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JACOBS, SCHWALBE & PETRUZZELLI, P.C.

Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. Many times, they are the result of snow and ice on someone else’s property. Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injury, including broken bones, head injury, traumatic brain injury, or back injury. When a slip and fall accident is a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s best to contact an attorney right away because you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

A Seasoned Team With a Track Record of Success

For more than 45 years, our experienced slip and fall attorneys offer skilled legal services backed by a track record of successful results. We have recently fought for and won compensation for our clients including:

  • $700,000 – Settlement in a slip and fall on a wet floor.
  • $467,500 – Settlement in a slip and fall on ice.
  • $225,000 – Settlement for trip and fall on a raised walkway on residential property.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall, you should get advice about taking legal action by pursuing a premises liability claim. To maximize your insurance payout and protect your legal rights, contact our office to discuss your case with an experience attorney. We handle all slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis – meaning we never charge a fee unless we win. To schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call 856-528-7991 or submit an online contact form.

The legal team at Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C.

Conditions That Make an Accident More Likely

When slip and fall accidents happen indoors, they’re often due to wet floors, slippery flooring materials, torn carpets, or obstructed walkways. On stairs, missing handrails are a major issue, as are other types of missing safety equipment – such as rails on a catwalk.

When these accidents happen outdoors, weather conditions like snow, ice, and even rain often play a major role. Inadequate lighting can be an issue, making it difficult for people to see. Uneven ground – such as potholes in a parking lot or uneven sidewalk tiles – can cause serious accidents. Property owners may be liable if they have performed poor maintenance or neglected to do any maintenance at all.

What Damages You May Recover in Court

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to recover compensation including:.

  • Short-term or emergency medical costs;
  • Long-term medical needs, like rehabilitation;
  • Lost wages;
  • Reduced earning capacity;
  • Pain and suffering; and
  • Emotional distress or loss of enjoyment in life.

Every case is unique, and it is important to consider all potential damages.

How Does a Slip and Fall Claim Work?

Personal injury claims based on negligence generally require three things:

  • One party was negligent or intentionally caused a dangerous condition;
  • That dangerous or hazardous condition led to the accident; and
  • The accident led to injuries.

When these conditions are met, the injured party may get financial compensation from the negligent property owner or party.

How We Can Help With Your Case

Personal injury claims can be complex, but a slip and fall lawyer can help successfully prosecute a premises liability claim, especially if you have never been through this process before. We can:

  • Review any offers from the insurance company, with the understanding that insurance companies often provide lowball initial offers;
  • Negotiate settlement offers to get all of the compensation you deserve;
  • Ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly;
  • Assist as you prepare for a potential trial, if negotiating does not reach a favorable outcome;
  • Represent you and your case professionally through hearings and court dates; and
  • Offer insights and explanations about the legal process when questions arise.

Experienced attorneys understand how the legal process works and the steps you’ll need to take. We help you adhere to any deadlines, including the statute of limitations (deadline for filing a claim). We also help you ensure that your settlement offer actually covers what you deserve – avoiding mistakes like overlooking long-term medical and financial needs.

Slip and Fall FAQs

If you have questions about your legal rights after injuring yourself in a fall down accident, you’re not alone. Read on for answers to common questions about these types of accidents.

What should I do after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident?

Whenever possible, if you fall on a commercial property, you should try to report the injury to the business owner. In places like grocery stores, malls, and restaurants, you should ask to speak to the manager and tell them what happened. That will create a record of what happened and when it happened.

You should also seek medical care immediately if you are injured. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment will not only ensure your well-being, but also help with your legal claim by documenting the injuries you suffered.

Then, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. You shouldn’t wait too long to get a legal opinion on whether you might have a premises liability case.

Is a business responsible for slips or trips that occur in their parking lot?

The short answer is yes, provided they were responsible for creating or maintaining a dangerous or hazardous condition. However, there can be many other responsible parties besides the store or business. These include property owners, property managers, landscapers, or snow and ice removal contractors. Experienced lawyers at our firm will investigate and locate all responsible parties to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Many fall down accidents occur in parking lots, so it’s important to seek legal guidance if you experienced an injury.

Do I need an attorney if I am injured after falling down while shopping?

Yes. With any fall down accident resulting in injury, you should speak with a lawyer. The property owner or their insurance may try to pressure you into a quick settlement. However, that settlement will likely be much less than what you are entitled to and you deserve. An attorney will look out for your interests and make sure that you don’t get shortchanged.

Does a business’s insurance company pay for medical treatment if I injure myself after falling on its property?

It depends. Most businesses have to carry general liability or premises liability insurance that will cover them for claims involving injuries on their property. Sometimes these insurance policies will have separate coverage for medical expenses. Our experienced lawyers will determine what insurance coverages exist and might benefit you.

Can I bring a claim if I fall down and injure myself while I’m at work?

If you are hurt at work, you should pursue a workers’ compensation claim. New Jersey law generally prevents employees who have suffered injuries on the job from suing their employers, even if the employer was negligent. (However, like with most aspects of the law, there are exceptions!)

You may still have a third-party, negligence claim, however, if the premises were owned, managed, or maintained by a party other than your employer, and the negligence of that party contributed to your fall. Under such circumstances, you can still bring a personal injury claim against that third-party in addition to pursuing your workers’ comp case. Because our firm handles both workers’ compensation and negligence claims, we are in a unique position to handle all aspects of your claim under the same roof and maximize your recovery.

Is the legal standard for proving a claim the same no matter where the fall down occurs?

The overarching legal standard is the same, regardless of where the fall occurred. You must prove that the property owner failed to uphold their duty of care in ensuring that their premises were reasonably hazard-free.  However, depending on where you fall, and the type of property, (residential versus commercial), the duty owed may differ.  We will determine what legal issues are relevant and important in your case to maximize your compensation.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

At Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., we pride ourselves on our willingness to help those who need our services, beginning with a free initial consultation. Learn how we can assist you and your family after a serious accidental injury by contacting us online or by calling us at 856-528-7991.

If we represent you, we will do so on a contingency basis. This means you will not owe attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation or benefits for you.