Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyer

Some of the most common accidents are slips and falls. They can happen to anyone, no matter the person’s age. Also, they can occur at any location, from your favorite grocery store to a friend’s home.

While some people can walk away with minor scrapes and bumps, there are times when these severe injuries can disrupt daily life. When a slip occurs due to the negligence of a property owner, then you could be entitled to compensation for damages related to the incident.

Don’t wait to take legal action. You will want to reach out to a Cherry Hill slip and fall lawyer. At Folkman Law, we are to help you take the next steps for your claim. However, you need to schedule a consultation first. Find out how we can assist with your potential case.

Liability in Slip and Fall Cases in Camden County

Slips and falls make up about over 1 million emergency room visits annually, per data from the National Flooring Safety Institute.

Property owners or managers must maintain their premises in New Jersey to prevent accidents. If they ignore the problem, do not warn visitors of hazards, or fail to fix a dangerous condition, and someone gets hurt, then they could be liable for any damages.

Like any personal injury claim, you will need to prove several elements of negligence. These include:

• Duty of care: The property owner or manager owed you a duty of care to provide a safe environment. However, negligence will depend on the property and the purpose of the visitor’s presence. For example, owners have a greater responsibility to ensure the safety of customers in a business than for trespassers.
• Breach of duty: There was a breach of this duty when the owner failed to maintain the property or warned of the dangers. Your lawyer must present evidence that shows the owner’s negligence. This can include surveillance footage, maintenance records, or witness statements.
• Causation and damages: Due to this breach, you slipped and fell, which led to financial, physical, or emotional harm or damages. Once again, medical records, photographs, and expert testimony can help establish this connection.

Successfully proving negligence in a slip and fall claim can be challenging. In these cases, you need to reach out to an experienced Cherry Hill slip and fall lawyer who can look at the validity of your case and help you make decisions about your options.

How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Cherry Hill?

Unfortunately, it takes very little for a person to slip and fall. Some of the most common causes of slips and falls our attorneys find our clients face include:

• Wet or slippery floors: Everything from rainwater to spilled liquid can create a slick surface. Liability might be an issue if there are no signs to warn visitors of these hazards.
• Uneven flooring: Cracks, loose tiles, and uneven carpet are all examples of tripping hazards. Property owners need to repair the issue or mark it as dangerous in these cases.
• Inadequate lighting: All stairwells, parking lots, and hallways need to have proper lighting. If they are dimly lit, the risk of tripping or falling on a hazard can increase.
• Obstructions in walkways: If there are any items left in hallways or aisles, such as boxes, cables, or debris, that can lead to trips as someone tries to move past them.
• Faulty staircases or handrails: Broken or loose handrails, damaged steps, or inadequate stair maintenance are dangerous. This could result in someone losing their balance and falling.
• Weather-related hazards: Once winter arrives, snow and ice are a common sight in New Jersey. Business property owners must clear walkways and lots for pedestrians and visitors.

At Folkman Law, we will investigate the details of the accident and determine if the property owner’s negligence was a direct cause of the injury.

Various Injuries Can Result From Falls

In many cases, these injuries are minor. With that, the person can quickly recover from a slight bruise or bump. But not all incidents are the same, and there are times when these falls can lead to serious or even life-threatening problems. These may include:

• Wrist, ankle, and hip fractures are common when individuals instinctively attempt to break their fall.
• A fall can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when someone hits their head on the ground or an object. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are one of the leading causes of TBI.
• If you hit something on the way down, it could result in a spinal cord injury.
• Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments also happen as the person tries to brace for the impact.
• A fall on a sharp object could result in deep cuts or contusions.

In these situations, you will want to get medical treatment. No matter what, you will have documentation that you were injured. Plus, an examination can help to find any hidden injuries that might not be immediately apparent.

What If I Was Partly Responsible for My Fall?

In New Jersey, you need to be aware of the modified comparative negligence rule. Under that, your compensation could be reduced if you are partially at fault for the incident. For example, if you are 30% at fault, your damage awards will be reduced by that amount. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from seeking compensation.

Once again, you will want to reach out to a skilled slip and fall lawyer in Cherry Hill to determine your fault and minimize any potential fault that the insurance company and other legal team may try to attribute to you in your premises liability case.

What Damages Might Be Available for My Claim?

If you have been injured and you can show that the owner was negligent, then you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Property damage

When it comes time to calculate damages, the process can be complicated. While some damages, such as medical expenses, are easy to determine, others, like pain and suffering, are very difficult. A slip and fall attorney in Cherry Hill will make sure that your damages reflect the full impact of your injuries on your life.

Why You Need a Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyer for Your Case

When you have an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer on your side, it can provide a few benefits to you. Some of these advantages include:

• Your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation into your accident. They will look over security footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements that can corroborate the facts of your case.
• No one wants to deal with an insurance adjuster, but your lawyer is there to help. They will handle all the negotiations to get you fair compensation.
• Premises law can be difficult to understand. With an attorney on your side, they will build a compelling case on your behalf.

Unfortunately, not all claims will end in an out-of-court settlement. But if one cannot be reached, then your lawyer should be ready to present your case at trial.