Slip, trip and fall accident cases are a subset of premises liability law, requiring negligent property owners to pay financial compensation to people hurt because of dangerous conditions on their property.  When you slip or trip because someone else neglected to maintain their property—or failed to warn you about something dangerous—you have the right to financial compensation if you are hurt. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers offer a free consultation for slip, trip, and fall accident victims in Bergen County and elsewhere in New Jersey.

We are here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand what will happen if you take action to get fair compensation. With over 120 years’ of experience and millions recovered for satisfied clients, our reputation for top-level legal guidance follows us into every courtroom and negotiating session we enter.

We know that negotiating with insurance companies and defense lawyers is the last thing you want to do if you are recovering from an injury.  We take over the insurance claims process and negotiate on your behalf to pursue your right to maximum compensation for your injuries. 

Steps to Take if You Were Hurt in a Slip or Trip & Fall Accident

Getting medical treatment is always the most important thing that you can do if you are hurt in a trip and fall accident. While you are waiting for help or before leaving the scene, here are some additional steps you can take to protect your right to fair compensation at a later date:

  • Tell someone about your slip or trip and fall accident, whether it is a store manager or the police
  • Fill out an accident report if you are asked to do so and request a copy for your records
  • Take photos of the accident scene, including what caused you to fall and the surrounding area if possible
  • Take note of the location generally and look around to see if any surveillance cameras are visible
  • Look around and see if anyone witnessed your fall, and ask for their contact information—slip and fall accidents happen quickly, and someone else’s perspective can be useful in establishing your claim
  • When you get home, start a file to store all of the information related to your slip and fall, including a copy of the accident report, any documents your doctor gives you, witness contact information and personal notes about your injury and your recovery
  • Stop posting on social media—social media posts can be discovered by anyone and can be used to dispute your right to compensation

Importantly, avoid talking to the insurance company before you have spoken with an experienced New Jersey slip and fall lawyer. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our skilled personal injury lawyers provide a free case review. We can help you understand how certain types of statements could impact your financial award later.

Examples of Conditions Giving Rise to Slip & Fall Accident Claims

Realistically, property owners are the individuals who have control over how their property is maintained.  When you visit a store or restaurant, for example, you have no control over the condition of the parking lot.  That’s why a property owner can be held financially responsible if you slip, fall and are hurt because of a condition on the property.

Holding a property owner financially responsible when you slip and fall, or trip and fall, on their property requires proving that:

  • A dangerous condition existed on the property
  • The owner knew about it, or reasonably should have known about it
  • The owner failed to provide adequate warning about the danger or fix the hazard in a reasonable amount of time, and
  • You were hurt and suffered damages as a result

Common examples of slip and fall accidents include:

  • Ice and slick surface accidents, including those caused by snow and ice that is not cleared in a reasonable amount of time
  • Falls caused by general ground conditions, such as potholes in a parking lot, unmarked slippery floors, worn mats and carpeting, or even obstacles that make it difficult to safely navigate
  • Accidents that are caused by poor lighting that makes it difficult to avoid obstacles and hazards
  • Inadequately maintained stairways that may have broken railings or crumbling, uneven steps

Slip and fall accident cases that we handle include, but are not limited to:

Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores Throughout New Jersey: Know Your Rights

In recent years, large retail stores like Stop and Shop, ShopRite, Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes have become indispensable parts of the New Jersey consumer landscape. These vast retail spaces offer an extensive variety of products, from groceries to hardware, under one roof. However, the size and complexity of these stores also increase the likelihood of slip, trip, and fall hazards.

The Unique Challenges of Slip and Fall Cases in Large Retail Chains

In a sprawling space filled with busy employees and hurried shoppers, slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common. Overcrowded aisles, spilled substances, and poor maintenance can quickly turn a shopping trip into an emergency room visit. The sheer size of these stores can also make it difficult to prove negligence on the part of the store management. Surveillance systems might not cover every inch of the store, and given the high foot traffic, evidence such as spillage can be quickly cleaned up or altered.

What The Law Says About Your Case

Under New Jersey premises liability law, store owners and operators have a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors. This obligation is not diminished by the size or nature of the retail environment. If you’ve suffered a slip and fall accident in any of these big-box stores, the burden of proof is often similar to other premises liability cases:

  1. Existence of a Dangerous Condition: Proof that a hazardous condition existed in the store.
  2. Knowledge of the Condition: The retailer knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous condition.
  3. Failure to Act: The store did not take adequate steps to warn you or to rectify the dangerous condition within a reasonable time frame.
  4. Resulting Injury: You sustained injuries and incurred damages as a result of the slip and fall.

Taking Action After a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey Mega Stores

If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident at a retailer, follow these specific steps:

  1. Report the Incident: Immediately inform a store manager and fill out an accident report. Request a copy for your records.
  2. Document the Scene: Take photographs of the exact location, the condition that caused the slip and fall, and any signage or lack thereof.
  3. Witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
  4. Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical attention and keep all records related to your treatment.
  5. Consult an Attorney: Given the complexities of slip and fall cases in big-box stores, consulting with an experienced New Jersey slip and fall lawyer is crucial.

Reach Out to The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.

At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., we specialize in complex slip and fall cases, including those that occur in large retail spaces. Our in-depth understanding of New Jersey premises liability law and the specific challenges of supercenter accidents places us in a unique position to offer invaluable legal guidance. We can help you navigate the complex claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

For a free case evaluation, call us today at 201-231-7847. Your right to fair compensation should not be compromised by the size of the retailer; let us advocate for you.

A Proven Track Record Of Outstanding Results By Our New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyers

How Our New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyers Establish Liability After a Trip & Fall Accident

At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our experienced New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyers understand the legal process and legal standard that must be met for you to recover compensation after a slip, or trip, and fall accident.  The property owner’s responsibility depends upon application of a “reasonableness” standard. Questions that must be asked in determining liability include:

  • Was it reasonable that the property owner had not yet fixed the dangerous condition (based upon how long it had existed)?
  • Would a reasonable person have placed warnings to prevent accidents?
  • Should a reasonable person have known that the danger existed?
  • Could a reasonable person have avoided injury by being more careful?

Our slip and fall accident attorneys in Rochelle Park, NJ will look closely at what happened to cause your slip, or trip, and fall accident. We conduct our own investigation to identify any available evidence to support your claim, which might include video surveillance or even eyewitness testimony. 

In most cases, determining whether you have a valid slip and fall accident claim requires the advice of experienced New Jersey slip and fall lawyers. Talking to us about your case is free and we only charge attorneys’ fees if we win compensation for you.

Call Our Experienced New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyers to Advocate for Your Rights

Often, talking with someone experienced in handling similar claims is the only real way to know whether you are getting fair compensation for your slip and fall accident injuries.  At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers have helped hundreds of clients in situations similar to yours over the years. There is no risk in getting our advice, so call or contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trip & Fall Accident Cases

If I trip and fall, or slip and fall, how can comparative negligence rules impact my case?

Comparative negligence is a system used when multiple people are to blame for an accident.  A percentage of fault is assigned to each relative party. As a plaintiff, your compensation award is reduced by the amount of fault assigned to you.  Defendants are responsible for a portion of the overall compensation award based on their percentage of fault.

I was injured in a slip and fall at a friend’s party.  Can I recover compensation?

Yes, if your friend knew (or reasonably should have known) about the danger and failed to warn you.  Homeowners’ insurance policies cover the cost of compensating guests who are hurt by conditions on the property. Our Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys in Rochelle Park, NJ can help you with the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

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