Slip and fall accidents happen suddenly, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a fall in a grocery store aisle, on an icy sidewalk outside a strip mall, or in a dimly lit stairwell, injuries sustained on commercial properties can be severe. If you’ve been hurt, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer can help protect them.
At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman (PR&A), we’ve helped clients across the state recover compensation after suffering preventable falls. Here’s what you need to know about your rights, the legal process, and the steps to take after a slip and fall on commercial property.
When should I call a slip and fall lawyer in New Jersey?
Right after receiving medical care. Calling a lawyer early helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and avoid mistakes that could harm your claim.
What Makes Slip and Fall Accidents on Commercial Property Unique?
Commercial property owners in New Jersey have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers, employees, delivery workers, and the general public. When they fail to do so, whether by neglecting to clear snow and ice, ignoring a spill, or failing to maintain stairways, they can be held liable for injuries that occur.
Unlike residential slip and fall claims, commercial property cases often involve more complex legal issues, such as:
- Multiple parties (e.g., property owners, tenants, maintenance contractors)
- Business insurance policies
- Video surveillance footage that must be preserved quickly
- Corporate defenses and legal teams
What You Must Prove in a Slip and Fall Case
To hold a commercial property owner accountable, you must prove the following:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care. If you were lawfully on the property, you are owed a high level of protection.
- There was a dangerous condition on the premises. This could be a slippery floor, broken stair, loose mat, poor lighting, or ice on the sidewalk.
- The owner knew or should have known about the hazard. You must show they had actual or constructive notice, meaning the hazard existed long enough that they should have addressed it.
- You suffered injuries as a result of the fall. Medical documentation, photos, and witness statements help connect your injuries to the accident.
A New Jersey slip and fall lawyer will know how to build this case, from requesting video footage to consulting with safety experts and securing your medical records.
Common Causes of Commercial Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere commercial activity takes place, including:
- Grocery stores and retail outlets
- Restaurants and fast-food chains
- Office buildings and lobbies
- Malls and parking lots
- Sidewalks in front of commercial buildings
Frequent causes include:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning sign
- Ice or snow accumulation not cleared in a timely manner
- Loose rugs or damaged flooring
- Cracked or uneven pavement
- Poor lighting in stairways or hallways
If your fall was caused by any of these hazards, a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer can help investigate who is responsible and demand fair compensation.
What to Do After a Fall on Commercial Property in NJ
Your actions immediately after a fall can have a big impact on your legal case. Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions (like concussions or internal injuries) don’t show symptoms right away.
- Report the incident. Notify a manager or supervisor and request a written incident report.
- Take photos. Capture the scene, your injuries, the hazard that caused your fall, and any signage or lack thereof.
- Get witness information. Names and contact information of anyone who saw your fall can be very helpful later.
- Preserve your clothing and shoes. This may become important evidence.
- Do not talk to insurance adjusters without legal advice. Their goal is to limit payouts, not help you.
- Contact a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and securing a strong case. An experienced premises liability attorney in NJ can guide you through the process.
Understanding Premises Liability in New Jersey
Slip and fall cases are governed by premises liability law. In New Jersey, commercial property owners have a legal obligation to:
- Inspect their premises regularly
- Fix hazards they know about
- Warn visitors about dangers they can’t fix immediately
If they fail to take these actions and someone gets hurt, they can be found negligent. A skilled New Jersey slip and fall lawyer will understand these laws in detail and know how to apply them to your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. This is called the statute of limitations.
However, if your fall happened on public or government property, you may have to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days.
This makes it even more important to speak with a New Jersey slip and fall lawyer promptly, delaying can cost you the right to sue.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on the severity of your injuries and how the accident affected your life, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Wrongful death damages
The value of your claim depends on the evidence, your injuries, and the skill of your legal representation. An experienced New Jersey slip and fall lawyer can fight to maximize your settlement or court award.
Why Choose PR&A as Your New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer?
At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we have a long track record of helping accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Decades of experience handling slip and fall and premises liability claims
- Proven results, including six- and seven-figure settlements
- Personalized attention – we treat your case like it’s our only one
- Contingency fees – you don’t pay unless we win
We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims, and we know how to fight back.
Real Results for Slip and Fall Clients
PR&A has recovered substantial compensation for clients injured in slip and fall accidents, including:
- $250,000 for a woman who slipped on black ice outside a shopping center
- $375,000 for a man who fell down poorly lit commercial stairs
- $500,000 settlement for a slip and fall on a wet tile floor at a hotel lobby
Talk to a New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on commercial property in New Jersey, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. A knowledgeable New Jersey slip and fall lawyer from Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman can guide you every step of the way.
From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers to filing a lawsuit if necessary, we are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (609) 520-0900 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
