Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most common claims in premises liability lawsuits. Premises liability law involves the legal responsibility of owners and occupiers of property for mishaps experienced by persons on the property and the resulting injuries. One of the most common causes of such injuries is a trip or slip and fall, such as on an icy sidewalk, a loose or uneven stair tread, or a piece of debris or spilled liquid on the floor.
When property owners fail to keep their buildings, parking lots and walkways safe and secure, they create a risk of injury. In some situations, landlords and property owners must maintain safety standards based on codes set forth by the local government. Failing to do so can make them responsible for the injuries you suffer as a result of violations of these safety standards. As a customer in a store or shopping center, a resident in a building, or a pedestrian on the street, you are at risk everyday of becoming injured as a result of a property owner’s negligence. While these accidents cause particularly grievous injuries for the elderly and disabled, they can happen to anyone of any age. If you have fallen and been injured on someone else’s property, you should:
Seek Medical Help for Your Slip and Fall Injuries. If you suffer a slip and fall or a trip and fall, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. In the case of severe injuries, an ambulance should be summoned for emergency transport to a hospital.
Determine the Hazard That Caused Your Slip and Fall. Take Photos. In order to have a viable slip and fall (or trip and fall) claim, it is necessary to identify the dangerous condition or hazard that caused you to slip and fall. Time is of the essence in preserving the evidence at the site of your fall. Therefore, do what is reasonably necessary to take photos.
Report the Slip and Fall Accident. If you suffer your slip and fall injury in any commercial establishment, such as a store, a supermarket, or a mall, you should report the slip and fall accident to management right there and then. It is very important to document your slip and fall accident in this way. Incident reports contain useful information about the accident, including the date and time of the slip and fall, the names of witnesses, and the circumstances of the injury. Most importantly, incident reports help establish that the slip and fall accident actually occurred, preventing a property owner from later claiming that the incident never took place.
Contact a Reputable New Jersey Trip and Fall Attorney. Time is of the essence after a slip and fall (or a trip and fall) accident, so you should protect your rights by immediately contacting a reputable slip and fall attorney. A prompt investigation is vital to a successful slip and fall claim.