Slip and falls accidents are among the most common cause of accidental injury in the United States, resulting in some 8.9 million emergency department visits each year. Like other preventable accidents in New Jersey, if you can establish that your slip and fall accident was caused by the negligence of a property owner or tenant responsible for the maintenance of the property, you will likely be able to recover compensation for your losses.
Negligence has a very specific in meaning in personal injury law and determining whether it was the cause of an accident usually requires legal training. Here are some signs that you will probably be able to obtain compensation for your injuries.
An insurance company (or the at-fault party) is offering you money
One of the more obvious signs that your accident was caused by negligence is that the owner of the property where your accident occurred or his or her insurance company immediately offers you a settlement offer. This kind of conduct may indicates that they are aware of the fact that they are liable for your injuries and are taking steps to limit their liability. Sometimes, liable parties will try and settle with you before you talk to an attorney, as many victims do not know how much their case is actually worth. For this reason, always talk a lawyer before accepting any money after an accident.
The accident was caused by a hazard that seems like it was the result of carelessness or oversight
In the context of a slip and fall accident, negligence is the failure of a property owner to take reasonable steps to keep his or visitors safe. Some of the common conditions that cause slip and falls that are often caused by negligence include the following:
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Whether a particular hazardous condition was caused by negligence often requires an analysis of the specific facts surrounding the way that the condition occurred. For example, if a liquid spill is clearly marked by a sign, it is unlikely that a slip and fall victim who slipped because of the spill could recover. Similarly, if a banana peel fell on the ground and a person slipped on it 5 seconds later, it is unlikely that a court would deem a property owner negligent for not having picked it up during that time. On the other hand, if the peel was on the ground long enough to turn brown, the result may be different. Because of these complexities, is it important for every slip and fall victim to have their case reviewed an attorney.
Contact the Wilton Law Firm Today to Determine Whether you have a Case
If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. In many cases, you will be able to recover compensation for your losses, such as your medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and lost income. To schedule a free consultation with one of our New Jersey slip and fall attorneys, call our office today at 732-275-9555.
