Slip-and-fall accidents get a bad rap. First, many people often feel embarrassed after a public tumble and may not ask for medical attention because they’re embarrassed. Secondly, victims may not pursue the compensation they’re entitled to because of the many jokes about “fake” slip and fall accidents.” Don’t let this happen to you – if a negligent property owner permitted unsafe conditions to persist, knowing that there is a chance someone will get hurt, they should be held accountable for the harm they caused you.
The legal team at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. is on your side. We believe everyone deserves to be safe when they are a guest, visitor, or business visitor to someone else’s property, whether it’s a grocery store or the DMV. We’re here to help you learn more about your legal rights and your options to secure compensation for your medical care and other losses. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Hackensack, NJ, slip and fall accident lawyer.
What Does A Hackensack Slip And Fall Lawyer Do?
A slip-and-fall accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney focusing on premises liability cases. Premises liability refers to the responsibility that a property owner or manager (or both) and any of their representatives (like employees) have a duty to keep their property safe for invited guests and visitors. This means that the walking surface should be free of slip hazards and other obstructions, lighting should provide good visibility, and ramps or stairs have handrails or other safety features.
If a property owner fails to keep the property in a safe condition and someone gets hurt, that person has the right to file a lawsuit for compensatory damages against the at-fault party. Your attorney calculates the total value of your losses, both out-of-pocket and intangible, and pursues legal action in pursuit of a fair settlement.
Slip Or Trip And Fall Injuries Can Be Deceptively Serious
Many people are left with serious neck, back, or spine injuries after a fall and may need surgery or extensive rehabilitation to recover. Others may break or sprain their wrist, making working or even tending to their personal care impossible until they heal.
If you miss work because of your slip-and-fall accident injuries, your settlement can cover unearned wages, even if you used sick leave. Your settlement can also cover immediate medical care and rehabilitative therapy to help you recover, plus prescription medications for your pain. Your attorney can help ensure that all your losses are covered.
Helping You Assert Your Rights After A Fall
When a property owner or manager negligently allows unsafe conditions to persist, they should be held accountable for the damages someone incurs when they sip or trip and fall on their property. A Hackensack slip and fall accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you need to cover medical care, missed wages, property damage, and more. Find out more about how we can help and what your case is worth in a free consultation with Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C.
Your Legal Guide To Slip And Fall Accidents
A Hackensack, NJ slip and fall accident lawyer understands how these traumatic incidents can disrupt lives and lead to confusion about the next steps. Slip and fall accidents can occur unexpectedly and leave individuals facing significant injuries and uncertainty. Here, we aim to clarify the legal avenues available and how we can support you in pursuing rightful compensation.
Common Causes And Responsibilities
Various scenarios can lead to slip and fall accidents. Whether it occurs at a grocery store, on a public sidewalk, or at someone’s home, the conditions that lead to a fall—like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting—often point back to negligence. A property owner must ensure their premises are safe for visitors. Failing to meet this standard can make them liable for any injuries resulting from such negligence.
Immediate Actions To Take
If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, the initial steps you take can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation later. First, seek medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor. This not only ensures your health is prioritized but also provides a medical record that can be crucial in a legal claim. Additionally, if possible, document the scene where the accident occurred. Photographs and witness statements can be invaluable in establishing the conditions that led to the fall.
Insurance Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, as they often aim to minimize the compensation paid out. A Hackensack slip and fall accident lawyer’s job is to represent your interests robustly during these negotiations. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we ensure that your claim is presented clearly and forcefully, backed by solid evidence and legal precedents. This approach is critical in ensuring that the compensation you receive is fair and reflective of your total losses.
How We Can Help
Since 1975, our team has been committed to assisting you through the legal process with empathy and expertise. We will help gather the necessary documentation, from medical records to incident reports, and work diligently to build a compelling case on your behalf. Our approach involves clear communication with all parties involved and striving for a resolution that covers the full extent of your losses, from medical expenses to lost wages and pain and suffering.
Legal Process And Compensation
Pursuing a claim for a slip and fall accident involves several steps, from filing the necessary paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies. Our legal team has the experience to navigate these processes efficiently and effectively. We focus on ensuring that your case is treated with the seriousness it deserves, aiming for a settlement that reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.
Call To Action
If you or someone you know has suffered from a slip and fall accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact a Hackensack slip and fall accident lawyer today to discuss your situation in a free consultation. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we are here to listen to your story, provide guidance, and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Together, we can take the necessary steps towards recovery and justice.
How Property Owners Can Be Held Liable For Injuries
A Hackensack, NJ slip and fall accident lawyer understands that these types of accidents often leave people with serious injuries. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, and when they fail to do so, they may be held liable for accidents on their property. Let’s explain how property owners can be held accountable in these situations.
Failing To Address Dangerous Conditions
One of the primary ways property owners can be held liable is by failing to correct hazardous conditions. This can include wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other issues that create a risk of injury. Property owners must regularly inspect and address potential dangers. When they neglect to do so, they are legally responsible for any resulting accidents.
Lack Of Warning Signs
Even if a hazardous condition cannot be immediately fixed, property owners are expected to provide clear warnings. Whether it’s a “Wet Floor” sign or some other indication of danger, these warnings can prevent people from getting hurt. Failing to provide proper notice leaves property owners vulnerable to liability claims.
Poor Maintenance Of The Property
Neglecting basic maintenance tasks can easily lead to slip and fall injuries. This could include not repairing broken steps, allowing clutter to accumulate, or leaving debris in walkways. Property owners are expected to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, and a failure to do so may result in them being held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
Ignoring Local Building Codes
Building codes are in place to keep properties safe for public use. According to Hackensack slip and fall accident lawyers, property owners are required to follow these codes to the letter. When a slip and fall injury happens because the property does not meet code, the owner may face liability. For example, a staircase without proper handrails or inadequate lighting may violate local codes, making the owner responsible for any accidents that occur.
Inadequate Training Of Employees
In commercial settings, property owners can also be held responsible if their employees fail to address hazardous conditions. If staff members are not trained to quickly identify and fix issues like spills or other dangers, it can create an unsafe environment. When employees’ actions—or lack of action—lead to an injury, the property owner can be held liable for their oversight.
Inadequate Response To Known Hazards
When property owners are informed about a potential hazard, they are expected to respond promptly to fix the issue. If they delay repairs or ignore the danger altogether, they can be held responsible for any injuries that occur. This liability extends to both residential and commercial property owners.
What You Can Do After A Slip And Fall Injury
If you have suffered a slip and fall injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, it’s essential to take action quickly. Gathering evidence and filing a claim can be a complicated process, but it’s important to understand your rights. With over forty years of dedication to our clients, our team at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. is ready to assist you every step of the way, helping you build a strong case for compensation.
If you believe you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Hackensack slip and fall accident lawyer today. Maintaining the highest standard of professionalism, we’re here to help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Hackensack Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer
Hackensack Slip And Fall FAQs
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to office buildings. When someone gets injured due to hazardous conditions, they may have the right to seek compensation. Holding a negligent property owner accountable is not always straightforward, which is why having a Hackensack, NJ slip and fall lawyer is important.
Since 1975, our attorneys have brought a wealth of legal knowledge, sound strategies and client commitment to individuals, families and consumer interests statewide, regionally and nationally. We are dedicated to helping people — at their jobs, at their homes, at businesses they own, and at institutions they trust.
How Successful Are Slip And Fall Lawsuits?
Success in a slip and fall lawsuit depends on several factors, including the strength of the evidence, the severity of the injuries, and the property owner’s level of responsibility. In cases where negligence is clear, settlements or court awards can be substantial. Strong documentation, such as medical records and witness statements, plays a key role in proving the claim. Our experienced Hackensack slip and fall attorney will assess the details of your case and build a legal strategy to help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
How Does An Attorney Negotiate A Slip And Fall Settlement?
Negotiating a slip and fall settlement requires gathering evidence, calculating damages, and engaging in discussions with insurance companies. Our attorneys start by presenting medical records, accident reports, and specialist opinions that support the claim. We calculate both immediate and future costs related to the injury and push for fair compensation. If the insurance company disputes the claim or offers a low settlement, our attorney presents counterarguments backed by case law and prior settlements.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Slip And Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall, taking the right steps can help strengthen a legal claim. First, seeking medical attention is important, even if the injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like head trauma or internal bruising, may not be immediately noticeable. Next, documenting the accident by taking photos of the hazard, such as a wet floor or broken pavement, provides strong evidence. Reporting the incident to the property owner or manager creates an official record of the accident. If possible, gathering witness contact information helps establish what happened.
What Evidence Is Important In Slip And Fall Cases?
Evidence is the foundation of a strong slip and fall claim. Photos of the hazardous condition and the surrounding area help prove the existence of a dangerous situation. Medical records establish the extent of the injuries and their connection to the accident. Witness statements add credibility to the claim by confirming the events leading up to the fall. Incident reports filed with property management can also support the case. Surveillance footage, if available, provides additional proof of the accident and the conditions at the time. Our New Jersey slip and fall attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
How Is Negligence Determined In Slip And Fall Cases?
Negligence in slip and fall cases is based on whether a property owner failed to keep their premises reasonably safe. This involves proving that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did not take appropriate action to fix it. For example, if a store owner ignored a leaking freezer that caused a slippery floor, that could be considered negligence. The amount of time the hazard existed, prior complaints about the issue, and whether proper warnings were posted all factor into determining liability.
Contact Our Hackensack Slip And Fall Lawyer Today
Recovering from an accident can be difficult, and dealing with legal matters at the same time can feel overwhelming. We handle the legal side so our clients can focus on healing. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, contact Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. for a consultation to discuss your case.