Slip and Fall Cases in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
Under New Jersey law, property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, the injured person may have the right to bring a premises liability claim.
At Embden Law, LLC, we represent clients across New Jersey who’ve been hurt because of unsafe property conditions. Here’s what you should know if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often occur when property owners neglect maintenance or fail to address hazards. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Snow and ice accumulation in walkways or parking lots
- Uneven sidewalks, potholes, or broken pavement
- Loose carpeting or floorboards
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Clutter or debris blocking walkways
The Law in New Jersey: Proving Liability
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you generally must show:
- The property owner (or tenant/manager) had a duty to keep the premises safe.
- They knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
- They failed to correct it or warn visitors in time.
- That failure caused your injury.
Example: If a grocery store knows a spill has been on the floor for 30 minutes without being cleaned up, and a customer slips and falls, the store may be liable.
Special Rules for Snow and Ice in New Jersey
One of the most common slip and fall claims in New Jersey involves snow and ice. Property owners, especially commercial ones, have a duty to remove snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm. What’s considered “reasonable” depends on the circumstances, but long delays in clearing walkways or failing to salt icy patches can lead to liability.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries, such as:
- Broken bones (especially wrists, ankles, and hips)
- Head injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage
- Chronic pain and mobility issues
Compensation Available
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
- Seek medical care immediately — your health comes first.
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager and get a copy of the incident report.
- Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall and your injuries.
- Collect witness information if anyone saw the accident.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before dealing with insurance adjusters.
Why Having a Lawyer Matters
Property owners and insurance companies often deny responsibility, arguing that you weren’t careful or that they didn’t have enough time to fix the hazard. At Embden Law, LLC, we know how to investigate slip and fall cases, gather the evidence, and fight back against those defenses.
