We’ve all seen slip and fall injuries and heard about successful slip and fall claims. On the surface, they don’t seem complex, but would you know what to do if you experienced a severe slip and fall injury?
If you suffered a recent slip and fall injury and need to file a claim, do not hesitate to call Sadaka Law at 800-810-3457 or email info@sadakalaw.com to request a free consultation and speak with a slip and fall lawyer in Hackensack, NJ. We provide diligent representation for accident victims in Hackensack and Bergen County.
Slip and Fall Injuries
While commonly referred to as a slip and fall injury, the term expands to include slip, trip, and fall injuries.
Slipping is the loss of traction between the foot and the floor surface, resulting in the foot not planting correctly to complete a natural step.
Tripping involves an object or surface that interferes with a victim’s natural ability to step or walk. This obstruction includes unexpected items on the floor and unlevel ground features.
Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Many circumstances may cause someone to slip, trip, and fall, including:
- Damaged flooring
- Icy, muddy, or wet surfaces
- Missing or improperly placed caution signs
- Poor lighting
- Uneven flooring
- Unexpected obstructions
New Jersey premises liability law requires property owners to provide safe environments for tenants and visitors by preventing these situations. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Many assume that a bone break must occur to file a slip and fall claim, but that is not the case. A slip and fall injury may include any of the following:
- Head injuries such as a concussion or traumatic brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Spinal misalignment or dislocations
- Sprains and strains of ankles, knees, and wrists
- Torn ligaments and muscles
These injuries could lead to long-lasting repercussions, such as impacting your ability to walk without aches and pains.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Because you can’t always know the extent of your injuries right away, it is crucial to immediately evaluate the situation and preserve as much information as possible following an accident. Take the following actions along with calling a slip and fall lawyer in Hackensack, NJ:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Maintain copies of all medical records and documents related to your fall.
- Take photos of the accident site and your injuries.
- Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing.
- Report the slip and fall to the property owners and an attorney.
- Do not discuss your fall or injuries with the insurance company.
- Refrain from social media.
Seeking medical attention and keeping copies of medical records may seem logical, but victims often overlook other essential steps.
Victims or their attorneys should photograph the scene immediately following an accident as elements such as snow, ice, or water may not be there the next day. You should also photograph any obstructions before repairs or removal occurs.
Reporting the fall and injuries right away is critical because there are time limits for filing a claim. Those limits vary depending on where the accident occurred; you may only have a few months or less time to file. An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Hackensack, NJ, can keep you informed of deadlines.
Refrain from speaking to anyone about the accident following an injury. If you file a lawsuit, defense attorneys and insurance companies may try to use your words or actions against you.
Slip and Fall Claims
A slip and fall claim is an official notification and court filing to request compensation for injuries and damages due to an accident on someone else’s property. There are several factors to consider when determining if an injury should become a claim.
For a reasonable claim, it is necessary to understand whether the property owner:
- Knew or should have known about the unsafe conditions
- Had a duty to prevent or correct the conditions
- Negligently failed to correct the conditions
Additionally, it is necessary to show how those conditions lead to your injury and how that injury impacts you.
Why Make a Claim?
Sometimes a slip and fall injury can seem relatively minor; however, the extent of the harm does not always present itself right away. In some cases, such as minor muscle strains, the damage can become more severe with daily activity. Aches and pains can build up and result in repeated doctor visits.
An experienced personal injury attorney can handle your claim while you heal and recover from your injuries. Whether it is your insurance or that of the property owner, you shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of increasing medical bills when you experience a slip and fall due to property owner negligence.
If you injured your knee or broke a bone, you can’t continue with the physical job requirements or extracurricular activities like you once could. A skilled slip and fall lawyer in Hackensack, NJ, understands potential lifelong injuries.
A claim allows you to fight for compensation by holding the property owner responsible for their negligence. When not forced to take accountability for their actions, property owners may ignore problems that put others at risk.
What Determines a Claim’s Value?
Not all slip and fall accidents result in the same severity of injuries. Many injuries may result in a life-long impact, such as a severe back injury. Other severe injuries may result in life-altering consequences such as loss of limb or even death.
Many consequences of the accident may affect the amount of compensation a victim can pursue:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities or injuries
- Scarring
If a family member lost their life due to a slip and fall accident, compensation might then include:
- Emotional trauma
- Funeral expenses
- Lost lifetime earnings, mainly if that person was the sole earner in the household.
Do I Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Hackensack, NJ?
It is possible to file a slip and fall claim on your own, but hiring an experienced lawyer is always recommended. Personal injury lawyers have years of experience with slip and fall injuries, potential life-long impacts, and estimating financial losses.
Filing a claim without the experience of a slip and fall lawyer in Hackensack, NJ, puts you at risk for additional stress, missing court deadlines, submitting incomplete documentation, or not pursuing appropriate compensation.
Claim Expenses
At Sadaka Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss the details of your case. We seek payment only if we collect some form of compensation for you, so there’s no risk when you work with us.
Your Slip and Fall Lawyer in Hackensack, NJ
Call the Sadaka Law firm today to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. We assess your situation and provide options for filing a claim.
At Sadaka Law, we have more than 80 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. Our professional team will guide you through the filing process and answer any questions you may have about your case.
Call for your free, no-obligation consultation and to speak to a slip and fall lawyer in Hackensack, NJ. Contact our Sadaka Law office today at 800-810-3457. You can also contact us online.
