If you’re wondering what injuries commonly occur during slip and fall accidents and how to protect your right to recovery, continue reading and speak with a skilled Sussex County premises liability lawyer today.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents, often caused by hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which are severe and require extensive medical treatment. The severity of the injury often depends on factors like the height of the fall, the surface the victim landed on, and the victim’s age and health.
Common injuries sustained in New Jersey slip and fall accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones: Wrist, ankle, hip, and leg fractures are frequent, particularly in older adults, and may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Hitting one’s head on the ground or an object can result in concussions or more serious brain trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and neurological issues.
- Spinal cord injuries: Falls can cause herniated discs, pinched nerves, and, in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, most commonly affecting the knees, shoulders, and back.
- Cuts, lacerations, and bruises: These are often superficial but can sometimes be deep, requiring stitches and resulting in permanent scarring.
How Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries?
To recover compensation for your slip and fall injuries in New Jersey, you must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. This typically involves demonstrating the following key elements:
- Duty of care: The owner had a legal duty to maintain a safe premises for visitors.
- Breach of duty: The owner failed to uphold this duty.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your fall and resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
After establishing negligence, you can seek compensation through a settlement negotiation with the insurance company or by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Consulting an experienced New Jersey slip and fall attorney is essential to gather evidence, establish liability, and maximize your recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in NJ?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets a strict time limit for how long an injured party has to file a civil lawsuit after an accident occurs. Its purpose is to ensure fairness by preventing stale claims where evidence may be lost, and memories have faded over time. It also provides closure for potential defendants.
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which includes most slip and fall accidents, is two years from the date the injury occurred. This means that if you were injured in a slip and fall accident on an owner’s property, you must file a lawsuit in the proper court within two years of the date of the fall. If the claim is not filed within this two-year window, you will likely be barred from pursuing compensation, regardless of the strength of your case. The timelines can differ depending on the circumstances, like those involving government entities, so it is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney before this deadline.
