®Lodi Slip and Fall Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
A fall on a wet floor or an icy sidewalk can leave you with broken bones, growing bills and no paycheck. The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC is the Lodi slip and fall lawyer team that helps you hold careless property owners accountable.
24/7 Service Available
The owner’s insurance company may already be building a case against you. Adjusters often blame the victim and say you should have watched where you were going.
Waiting only makes things harder. Spills get mopped up, store video gets erased, and the filing deadline keeps running.
Peter N. Davis is a Lodi personal injury lawyer who once worked in insurance defense, so he knows how insurers value fall claims. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured people in over 37 years.
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us online for a free case review today.
What you must prove to win a fall claim
Not every fall leads to a claim. To win, we must show that someone was careless and that their carelessness caused your injury.
New Jersey premises cases rest on four elements:
- Duty of care: The duty depends on why you were on the property. Customers, called invitees, get the most protection, while social guests and trespassers get less.
- Breach of duty: The owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn you. A spill that sat for an hour or a broken step reported weeks ago can show this notice.
- Causation: The hazard must have caused your fall and your injuries. We use photos, video and medical records to connect the two.
- Damages: You must have real losses, such as medical bills, lost pay or pain. We document each one so nothing is left out.
Self-service businesses face a stricter rule. Under the mode-of-operation rule, confirmed by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Prioleau v. Kentucky Fried Chicken (2015), you may not need to prove notice when the hazard comes from customers serving themselves.
Your own share of fault matters too. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, your award drops by your percentage of fault, and you recover nothing if you are more at fault than the parties you sue combined.
Losses a slip and fall claim can cover
A fall claim can cover far more than the emergency room bill. Depending on your case, you may recover:
- Economic damages: These cover hospital care, surgery, physical therapy and lost wages. They also include future costs, like a joint replacement or reduced earning power.
- Non-economic damages: These cover pain, emotional distress, scarring and lost enjoyment of life. A bad fall can take away your independence, and that loss has value.
- Punitive damages: These are rare and need clear and convincing proof of actual malice or wanton and willful disregard under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.12. New Jersey caps them at five times compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater.
The table below shows how fall injuries often compare in value. Every case is different, and these are general ranges, not promises.
| Injury category | Common examples | General value range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor injuries | Bruises, sprains, small cuts treated and released | Lower |
| Fractures and soft tissue tears | Broken wrist or ankle, torn knee ligament, rotator cuff tear | Moderate to higher |
| Injuries needing surgery | Hip fracture, herniated disc with surgery, fractured vertebrae | Higher |
| Permanent or catastrophic injuries | Brain injury with lasting symptoms, spinal cord damage, loss of independence | Often the highest |
Hypothetical scenario: A shopper at a self-service grocery store in Bergen County slips on loose grapes near the produce display and breaks her wrist. Because shoppers handle the loose fruit themselves, the mode-of-operation rule may let her claim go forward without proof of how long the grapes were on the floor.
We do not list fall figures here because past results depend on their own facts. You can review the outcomes we have reached for other injured clients on our case results page.
Additional reading: What is pain and suffering in a New Jersey injury case?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation
If you fell while doing your job, workers’ compensation usually covers your medical care and part of your lost wages. You do not have to prove that your employer was at fault.
Workers’ comp generally bars you from suing your own employer, and it does not pay for pain and suffering. If someone else caused the fall, like the owner of a property you were sent to or a separate contractor, we may bring a third-party claim for your full losses.
Additional reading: The difference between a personal injury and work injury claim
Property owners, landlords, and others who may be responsible
More than one person or company may share the blame for your fall. As your New Jersey slip and fall lawyer, we look at everyone who had a role:
- Private property owners: Homeowners must warn social guests about hidden dangers they know about. Their homeowners insurance usually pays these claims.
- Business owners: Stores, restaurants and gyms must inspect for and fix hazards their customers may face. This includes spills, loose mats and poor lighting.
- Landlords: A landlord must keep shared areas safe, such as lobbies, stairwells and parking lots. A landlord may also be liable for hazards it agreed to repair.
- Property managers: Companies hired to run a building can share the blame when they ignore repair requests. We review management contracts to see who had control.
- Commercial owners next to sidewalks: New Jersey law requires commercial property owners to keep the public sidewalk next to their property in reasonably good repair. This duty includes clearing snow and ice within a reasonable time.
- Snow removal and maintenance contractors: A plowing or cleaning company may be liable if its poor work created the hazard. We check every contract tied to the property.
- Government agencies: The Borough of Lodi, Bergen County and state agencies can be liable for dangerous public property. Under N.J.S.A. 59:4-2, you must show the agency knew or should have known of the hazard and that its failure to act was palpably unreasonable.
Claims against public entities have more limits. Pain and suffering damages are allowed only for a permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement or dismemberment with medical expenses over $3,600, under N.J.S.A. 59:9-2(d).
Homeowners are treated differently from businesses. A homeowner usually is not liable for a fall on the public sidewalk in front of the house unless the owner made the hazard worse.
Hypothetical scenario: A man walking to the bus on a Lodi side street trips on a sidewalk slab pushed up by tree roots in front of a dry cleaner. Because the business sits on commercial property next to that sidewalk, his claim may name the property owner for failing to repair the raised slab.
Additional reading: Am I eligible to file a lawsuit if I was injured on private property?
Our Lodi slip and fall lawyers are ready when you call
We answer calls 24/7, and reaching us is easy:
- Phone: Call (973) 279-7246 any time, day or night.
- Online: Send us your details through our contact page.
- In person: Visit our Lodi office at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Your first consultation with a Lodi slip and fall attorney is free, so reach out today.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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How our Lodi slip and fall law firm builds your premises case
A fall can affect your body, your job and your family. As your Lodi premises liability lawyer team, our slip and fall attorneys in Lodi work to:
- Recover lost wages: We seek the pay you lost while healing and the income you may lose in the future. This matters most for people with physical jobs.
- Get your medical bills covered: We pursue payment for ER care, surgery, rehab and future treatment. Follow-up care is part of your claim, too.
- Recover damaged property: A fall can break glasses, phones, hearing aids or other items you were carrying. We include the cost to repair or replace them.
- Support your emotional recovery: Many fall victims develop a fear of falling again, which limits daily life. We include counseling costs and the toll on your well-being.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: We handle every call and letter with the insurer. We push back when it blames you or offers too little.
- Advocate for you in civil court: If the insurer will not pay a fair amount, we take your case to the Superior Court at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
I had a great experience working with David Ventoso at the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis after my motor vehicle accident. I suffered injuries to my knee and lower back, and Mr. Ventoso along with Carolyn guided me through the entire process from start to finish.
They were always responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me informed, and made everything as stress-free as possible. They also referred me to receive the medical treatment I needed, which made a huge difference during my recovery.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was very pleased with my compensation. I highly recommend this law firm to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney.
Protecting your claim in the days after a fall
Once you are home and the shock wears off, these steps protect your health and your claim:
- Get in touch with our slip and fall lawyer in Lodi, NJ: We can send a letter asking the owner to keep video footage before it is erased. We also track your deadlines from day one.
- Get proper medical care: Some injuries, like concussions and hairline fractures, are easy to miss at first. Hackensack University Medical Center and other area hospitals can run the scans you may need.
- Report the fall in writing: If you fell at a business, ask the manager to make an incident report and request a copy. If you fell on public property, your 90-day notice clock may already be running.
- Write down what you remember: Note the time, the hazard, the lighting and anyone who saw you fall. Details fade fast, even after a few days.
- Stay off social media: Insurers look for posts and photos that suggest you are not hurt. Avoid posting about the fall or your activities.
- Do not accept the first offer: Early offers rarely cover future treatment or lost earning power. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more.
- Be careful with the insurance company: Do not guess about what happened or say you are fine. Do not give a recorded statement until we review your case.
- Keep your bills and receipts: Save every medical bill, pharmacy receipt and mileage note. These records show what the fall has cost you.
Additional reading: How to maximize your chance at fair compensation after an accident
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us before you speak with the property owner’s insurer.
Don't miss the filing deadline for your fall claim
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, you generally have 2 years from the date of your fall to file a lawsuit. If you miss it, the court will likely dismiss your case.
Falls on public property come with a much shorter first deadline. Under N.J.S.A. 59:8-8, you must file a written notice of claim with the public entity within 90 days.
A judge may allow a late notice within one year in extraordinary circumstances under N.J.S.A. 59:8-9. Do not count on it, and call us right away if a town, county or state agency may be involved.
Even in a private property case, waiting can hurt your claim. Store video may be recorded over within days.
Additional reading: How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
Evidence is vital in supporting your Lodi slip and fall claim
Strong proof leads to stronger offers. We start gathering it right away:
- Incident and police reports: Store incident reports and any report from the Lodi Police Department confirm the date, place and conditions. We request them before they are lost.
- Medical records: ER notes, imaging and follow-up visits show how serious your injuries are. They also link your treatment to the fall.
- Eyewitness statements: Shoppers, neighbors and employees can confirm the hazard was there. Their accounts help answer claims that you were careless.
- Photos and video: Security cameras, doorbell cameras and your own photos can show the hazard and the fall itself. We move fast because footage is often deleted.
- Maintenance and inspection logs: Sweep logs, repair requests and cleaning schedules can show how long a hazard was ignored. They help prove the owner had notice.
- Weather records: In snow and ice cases, weather data shows when a storm ended. This timing matters under New Jersey’s ongoing storm rule.
- Proof of lost income: Pay stubs and a note from your employer show the work you missed.
Gathering all of this while you heal is hard. Let us carry that weight so you can focus on getting better.
Hiring a slip and fall lawyer with no upfront fees
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, so if we do not recover money for you, you owe us no fee.
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 caps contingency fees at 33 1/3% of the first $750,000 recovered. That limit protects you, and it means we only win when you do.
The legal steps in a slip and fall claim
Here is how we move your fall case from the first call to the final payment:
- Free case review: We listen to what happened and explain your options. There is no cost and no obligation.
- Preserving evidence: We send letters asking the owner to keep video, logs and incident reports. This stops key proof from disappearing.
- Investigation: We visit the scene, photograph the hazard and talk to witnesses. We may also bring in safety or engineering experts.
- Identifying who is responsible: We find the owner, tenant, manager and any contractors. We also check for public ownership, which triggers the 90-day notice.
- Filing a notice of claim if needed: For public property, we file the notice with the right agency on time. This keeps your right to sue alive.
- Documenting your damages: We wait until your treatment is far enough along to know the full cost. Your doctors may help show your future needs.
- Demand and negotiation: We send the insurer a detailed demand package. Then we push back against low offers.
- Filing a lawsuit: If the insurer will not pay a fair amount, we file in Superior Court before the deadline. Most cases still settle before trial.
- Discovery and trial preparation: We exchange evidence and take sworn testimony from the owner and staff. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
- Resolution: Once your case settles or a jury decides, we walk you through every figure. Then you receive your share.
Call (973) 279-7246 or book your free case review to get started.
What Lodi fall victims get with our attorneys
Our office is right here on Essex Street, and we have served over 18,000 clients. We know Lodi, and we know how insurers and Bergen County courts handle fall claims.
Peter N. Davis began his career in insurance defense. He knows the defenses insurers use to deny fall claims, and he uses that knowledge for you.
When you hire a slip and fall attorney in Lodi from our team, you get someone who answers calls 24/7. We treat every client like our most important case, and you will always know where your claim stands.
Over 37 years helping New Jersey fall victims
Attorney Peter N. Davis is licensed in New Jersey, New York and Colorado. He is also an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor.
Over more than 37 years, our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured people. Our promise is simple: “Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back!”
We also give back to the community we serve. We partner with Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, support Bucket City Basketball in Garfield, and run the Rise Above Scholarship for students.
General information on slip and fall accidents in Lodi
Falls happen all over Lodi, from supermarket aisles to icy steps outside apartment buildings. Here is what local families should know.
Common causes of slips and falls
No public source tracks fall injuries in Lodi alone, but national data shows how serious they are. In 2024, 43,020 people aged 65 and older died from preventable falls, and in 2023 over 3.85 million were treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries.
These are the hazards we see most often:
- Wet or slippery floors: Spills, freshly mopped floors and tracked-in rain are common in stores and restaurants. Owners must clean them up or post clear warnings.
- Snow and ice: Lodi’s code, Section 498-1, requires the owner or tenant of land next to a public sidewalk to clear snow and ice within 24 hours. A homeowner who misses this deadline may face a borough fine, but courts generally do not treat that alone as grounds for an injury claim.
- Storm timing: Under the ongoing storm rule adopted in Pareja v. Princeton International Properties (2021), commercial owners usually do not have to clear snow and ice until a storm ends. Exceptions apply if the owner made the risk worse or a hazard existed before the storm.
- Uneven sidewalks and parking lots: Cracked pavement, potholes and raised slabs cause many trip and falls. Commercial owners must keep them in reasonably good repair.
- Broken or poorly lit stairs: Loose railings, worn treads and burned-out bulbs make stairwells dangerous. Landlords must keep shared stairways safe.
- Loose mats and cords: Curled entry mats and cords across walkways catch feet. They are easy fixes that owners often ignore.
- Cluttered aisles: Boxes and stock left in aisles create trip hazards in busy stores. Employees are supposed to clear them.
Hypothetical scenario: A snowstorm ends overnight, but by the next afternoon a strip mall owner still has not salted the walkway in front of its shops. A customer who slips on that ice may have a claim, since the ongoing storm rule no longer protects an owner once the storm is over.
Injuries we see most often after falls
Falls cause serious harm, especially for older adults. The CDC reports that more than one in four older people falls each year, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries for older adults.
These are the injuries our clients most often face:
- Broken bones: Wrists, ankles and arms often break when a person tries to catch a fall. Falls cause 88% of hip fracture emergency visits and hospital stays for adults 65 and older.
- Head and brain injuries: Striking the floor or a step can cause a concussion or a more serious brain injury. Headaches and memory problems may show up days later.
- Back and spinal injuries: A hard landing can cause herniated discs or fractured vertebrae. Some of these injuries need surgery.
- Knee and shoulder injuries: Torn ligaments and rotator cuff tears are common after a twisting fall. They can take months of therapy to heal.
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries: Ankle and wrist sprains are common, even in minor falls. Some lead to long-term pain or weakness.
- Cuts and bruises: Falls onto broken glass, metal edges or rough pavement can cause deep cuts. Some leave lasting scars.
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
Contact a Lodi slip and fall accident lawyer for help today
You did not choose to fall, but you can choose who fights for you next. Call (973) 279-7246 any time, or send us a message online.
Talk to our Lodi slip and fall lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case review.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I fell at a friend's or relative's home?
Yes, in many cases, because these claims are usually paid by the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not by your friend or relative personally. We handle these cases with care and respect, so you can cover your medical bills and lost pay without damaging a close relationship.
Should I keep the shoes and clothes I wore when I fell?
Yes, so store the shoes and clothing you wore in a bag, and do not wash, repair or throw them away. Insurers often claim worn soles or unsafe footwear caused the fall, and the items themselves can show good tread, stains from a spill or damage from the hazard.
Will my health insurance or Medicare be repaid from my settlement?
It depends on who paid your bills, because Medicare, Medicaid and some employer health plans can have a lien, which is a legal right to be repaid from your settlement for fall-related care. We confirm each lien amount, challenge unrelated charges and negotiate reductions where the law allows.
Can my family file a claim if a loved one died after a fall?
Yes, New Jersey allows a wrongful death claim and a survival claim when a fall leads to a death, even weeks later. These claims can cover funeral costs, lost financial support and the pain your loved one suffered before passing, and strict filing deadlines apply.
What if I fell at a church or other nonprofit?
It depends on why you were there, because New Jersey’s Charitable Immunity Act can bar claims by people who benefit from a nonprofit’s work, such as worshippers attending a service. Visitors who were not beneficiaries may still have a claim, and we can review your situation for free.