Common Slip and Fall Sites: What New Jersey Residents Should Know

While some people drift through their days with grace and balance, others seem cursed with two eternal left feet, tripping over anything and everything imaginable. While we all have our own personal levels of clumsiness, there are situations in which slips and falls occur due to no fault of our own but rather the negligence of a property owner or manager. When these accidents occur and result in personal injury, victims are likely going to want to understand their rights.

When a person slips and falls on someone else’s property and sustains a personal injury as a result, it is advised that they contact an experienced local personal injury attorney. Our legal professionals work with accident victims to help them understand the legal processes involved in civil litigation, and ultimately help victims determine if pursuing legal action is the appropriate action given the unique circumstances of their case.

By understanding where slip and fall accidents are likely to occur, residents can be better equipped to spot signs of negligence on the part of property owners. As any experienced personal injury attorney can attest, being able to prove negligence is a key component of winning a personal injury lawsuit.

Although frequent consultation and communication with an experienced local personal injury attorney is always the preferred course of action when a slip and fall accident occurs, there are some general points of knowledge regarding common slip and fall locations to which every New Jersey resident should be made aware. The following is some baseline information on common slip and fall locations.

Uneven Sidewalks

Uneven sidewalks on personal or private property can have many underlying causes, such as impeding tree roots or wear and tear from weather and foot traffic. Often, a sidewalk that juts out above a certain height is considered a tripping hazard and is flagged by property inspectors and appraisers. If a property owner has received written notice of the potential danger of an uneven sidewalk and fails to intervene, this could be considered negligence if a personal injury results from tripping on the premises.

Stairways 

Over time, stairs receive a lot of wear and tear from foot traffic and heavy loads. This can compromise the structural integrity of the staircase, leading to a potential personal injury risk if someone steps through a stair or the entire system crashes under the weight of a load. As with sidewalks, property owners must maintain knowledge of the condition of their staircases and be prepared to make any necessary repairs or updates.

Construction Sites 

Construction sites are often filled with potential tripping hazards. Debris, spills, and various equipment and cords often require workers to be vigilant at all times. If employers are informed of the need to address a tripping hazard on the job site and fail to act accordingly, this can be considered negligent behavior.

When to Contact an Attorney

For years, the attorneys at Ferrara & Gable have been helping accident victims throughout New Jersey as the navigate the litigation process. Contact Ferrara & Gable today to discuss your case and determine the appropriate next steps today.