dinner.
- Contact an experienced Brick slip and fall lawyer. While you can file a claim on your own, it is in your best interest to hire a slip and fall lawyer who can determine who is liable for the accident, hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries, and help you recover the damages that you are entitled to receive. In addition, your lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires, which is two years from the date of the accident.
What Damages Can I Receive if I Am Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents can cause a range of injuries, from broken bones and lacerations to head injuries and spinal cord injuries, depending on the severity of the accident. A successful claim may help you recover the following damages:
- All medical expenses associated with your injury
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages if your injury prevents you from being able to return to work
- Pain and suffering
The Brick Slip and Fall Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Represent Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident, do not hesitate to contact the Brick slip and fall lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. If the accident was caused by unsafe or hazardous conditions that the property owner failed to address, we will hold them liable for your injuries and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-906-1500 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison, New Jersey, where we serve clients throughout the state.