Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere and can happen to anyone. If you recently sustained an injury because of a slipping incident that happened on someone else’s property, it is crucial to seek prompt medical care and safeguard your right to fair compensation.
Here are three common causes of slipping and tripping accidents in public spaces that often fall under premises liability law:
Slippery surfaces
“Invitees” or everyday paying customers such as grocery or mall shoppers, hotel guests and amusement park visitors can suffer from slip-and-fall accidents because of wet, oily, greasy or waxy surfaces.
While business owners and their staff have a high duty of care to ensure that their spaces are safe, some factors like spilled food or drinks, rainy or snowy weather, and missing signages can make the probability of such accidents higher.
Poorly maintained surfaces
When people walk on uneven surfaces, damaged flooring or improperly secured carpets, they can trip, lose their balance and fall on the floor. While minor tripping incidents may only cause mild bruises, others can lead to serious injuries like deep cuts or fractures.
These premises liability accidents can happen in public walkways, parking lots, restaurants, resorts and outdoor resting areas.
Defective handrails
Handrails are an essential safety feature on staircases, as they help guide people on the stairs while also providing proper grip and stability. When a business’s amenity has faulty handrails, it can cause customers to lose their balance and fall down the stairs.
How to pursue a New Jersey slip-and-fall claim
To seek compensation for your slipping or tripping accident, you must collect evidence, submit copies of your medical records and receipts, and draft a demand letter that explains how the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries.
After the establishment’s insurer receives your notice, they will assign an adjuster who will review your claim. If all goes well, they will contact you with a settlement offer. However, if the negotiations become unsuccessful, you may pursue legal action instead.
By understanding how premises liability work and learning about the steps that you would need to take to seek financial help for your medical bills and lost wages, you can file your claim with ease and protect your right to fair compensation.