Elizabeth, NJ Slip and Fall Attorney
Each year, thousands of people get injured in slip and fall accidents in New Jersey. When a slip and fall injury is caused by the negligence or reckless actions of another party, namely the property owner, you may be entitled to damages.
At the law firm of Beninato & Matrafajlo, we understand how devastating the consequences of a slip and fall injury can be, especially when it happens as a result of someone else’s or another entity’s negligence. Our compassionate Elizabeth, NJ slip and fall attorneys have a proven record in premises liability cases against negligent property owners. We take pride in the fact that we are driven to get the maximum results our injured clients deserve.
The Alarming Statistics of Slip and Fall Accident
According to the CDC, slip and fall death rates in the U.S. have increased by 30% over the past two decades. If rates continue to rise, we can anticipate 7 fall deaths every hour by 2030. Some other concerning statistics include:
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury,4,5
- Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
- Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, 8 usually by falling sideways.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall incidents can result in serious physical, emotional and mental suffering, especially for older victims. Common injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bruising
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
- Neck and back injuries, such as paralysis
- Emotional trauma, depression and anxiety
- Death
Getting immediate treatment for your injuries is imperative to your road to recovery. Property treatment, and the adequate documentation of such treatment, also plays a major factor in the outcome of your premises liability claim. The Union City slip and lawyers at Beninato & Matrafajlo will consider all factors surrounding your slip and fall claim to ensure you obtain the full money damages you deserve.
Damages Available in New Jersey Slip and Fall Claims
Property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a safe manner and can be financially liable if accidents or injuries occur on their premises or property. If you or someone else has been injured in an accident caused by a property owner’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim seeking monetary compensation.
Economic damages are awarded based on your financial losses resulting from the slip and fall incident. Examples of economic damages include:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor’s’ visits co-pays and bills
- Physical or occupational therapists
- Medical devices and aides
- Prescriptions and medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Any other out of pocket costs caused by your slip and fall injuries
You may also be entitled to non-economic damages as well. These types of damages are those that are not determined by financial charges, expenses, or losses contained in documents. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Our legal team will evaluate your claim and all of your losses to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve from the property owner and/or their insurance company.
Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in New Jersey
In New Jersey, injured slip and fall victims have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a claim for compensation. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame before the statute of limitations expires, you have little recourse.
The deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, is shorter if the fall occurred on a state or municipal government property. In such cases, you have obligation to report your accident as soon as possible. In New Jersey, this time frame is only 90 days. For instance, if you are injured in the lobby of a building operated by the county or state, you must give notice that you intend to file a claim within 90 days after your accident. This makes it imperative that you consult with an experienced Elizabeth, NJ slip and fall attorney right away.
Call an Elizabeth, NJ Slip and Fall Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident, an experienced Elizabeth, NJ premises liability attorney can help seek justice and the full compensation you deserve. Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 732.723.8840 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
With certain exceptions, an adult injured in a personal injury accident has two years to file a lawsuit after the date of the accident. Children have within two years of their 18th birthday to file a claim.
The State of New Jersey has no law capping pain and suffering damages. This means, you can seek and obtain as much pain and suffering damages as you are entitled to from the party who caused the accident resulting in your injuries.
If you get injured in a slip and fall accident as a result of the negligence of another individual or entity in the State of New Jersey, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries – both physical and mental. In other words, the courts do recognize emotional distress as a type of damage you can recover if you provide evidence to support your claim.
The short answer to this question is anywhere between a months and two years. Sometimes, you financial situation can dictate how long your claim will take. If your Union City slip and fall attorney is not able to settle your claim before the two year statute, they will need to file a lawsuit.
Unless you have taken independent legal advice on the entire value of your claim, you should not accept a first offer from an insurance company.