Property owners and managers in New Jersey have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a safe condition. They are required to eliminate all dangerous conditions from their property or provide sufficient warning to visitors. However, not every property owner complies with these rules. This negligence is responsible for over 8 million slip and fall accidents every year.
If you get injured on someone else’s property, you could be eligible for compensation. Slip and fall negligence cases tend to differ in terms of circumstances, injuries, and damages sought. The following are examples of some cases and their outcomes.
Do you have a slip and fall case? Discuss it with a Hudson County Personal Injury Attorney.
Case 1: Woman Falls from Doorway, Case Goes to Trial
A 59-year-old woman fell from the doorway of a restaurant in Clark, New Jersey, in June 2002. The woman had trouble opening the door, which was stuck in the jamb. When it finally opened, she fell and sustained injuries on the shoulder and a fracture. The injuries required 6 visits to an orthopedic and 8 weeks of physical therapy.
The woman then sued the restaurant owner for personal injury damages. Her claim included $7,500 in medical bills and an unspecified amount to cover pain and suffering. To support this claim, her attorney argued that the door was in violation of the building code.
The jury that deliberated the case ruled in favor of the plaintiff. She was awarded a total settlement of $100,000, $7,500 for medical expenses, and $92,500 for pain and suffering.
Case 2: Driver Slips on Dump Truck Steps, Case Settled Out of Court
In 2002, a truck driver slipped on the steps of his truck while inspecting his load and on duty. The man tore his knee meniscus, which he later claimed, caused a fall and torn bicep. The steps, which caused the accident, had been installed by a third party.
The truck driver sued the manufacturer for damages. His attorney claimed that the installed steps were defective due to inconsistent spacing, missing handholds, and a lack of anti-slip surfacing. For the accident, they were seeking damages for lost income and pain and suffering.
While the defendant denied fault, the case was settled out of court by the defendant’s insurer. The plaintiff received a $350,000 settlement.
Case 3: Woman Falls in Nightclub, No Damages Awarded
In this last case, a woman slipped and fell while descending a flight of stairs in a nightclub. She suffered a back injury, which she blamed on ice or water on the steps. When the nightclub owner denied liability, the case moved to court. The jury ruled that the plaintiff’s injuries were caused by her won negligence. She did not receive damages.
Discuss Your Claim with a Hudson County Personal Injury Attorney
Along with the physical pain, a slip and fall can have significant emotional, psychological, and financial impacts on you and your loved ones. Some effects could be felt for weeks, months, or years after the accident. This is why you need a Hudson County Personal Injury Attorney.
Attorney Anthony Carbone has been handling slip and fall negligence cases for over 30 years. He can help you determine whether you are eligible for damages.
Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today to discuss your slip and fall.