Premises Liability Lawyers Serving Sussex & Morris Counties
Here at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP our New Jersey injury lawyers have extensive experience representing individuals who’ve been harmed due to unsafe property conditions in a wide range of circumstances, including the following:
Satisfying the Burden of Proof
In order to successfully file a personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident, you must satisfy the burden of proof. This means showing that the property owner or another responsible party acted negligently and that their negligence directly caused your injury. To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, the following must typically be established:
- Duty of Care: You must show that the property owner or occupier had a legal duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition.
- Breach of Duty: Next, it must be proven that the property owner breached this duty by allowing a dangerous condition to exist or by failing to warn about a potential hazard.
- Causation: You will need to demonstrate that the breach of duty was the direct cause of your slip and fall accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that you suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, due to the fall.
Gathering evidence, such as photos of the hazard, witness statements, and medical records, can be crucial in meeting this burden of proof. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through this process, ensuring your case is built on a strong foundation.
What Compensation Am I Entitled To?
If you’ve been injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to various types of compensation under New Jersey’s premises liability laws. The compensation you seek is meant to address both the financial and non-financial losses you’ve sustained as a result of the accident. Specifically, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for any past, current, and future medical bills related to your injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period. Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to earn a living in the future, you may pursue compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Injuries often cause more than just financial strain. You may also be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident. This can include compensation for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: If any personal property, such as a phone, clothing, or other items, was damaged during the accident, you may be entitled to compensation to repair or replace these items.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This may cover additional costs you incurred as a result of your injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, hiring household help, or modifying your home to accommodate your injury.
Our experienced premises liability lawyers will work diligently to assess the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, it’s important to act quickly if you’re considering filing a premises liability claim. The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for how long you have to take legal action after your injury. For premises liability claims, including slip and fall cases, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
This means that if you fail to file your claim within two years, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injury. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were injured as a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until two years after your 18th birthday.
Given the strict time limits, it’s crucial to consult with a premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and witnesses becoming unavailable, which may weaken your case. At Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP, our team is prepared to take swift action to preserve your rights and help you meet all legal deadlines.
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers Today
The skilled premises liability lawyers here at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP stand ready to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Whether you were injured in a public business, in your apartment complex, or otherwise, we are on your side. Contact our firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.