Our Experienced Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Help Individuals and Their Families Seek Fair and Appropriate Compensation Following a Slip and Fall Accident in Lodi, New Jersey
Whether you’re visiting a friend, going to the store or a restaurant, or even just walking on the sidewalk, the owner or manager of the premises often has a responsibility to provide you with a reasonable degree of safety. Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, requiring extensive therapy and causing significant disruption to one’s life. If you get hurt because the person responsible for maintaining an area failed in their responsibilities, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and related losses. An experienced Lodi, New Jersey slip and fall lawyer can protect your rights and seek the compensation you need.
At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC, we understand the complexities of premises liability law and work tirelessly to help New Jersey injury victims pursue insurance claims and seek fair compensation. With a deep understanding of New Jersey’s legal landscape, Peter N. Davis is prepared to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need so you can focus on your recovery and your future.
Slip and fall cases can be tricky, so it’s important to have an experienced Lodi, NJ, slip and fall lawyer properly assess your case and guide you through a legal strategy to pursue full compensation for your losses. Schedule a free consultation by calling Peter N. Davis and Associates today at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 or fill out our online form to discuss your case and your options.
Key Takeaways
- Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries and financial hardship for victims
- The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC offers experienced legal representation for slip and fall cases in Lodi and throughout New Jersey
- Prompt action after an accident is necessary to protect your health and legal rights
- Victims have two years from the accident date to file a claim in New Jersey
- The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC offers free consultations to review your slip and fall case details and guide your legal strategy
Common Slip and Fall Injuries: Did This Happen to You?
Many people associate a slip and fall with minor injuries, like a skinned knee. In truth, these accidents can cause severe and even life-threatening injuries, often leading to financial hardship for victims and their families. If you’ve suffered these or any other serious injuries, you may have legal options available:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Back or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Torn Muscles or Ligaments
- Broken or Fractured Bones
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Loss of Feeling in Limbs or Paralysis
Request a free consultation with The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis, & Associates, LLC so our Lodi, New Jersey personal injury lawyer team can assess your case and build your legal strategy.
We Know You’re Hurting After a Slip and Fall Injury
When a slip and fall goes beyond a bump and bruise, you can face injuries that turn your entire life upside down. From soft tissue injuries to paralysis, a slip and fall injury can render you unable to work and perform everyday activities. If this has happened to you or someone you love, we know you’re hurting, and we’re here to help.
You could be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, your pain and suffering, and your lost wages. Sadly, seeking that compensation can be easier said than done, especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries. That’s where our Lodi, NJ slip and fall lawyers at The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC come in. Whether you’ve been injured in Lodi, Paterson, or anywhere in New Jersey, our personal injury lawyers are here to handle the legal process for you so you can focus on your recovery. We can review your case details and build your legal strategy during a free case evaluation.
What To Do Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Lodi, New Jersey
After experiencing a slip-and-fall accident in Lodi, New Jersey, taking the right immediate actions is important for protecting your health and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeking a medical evaluation right after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical report will serve as crucial evidence for your claim.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident and request a written incident report. This documentation can support your claim by providing an official account of the event.
- Document the Scene: Capture photos and videos of the accident scene, including any hazards like wet floors or poor lighting. Collect contact information from witnesses who can corroborate your account.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or footwear worn during the accident, as they might be relevant to proving liability. Maintain the medical records and receipts related to your treatment.
- Avoid Social Media Discussions: Refrain from posting about the accident on social media, as these posts can be used against you in legal proceedings.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Engage a lawyer experienced in New Jersey slip and fall cases to guide you through the legal process and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Understand Legal Deadlines: Be aware of the two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. If the accident occurred on government property, additional notice requirements may apply.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters without consulting your attorney, as these can be used to undermine your claim.
The Importance of Promptly Seeking Appropriate Medical Attention
Seeking prompt medical attention after a slip-and-fall accident in Lodi, New Jersey is a priority for both health and legal reasons. Immediate treatment not only provides proper care for injuries, but also creates valuable evidence for potential liability insurance claims or trials.
Timely medical records can establish a clear link between the accident and injuries that could impact a victim’s ability to earn wages.
Collecting and Preserving Evidence in a Slip-and-Fall Case
Prioritize collecting and preserving evidence when you will need to pursue a slip-and-fall case in Lodi, New Jersey. Victims should document the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that led to their fall, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces. This evidence can help establish liability and support claims for injuries, including those affecting bones or leading to head injuries.
Key steps in collecting and preserving evidence include:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Taking photographs of the scene | Document hazardous conditions |
| Gathering witness information | Corroborate accident details |
| Collecting incident reports | Establish official record of the event |
| Preserving clothing and footwear | Demonstrate condition at time of fall |
Were You Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey?
If you were hurt after falling at your favorite restaurant or store, in a parking lot, or at another public or private place, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Let the experienced injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC fight for you!
Help Is Just a Call Away
Accessing the legal help you need is easy. Just pick up the phone and give us a call. You don’t even have to leave your home.
You Need to Be Paid For Your Injuries and Losses After a Slip and Fall
You have rights, and you need to be compensated for your losses.
No Cost Unless We Win
We work on a contingency-fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs and no fees at all unless we win your case.
What Compensation Can I Seek for a Lodi, New Jersey Slip and Fall Injury?
The first question almost every personal injury lawyer hears during a case review is, “How much is my case worth?” While we cannot answer with specific numbers until we look at your case, we can give you some idea of the types of compensation you may be able to pursue during your free case evaluation. The list of injuries or losses for which a plaintiff seeks monetary compensation in an injury claim are called damages.
Types of Damages You May Be Able To Seek Following a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Lodi, New Jersey
Victims of slip-and-fall accidents in Lodi, New Jersey may seek various types of damages to compensate them for their injuries and losses, leading to potential claims for both economic damages and non-economic damages.
- Economic Damages: These are concrete monetary expenses, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
- Non-economic Damages: These are more subjective losses, like pain and suffering or reduced quality of life.
The risk of serious injuries in slip-and-fall accidents underscores the importance of pursuing fair compensation to cover both current and future expenses related to the incident, holding property owners liable for failing to maintain safe premises.
New Jersey law provides robust protections for slip-and-fall victims. An experienced attorney at The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, helping to identify and pursue potential damages in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Medical Expenses for a Slip and Fall Claim in Lodi, New Jersey
The most straightforward type of compensation you can seek is money for your medical bills.
Medical bills can include:
- Expenses from your visits to the doctor
- Medications
- Medical procedures like physical therapy and surgeries
- Transportation to and from your medical appointments
- Other expenses related to medical care
Lost Wages for a New Jersey Slip and Fall Claim
Many injured people in New Jersey also seek compensation for their lost wages. This includes wages that you haven’t been able to earn since you were injured or in recovery.
If you are permanently or temporarily disabled from your injuries, this could also include the wages you would have earned in the future that you won’t earn due to your continued injury.
Identifying Non-economic Damages: Other Losses and Injuries from a Slip and Fall Accident
Non-economic damages are often “invisible injuries.” Although they may not show physical damage or lead to bills for specific medical expenses, they can still heavily affect a person’s life in visible ways. These types of damages are more subjective and related to an injury victim’s life experience on an emotional and social level.
These damages can include losses such as:
- Emotional trauma
- Damage to your relationships like loss of consortium and loss of comfort or companionship
- Loss of your ability to enjoy life
- PTSD
- Mood swings
- Pain and suffering
- … and other emotional damages like that are not as easy to assign financial value.
Understanding what compensation you may be able to seek can become very confusing. It takes a knowledgeable, qualified, and experienced Northern New Jersey attorney to seek the maximum possible compensation under the law. That’s why our personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC are here. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for our clients over our many years of business. Contact us today and request a free consultation so we can fight for you, too!
Who Is Responsible for Your Fall?
Slip and fall accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Many times they are avoidable if the person in charge of the premises does their part to protect visitors.
When you visit someone else’s property, the tenant, manager, or property owner has a responsibility to provide a reasonably safe environment. If they fail to properly address the situation or properly warn visitors of the hazard when a potentially dangerous situation arises — like ice, a spill, or loose carpet — they may be held liable if you fall and were hurt as a consequence.
Determining Fault for a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey
Determining fault in a slip and fall accident in New Jersey requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, but victims must also exercise reasonable care.
To establish liability, the victim must prove that:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition
- The property owner or manager failed to address the hazard
This can include evidence of negligent maintenance, inadequate warnings, or failure to repair known dangers. Factors such as inadequate lighting, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained sidewalks can contribute to accidents and related injuries.
If you suffered injuries because the owner or manager of the property failed to prevent your injury caused by a hazard they should have known about, then you may have a valid New Jersey slip and fall claim.
New Jersey’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule Can Threaten Your Slip & Fall Claim
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that the victim’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident. Additionally, an injury victim deemed over 50% at fault is ineligible for compensation.
The court will assess the actions of both the property owner and the injured party to determine the degree of responsibility for each. For example, if you’re found to be 30 percent at fault for your fall, any compensation for which you might be eligible would likely be reduced by 30 percent.
Elements or Steps to Prove Your Slip and Fall Claim in New Jersey
Proving a slip and fall claim in New Jersey requires victims to demonstrate several key elements:
- Duty of care: The property owner had a responsibility to prevent injury to the victim
- Breach of duty: The property owner negligently failed to uphold their duty of care
- Cause: This breach directly caused the victim’s injuries
In cases involving falls at a grocery store or other retail establishment, it’s essential to demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it promptly.
Victims must also prove the extent of their damages, including medical bills, lost income, and impact on their health. This process often involves gathering evidence, such as photographs of the hazardous condition and witness statements, which can be powerful in a negotiation or trial.
An experienced slip and fall personal injury attorney can help victims navigate these complexities and build a strong case to seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
The Process To Seek Compensation If You Were Injured on Someone Else’s Property in New Jersey
If you were seriously hurt after a slip and fall on someone else’s property, The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC will fight for your right to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. Below, we’ll address the next steps in the process.
Request Your Free Case Review
Give us a call at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 or fill out our online form to request a free case review. You don’t even have to leave your home!
- We can review your case on the phone.
- We can come to you.
- Or, we can even have an online video chat.
Whatever is comfortable and convenient for you, we can accommodate.
Gathering Evidence for Your New Jersey Slip and Fall Case
Next, we need to build your case. It’s important that we collect evidence to strengthen your case when we pursue a settlement for you because New Jersey uses a concept called “modified comparative negligence.” Under this New Jersey law, the amount of responsibility you share in causing the slip and fall accident cannot be greater than that of the person who caused your injuries.
In simple terms, this just means that:
- Any settlement you may receive would be reduced by the percentage of responsibility you hold.
- If you are 50% or more responsible for the accident, you won’t be eligible for compensation.
That means if you are 10% responsible, you would only be eligible for 90% of the final settlement value. If you are 51% responsible for the slip and fall, then you are not eligible for compensation. This gives the other side a strong motivation to seek to prove that your own actions led to your injuries.
For these reasons, we must gather enough evidence to support a strong case for you. We will put together witness testimony, medical records, documents, photographs of the scene, doctors’ testimony, and even journals that you keep of your struggles. We will work closely with you to gather various types of evidence to support your case while seeking to minimize your degree of fault.
Negotiating a Slip and Fall Settlement
This is the part of your case that can take a long time, but we ask for your patience and we will keep you informed and involved as much as you like the entire time.
The negotiation process consists of the following:
- First, we will issue a letter to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. In this letter, we will outline how much your settlement is worth, and why we think you need that amount.
- Next, they will respond — usually with a lowball offer — and they will pick apart our demand letter.
- From there begins a back-and-forth process that can sometimes take months as we negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC, we have been advocating for injured New Jerseyans for decades, so you can trust that we will be advocating for you every step of the way.
Potential For a Slip and Fall Court Case in Lodi, New Jersey
No matter how hard we work to negotiate your settlement, sometimes negotiations break down and we must go to court. Going to court is extremely rare for slip and fall cases because court cases tend to be long, drawn-out, and expensive. We will only advise going to court if we cannot negotiate the fair settlement you truly need.
If we do have to go to court, however, be assured that we will be your loyal advocate. We’ve been fighting insurance companies since 1989, and we are ready to stand up for your rights.
Preventing Delays of a Slip and Fall Settlement Check
Once a settlement is reached, our team will work to prevent any delays in coordinating the settlement check. We understand how important this settlement is as you heal from your injuries, so we will help you access the money you need promptly following your acceptance of a settlement offer.
Common Slip-and-Fall Locations and Scenarios in Lodi, New Jersey
Slip and fall accidents can occur in various locations throughout Lodi, New Jersey. Common sites of slip and fall accidents include:
- Grocery stores
- Shopping malls
- Restaurant
- Office buildings
- Nursing homes
- Apartment complexes
These incidents often occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways.
During winter months in New Jersey, snow and ice pose significant hazards for pedestrians. Property owners have a responsibility to clear sidewalks and parking lots promptly to prevent accidents. Failure to address these winter-related hazards can lead to serious injuries and potential liability.
Other slip and fall scenarios in Lodi may involve poorly lit stairways, broken handrails, or hidden obstacles in public spaces. Property owners and managers must maintain safe premises to protect visitors from potential hazards.
Here’s a breakdown of common slip and fall locations and their associated risks:
| Location | Common Hazards |
|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | Wet floors, spills |
| Sidewalks | Snow, ice, uneven surfaces |
| Office Buildings | Loose carpets, poor lighting |
| Restaurants | Spilled food, slippery floors |
These hazards can lead to common injuries such as bruises, sprains, fractures, head injuries, broken bones, back injuries, soft tissue damage, wrist fractures, or hip injuries. Some of these injuries can be severe and affect your ability to do the things you love for the rest of your life. Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you seek the compensation you need in these circumstances.
The Statute of Limitations for a Slip-and-Fall Claim in Lodi, New Jersey
Victims of slip-and-fall accidents should consult with an experienced attorney promptly to protect their rights. Waiting too long to file a claim can cause you to lose the right to seek compensation for injuries and related expenses.
In Lodi, New Jersey, individuals who have suffered a slip-and-fall accident must be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim. The law generally allows victims two years from the date of the incident to initiate legal proceedings. This time limit applies to various types of injuries, which may require extensive physical therapy and impact a person’s employment.
While property owners have a duty of care to maintain safe premises, and failure to do so can lead to liability for accidents. However, determining fault in slip-and-fall cases can be complex, often requiring thorough investigation and expert testimony. This can take significant time, and it is important to start immediately to take advantage of fleeting evidence and witness recollections.
Here’s a breakdown of key information regarding the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall claims in Lodi, New Jersey:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | 2 years from date of accident |
| Exceptions | Minor victims, government entities |
| Consequences of Missing Deadline | Loss of right to seek compensation |
| To Protect a Slip and Fall Injury Claim | Consult a personal injury attorney promptly |
The Importance of Trial Experience When Choosing a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
Selecting a slip-and-fall lawyer with extensive trial experience is a significant consideration for victims seeking fair compensation in Lodi, New Jersey. An attorney’s courtroom knowledge and skills can significantly impact a case dealing with complex premises liability issues:
- Experienced trial lawyers can effectively present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and highlight the legal intricacies of slip-and-fall accidents in supermarkets or other public spaces.
- Personal injury lawyers with trial experience can also assess the likelihood of success in court to strengthen negotiations with insurance companies, often winning better settlements for their clients when dealing with accidents on commercial premises, where property owners may attempt to avoid liability.
- Our trial-savvy attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis also understand the nuances of contract law and how it relates to premises liability cases. We can interpret lease agreements, maintenance contracts, and other legal documents that may impact the determination of fault in a slip-and-fall accident.
This comprehensive legal knowledge allows us to build stronger cases as we advocate for our clients’ rights and interests.
How Can a Premises Liability Attorney Help After a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey?
While property owners are responsible for the safety of their visitors, proving a slip and fall claim involves fulfilling many requirements.
You have to be able to prove that:
- Your slip and fall accident was caused by someone else’s failure to address a dangerous situation
- The dangerous condition existed for long enough that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about it
- The property owner or manager failed to take reasonable action to keep people safe
In the state of New Jersey, the law of modified comparative negligence says that if you share a percentage of responsibility for your accident, your compensation may be reduced by that percentage, and if you were over 50% at fault you would not be eligible for any compensation.
Therefore, you also need to prove that you didn’t cause the accident — or that your contribution to the cause of the accident was minimal.
Our skilled personal injury attorneys in Lodi, New Jersey can provide invaluable assistance throughout your slip and fall case by:
- Assessing the value of the slip and fall case during a free consultation
- Building a tailored and comprehensive legal strategy
- Gathering and analyzing evidence from the scene of your fall
- Properly accounting for the scope of your damages
- Interviewing witnesses to support your claim
- Working with medical experts to document the full extent of the injuries
- Negotiating with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement
- Preparing and filing necessary legal documents ahead of the statute of limitations
- Representing you in court if a trial becomes necessary
These steps and requirements illustrate why you need to have the right premises liability lawyer on your side. A personal injury lawyer experienced with slip and fall cases and New Jersey premises liability laws can protect your rights and build your case to show that the other party was at fault for your injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in a fall on someone else’s property and need help with your case, don’t wait to contact The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC for the help that you need.
Schedule a Free Consultation with The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC in Lodi, New Jersey to Plan the Legal Strategy for Your Slip and Fall Accident Case
The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC offers free consultations to individuals who have experienced slip and fall accidents in Lodi, New Jersey. During these consultations, experienced slip & fall attorneys in NJ review the details of each case.
We can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your slip and fall accident case, providing guidance on your legal options and potential compensation for your injuries and losses. Our slip & fall attorney team will address your questions and outline a tailored legal strategy. Your free case evaluation is your opportunity to learn the right next steps to seek the money you need following a slip and fall injury in New Jersey.
Schedule a free consultation today with The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC by calling (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 or filling out our online form. We are committed to helping you make informed decisions with a cohesive legal strategy to pursue your physical and financial recovery.
Our goal is to protect your rights and seek justice for you
