Atlantic County Slip and Fall Lawyers

Unexpected, serious slip and fall accidents can happen in a variety of settings, from grocery stores and restaurants to sidewalks and private properties. Those affected may suffer significant injuries that lead to considerable medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical challenges. New Jersey law allows those injured in slip and fall incidents to seek compensation if the accident was caused by a property owner’s negligent actions.

Holding responsible parties accountable requires legal guidance and knowledge of premises liability laws. The Atlantic County slip and fall lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC have experience handling these cases and can provide legal representation if you are seeking fair compensation.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can be caused by various hazardous conditions.

• Wet or slippery floors are among the leading causes, particularly in grocery stores, malls, and restaurants. That can happen when spills are not promptly cleaned up or there are no warning signs.
• Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, and parking lots can also increase the risk of falls by making obstacles difficult to see.
• Uneven surfaces, such as broken sidewalks, potholes, or torn carpeting, can contribute to slip and fall accidents.
• In some cases, weather-related hazards such as ice and snow accumulate on walkways, creating dangerous conditions when not properly maintained.

Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition to prevent accidents. When they fail to do so, injured individuals may have grounds for a claim.

What Injuries are Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can cause mild to severe injuries:

• Fractures: Broken wrists, hips, or ankles often result from the impact of the fall.
• Head Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries can occur if the head strikes the ground or another object.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments may cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs or spinal damage can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
• Cuts and Bruises: Skin abrasions, bruising, and knee injuries are also common.

How Is Liability Determined in a Slip and Fall Case?

Determining liability in a slip and fall case requires demonstrating that the property owner or manager was negligent in maintaining safe conditions. This involves showing that they were aware of or should have been aware of the hazard and failed to take appropriate action. Evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements can be useful in establishing liability.

The status of the injured individual on the property also plays a role in determining liability. Business owners owe a higher duty of care to customers than they do to trespassers. However, even trespassers may have legal rights if the property owner created a hazardous condition that was intentionally harmful. Our Atlantic County slip and fall lawyers can explain this to you in more detail, focusing on your reason for being on the property.

What Compensation Is Available for Slip and Fall Injuries?

Compensation in a slip and fall case can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Medical costs may include emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
• If the injury results in missed work, lost income can be included in the claim.
• Pain and suffering damages account for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• In some cases, individuals may also seek compensation for diminished earning capacity if their injuries prevent them from returning to their previous line of work.

Property owners and their insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, making legal representation important in pursuing fair compensation. The Atlantic County slip and fall lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can evaluate the value of your claim and advocate for appropriate financial recovery.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Taking certain steps after a slip and fall accident can help protect your legal rights. Request medical attention first, even if you are not showing or feeling any injury symptoms. Some conditions, like head injuries or soft tissue damage, may not present immediate symptoms but can lead to complications over time.

Reporting the incident to the property owner, store manager, or landlord is also important. This creates a record of the accident; find out how to obtain a copy. Documenting the scene by taking photographs of the hazardous condition, injuries, and the surrounding area can provide critical evidence for a claim.

Obtaining witness contact information can also be beneficial, as their statements may support your case. We suggest contacting our Atlantic County slip and fall lawyers early in the process, so we can advise you on the appropriate steps to strengthen your claim.

Is it Hard to Get Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Obtaining compensation for a slip and fall accident can be challenging, depending on the circumstances. Property owners are not automatically liable for injuries that occur on their premises. To recover damages, an injured party must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. This typically requires showing:

• That a hazardous condition existed.
• The owner knew or should have known about it.
• The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
• Your slip and fall accident was directly related to the hazardous condition.

Insurance companies often dispute claims, arguing that the injured person was at fault or that the hazard was not significant. Legal guidance may be helpful when dealing with complex liability issues or uncooperative insurers. While some cases settle, others may require litigation to reach a fair outcome, and our team can skillfully represent you in court. The strength of the evidence and applicable state laws will impact the likelihood of receiving compensation.

Let the Experienced Atlantic County Slip and Fall Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Fight to Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident caused by hazardous conditions, contact the Atlantic County slip and fall lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. Our team can fight to hold the negligent party accountable. To learn more, call our Manasquan or Brick, New Jersey office at 732-920-8383 or complete our online form. We serve clients across the state.