Slip, Trip and Fall Season in South Jersey

As the season transitions from Autumn to Winter in South Jersey; as weather conditions change, slips and falls are bound to occur. When wintry weather takes hold, the chances of being injured as a result of someone else’s negligence increase. We want to remind South Jersey residents to be careful this Winter season, but be aware that if you find yourself in a situation where you are injured due to someone else’s disregard and neglect, you can do something about it.

Common wintertime hazards that can cause a slip and fall accident in South Jersey include:

• Icy pavement not salted
• Snow not shoveled
• Slippery floors inside

Slips and falls from these avoidable unsafe situations can cause great injury. Do not assume that you are at fault due to your own carelessness. If the hazard was not there, you probably would not have slipped or fallen.

If you are in a public place, such as a store or restaurant, it is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that there is a clear path in a public area and that the necessary precautions are taken for safe passage. If you’ve fallen as a result of a dangerous condition caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a premises liability case.

If you’ve slipped and fallen — it should go without saying — you must seek medical assistance first. Even if you feel like you are not seriously injured at the time of the fall, the injury may exacerbate later. It’s simply best to see a medical professional who can help you determine the severity of your injury and tend to it so that it does not get worse.

Once you’ve sought medical help, you may feel angry and want to call the business owner and give them a piece of your mind for causing the dangerous situation and your injury. This is not advisable.

You need to talk to an attorney promptly. A slip and fall attorney can assess the situation and act on your behalf especially in case of an injury or hospitalization as a result of the slip and fall. A business owner may want to settle with you to avoid their full responsibility and legal obligation to you. You should not accept a settlement before you call a South Jersey slip and fall attorney first. You should be compensated for your pain, suffering and lost income as a result of your unnecessary injury.

Bruce A. Wallace of Haddonfield can help you if you’ve been injured in a wintertime slip and fall accident. Click here or call our office at 856-428-5500.