What to Do if You Get Hurt Slipping on Ice Someone Else’s Property

Slipping and falling on ice is a common hazard during the winter in New Jersey. These accidents can result in serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma. Our slip-and-fall lawyers at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC, have a track record of success helping personal injury clients in New Jersey get the compensation and justice they deserve. Knowing what steps to take after you’ve been injured on someone else’s property can safeguard your health and protect your rights.

Without an attorney, a slip-and-fall claim can be challenging to navigate. Consulting a personal injury attorney in New Jersey can ensure your rights are protected. Led by Paul M. da Costa, our experienced certified civil trial attorneys know how to properly value your claim, collect relevant evidence, and put all the pieces of the puzzle together to establish liability.

Our slip-and-fall attorneys offer free, no-obligation case evaluations and work on contingency, which means you won’t pay an hourly fee. Attorney fees are paid as a percentage of any personal injury settlement you receive if we win your case.

Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve slipped on ice, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, symptoms of injuries such as concussion may not be apparent right away. Visit the emergency room or urgent care as soon as you can. Prompt treatment ensures you get the care you need and provides valuable medical documentation that can support a personal injury claim.

Document the Scene

If you’re able, gathering evidence from the scene of the slip and fall also provides crucial documentation of how the accident occurred. Take photos and video of the icy area, surrounding conditions, and any other contributing factors, such as cracked pavement or poor lighting. If any witnesses saw your fall, gather their names and contact information. Make sure to keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing, and jot down notes about anything else you may think is relevant.

Report the Slip-and-Fall Accident

Whether the incident occurred outside a home or business, it’s crucial to report it to the tenant, property owner, manager, or business owner as soon as possible. Notifying the proper parties creates a record of the incident, which can be helpful in a personal injury claim. When reporting the incident, be straightforward about what happened, but do not admit fault. Ask for a copy of any incident report that is filed.

Keep a Record of Your Symptoms

It’s also a good idea to keep a diary of your injuries, symptoms, and how they’ve affected your daily life in the days and weeks following a slip-and-fall accident. This can provide vital supporting evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in New Jersey

In New Jersey, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises and keep them safe for visitors. Removing snow and ice within a reasonable time frame is part of this duty. However, just because you slip and fall on someone’s property, it doesn’t mean they are automatically liable for your injuries.

Proving negligence in these cases can be challenging. In addition, New Jersey personal injury law uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for a slip-and-fall accident. For example, if it’s snowy and icy outside and you’re wearing shoes with slick soles instead of boots, you may be found partially liable for your injuries.

It’s also important to file your claim promptly. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident, but getting started on your claim as soon as possible can help preserve valuable evidence and allow you to recount the details of the accident while they’re fresh in your mind. Our slip-and-fall attorneys are well-versed in New Jersey personal injury law. We ensure all necessary deadlines are met and keep your case on track.

How Our New Jersey Slip-and-Fall Attorneys Can Help

Our personal injury lawyers know the aftermath of a slip-and-fall injury can be overwhelming. A skilled slip-and-fall lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and options. Our compassionate, tenacious personal injury team also provides legal services in Spanish and Portuguese.

Recovering Damages After a Slip and Fall

Damages you may be able to recover include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Other damages specific to your case

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Unfortunately, insurance companies employ tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Your slip-and-fall attorney handles all communications with insurers and fights to help you obtain the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Winning Verdicts Through Litigation

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, our personal injury team will take your case to court. Our team knows how to develop effective strategies that get results – we’ve achieved significant seven-figure and eight-figure personal injury settlements and seven-figure verdicts for clients in all types of cases.

Contact a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in New Jersey

Injuries sustained in a slip-and-fall accident on ice can have a lifelong impact on you and your family. At Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC, we help you understand your rights and options and tenaciously pursue the damages you deserve. To learn more about how our personal injury law firm can help, contact us or call 973-274-5200 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Paul da Costa.