Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Filing a New Jersey Slip-And-Fall Claim

A property owner who does not maintain their premises or is otherwise negligent with it and, as a result, the property is unsafe can be liable to pay for the damages sustained by individuals injured on the property. Slip-and-fall injury claims, or premises liability claims, happen when hazards exist on a property that a property owner does not remedy, and because of this, they cause harm to those who rightfully enter the property.

Success with a premises liability claim can be difficult because it has to be shown that a property owner was negligent in the upkeep of their property and that an unsafe condition is what caused the damages an injured party suffered. An attorney with experience managing premises liability claims will know how to make the connection and increase the chances of obtaining full compensation for injury victims.

Attorney Joseph Monaco is a second-generation South Jersey premises liability attorney who can help you with your New Jersey premises liability claim.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Premises Liability Claim

 The following mistakes should be avoided if you are hurt on another party’s property and are pursuing a claim.

No Documentation of the Accident Scene 

It is critical to document where the slip and fall accident occurred. Taking pictures of the conditions and any hazards that were present, along with a lack of signage or warnings, can support a claim. In addition to pictures and videos of the accident scene, speaking to witnesses and obtaining their contact information can also be helpful during the claims process.

Delaying in Starting the Claims Process

 There is only a limited amount of time to file a premises liability claim. The statute of limitations for a premises liability claim in New Jersey is two years from the date the slip and fall accident happened. If you don’t take action before the statute of limitations expires, you will lose your ability to recover compensation.

Failing to Be Seen By a Medical Professional 

No matter how significant your injuries are it is essential to see a medical professional after a slip-and-fall accident. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away but develop in time. Waiting too long can make injuries sustained from a slip-and-fall accident worse. The information and diagnosis received from seeking medical attention is an important component of a premises liability claim.

Not Contacting the Property Owner to Report the Accident 

Reporting a slip-and-fall accident to the property owner is crucial. Doing so can document the validity of the accident as well as the time and date that it occurred. If there is an incident report, this can be used in a claim.

Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer 

It is typical for the insurance company that the property owner uses to contact you when an accident is reported. Individuals injured in premises liability accidents are much more vulnerable to accepting an offer that is much less than they deserve, thus closing a claim and any ability to recover the full amount of compensation owed to them. A lawyer can manage communications on behalf of slip-and-fall victims to ensure this does not happen.

Speak to a New Jersey  Personal Injury Attorney Today 

To discuss your case for free with our experienced South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC, please call (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our office in Pennsylvania.

We are a New Jersey personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.

Source:

njcourts.gov/faq/what-statute-limitations-claim-my-case